The New 2024 Toyota Sequoia Surprised Me in Good & Bad Ways… 

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You are getting really good at your job Tommy, constantly improving over the years, Great Job Buddy 👏

As an owner of this new sequoia. The lack of a flat surface in the rear is a bummer. I had a 2005 where the third row flipped up to create a larger flat storage area with the seats acting like a divider. I wish they did this in the new sequoia. Third rows discomfort is a little overstated here. Third row are meant for kids or teens in my opinion. If you have 7 adults you need a mini van or a sprinter van for any kind of comfort. Overall it’s a great vehicle and feels really rugged and the engine is buttery smooth with more power than you can ever use and it’s awesome for towing a boat or trailer. For camping I’m thinking of getting a patriot camper.

Would have preferred a Sequoia with AWD and 4WD settings. So instead went with a 4Runner limited that has AWD plus the 4WD selections. Great review once again.

I personally think it’s nice how it’s always in 2 high with the option for 4

I would absolutely consider the Sequoia if the eventually offer it in a non hybrid option.

As a former GM service advisor, the 4WD Auto mode stresses the transfer case and causes issues. Toyota absolutely did good with keeping it old school with the conventional switches. Seems like ppl try to find the dumbest reasons to complain about things lol.

I agree that the lack of a 4wd auto mode is a miss. My 20 year old Tahoe has it and it's why I bought it. My wife has to go to work no matter the weather at the hospital and she's not a car person. It's nice that she can push the 4wd auto button and just drive normally.

Great call out Tommy! An auto or full time system is huge for the segment of people looking at this type of vehicle. The vast majority of Sequoias, even the TRDs, will be on roads and maybe a dirt roads where a full time or auto system is way more practical. Great overview!

Great review. I like the look. I really like the numbers. But that system basically renders the 3rd and storage useless. If you’re carrying enough people to use the 3rd row. Now you’re adding a roof rack box to carry the bags.

Great job, Tommy! Doing your homework really shows. For 82K I'd keep it in the garage and polish it with a diaper daily!

After looking at both this gen and the previous gen. When it comes to behind the third row trunk space the third Gen is a few inches less than the 2nd. The problem is it doesn't fold flat but I don't think that's something you won't get over. Don't have any personal experiences it's just my opinion after physically seeing both side by side with my own eyes.

The grand highlander took the previous role as the 3 row family hauler. The sequoia sits in a really weird spot for now especially with the disrespectfully and frankly insultingly high price

Companies keep making these so called “3 row trucks” but 95% if the time the 3rd row can only fit 2 year olds. It’s dumb and pointless

The biggest question….will it be as reliable and long living as the previous gen?

I love the bluetooth tow hooks. Good option❤

Tommy why do you always say something negative about the TOYOTAS? 🤦‍♂️🤫 I rather have this sequoia over ANY American big suvs

For the $80k to spend on this suv there is better option out there witch is Lexus that comes with way better suspension specifically the one option gives you air suspension witch is the same price for 2023 once

My previous 2008 Toyota Sequoia had a full time 4wd mode - it's superior to an auto mode as it has positive traction all the time - however at the cost of a bit of extra fuel (totally justifiable for us here in Canada). Yes, Toyota should have added it in, similar to the previous model, and even Toyota's own 4runner has this option as well.

The no auto 4x4, or all wheel drive is the only reason why Sequoia is not an option for me. Toyota 4x4 system is great, but it doesn't help when accelerating out of wet corner. I learned how important that was the easy way. My wife drove 07 Denali, at the time those were all wheel, and I drove my mother inlaw's high country Tahoe one day on a rainy day and took a right hand turn and went to accelerate like I was accustomed to do with the Denali, and the back slipped out just enough that I made the decision to never allow my wife drive anything less. I was shocked how easy that rear slipped out, so with that reason Sequoia is out.

I don't know for 80k I think they missed the mark with the lack of a couple features. With Jeep now competing in this segment I would have thought Toyota would have done more to draw buyers.

Honestly, i think toyota was the only manufacturer that cared about their customers, unfortunately now its all about bottom line.

Auto function (at least in GM trucks/SUV) leads to premature transfer case failures because operators have a tendency to leave it in that function for every road condition.

Offroaders prefer true 2wd, 4wd and 4low. In some conditions (deepsnow, ice) 4wd full time is actually bad.

It's a good looking vehicle and seems capable enough. I guess if your not planning on using the 3rd seat much but just want a full size for it's towing ability then it is a solid option. If you need to carry more then 4 people on a regular basis the GM trucks will suit you better.

we can all definitely appreciate good articulation in a rear end.

Toyota just needs to make an extended length Sequoia like a "Grand Sequoia" and it would be perfect.

I agree with you Tommy on the lack of auto function. The new Taco didn’t get it either, which is a ‘miss’ in my opinion. Chevy still holding advantage in that one major option.

I don't think the Sequioa has ever had full time 4WD. The only SUVs from Toyota/Lexus that had that feature were the Land Cruiser/LX, Land Cruiser Prado/Lexus GX, and the 4th generation 4runner V8.

The new gen Sequoia is a miss for me. I demand more than an enclosed cab and a third tow added to a pickup. I demand an automatic AWD system, a unique interior, an independent rear suspension and an uncompromised cargo and third row area. GM, Ford and Jeep all learned that a generation or two ago. The powertrain is good, though. Overall 6.8/10.

I would like to see TFL review the Expedition Timberline and also a Explorer Timberline

Its ashame is so expensive!!! There’s no reason max this truck should be over $64,000.

i like the seqoia but if i needed something that big i would look at the chevy gmc twins because of the cargo area which is important to me

Will sell like hotcakes

Really wondering what the Toyota folks were thinking having the 4runner, Sequoia, and the new Land Cruiser doing all the exact same thing. It would be nice if one of them had a bigger Suburban like 3rd row.

Can we get an update on Andrey’s Colorado?

Enjoyed this review …please go through more details of engine and transmission too Tommy !

Crawl Control came from the Land Cruiser, then trickled down to everything else Tommy. It didn’t start with the Taco/4R.

Good review Tommy. I’ll buy one of these if my family grows. And simply because it is a Toyota, although I am tempted by the new z71 Tahoe with the Duramax…. However I tend to have terrible luck with any GM product that I own….. therefore I’ll go with the Sequoia in trd pro.

I really wish Toyota would option auto 4wd in their body on frame vehicles. Living in the north and winter time, very useful when you go from ice/snow to bare pavement in town. Or snowy intersections. 2003 gmc had it ffs.

I really wanted to buy a Sequoia Platium TRD off road. So much to like about locking rear differential and solid rear axle. The SUV needed either hybrid battery incorporated into sides with removable 3rd row or nonhybrid V6 option. I would have gone for either. I gave up some off road performance for interior storage. I own a new Z71 Suburban instead.

We've appriciated the full time 4wd in the Land cruiser for years. We live with variable conditions all winter. Suprised that Toyota didnt offer the same?? No tow hooks on front with trd?

No Toyota should not copy GM! Toyota should incorporate the Fulltime 4WD from the LC the LX and thats it.

Gosh I feel old. I feel like Tommy was just a kid a minute ago. Now he’s all grown up

Grandpa will said,,, " If u want to go on adventure and made it back home, get a toyota" Especialy when ur taking ur family with u😂

Agree tommy, this is a family vehicle. It perplexed me how Toyota refuses to put a 4WD auto mode

Great point The TRD Off-Road, Platinum, TRD Pro and Capstone should have Auto AWD, for these prices. When you look below the surface, Toyota definitely cut costs, and increase profits, when it came to features and tech

@1:35 I guess in Sequoia size segment I guess Toyota want to keep full-time 4wd option for Lexus. Lucky 4Runner has full-time 4WD. I'm not a fan of people calling full-time 4WD as AWD. As far as I know its a fully mechanical 4WD system vs AWD cars like Subaru, Toyota, Honda, etc rely on clutches, electromagnetic / viscous VS Torsen diff on Toyota full-time 4wd is all mechanical geared.

Such a massive disappointment - the 2nd gen Sequoia had IRS & and a torsen center diff (4auto). Way more space too.

Great job Tommy, I like the Savagegeese or Sarah N Tuned- style under vehicle review. This truck is classic Toyota. Compromise third row space cargo space and driving dynamics in the name of “off road capability.” Then proceed to give the vehicle no front locker, no ground clearance, small tires, no transmission skid plate. That said, it is a perfect overland platform.

I really like the new Sequoia, but damn it’s expensive with all the trimmings.

Okay the rear storage area is pretty much a mess… what a compromised design overall.

Yep, no auto 4WD is crazy. The rear storage and 3rd row seems a bit lacking. And what the heck was going on with that noise from the front end? It seemed different from the previous noises from A-Trac. Is something broken? And can we get KDSS on any of the new models?

Is there a delete option for the rear seat? I would really have no use for it and would prefer not to have it in the way.

Best in class

I have had 2 straight 2nd Gen Sequoias and loved them. I was excited about the redesign but Toyota really screwed up with the horrible 3rd row/cargo setup. My current Sequoia folds completely flat and the 2nd row bench seats are adjustable. I have no idea why Toyota got rid of this setup. I am now looking at a Yukon and other full size SUVs with a nicer 3rd row and cargo area. I may look at the new Armada when it comes out next year.

Love to see the sells numbers for the new Tundra/Sequoia. 2023 VS pre pandemic

I considered a Sequoia TRD Pro to replace my '16 4R TRD Pro, but the weird 3rd row seat fold down and the lack of off road capability made me get an R1S instead.

I have a 02 with 150k. Love it. Still runs like new

It will be nice to see a comparison of this TRD Pro with the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk

Tommy, as you know, the 2nd gen had 2Hi, 4Hi fulltime, 4Lo, AND and locking centre-diff to turn it from an AWD vehicle into a 4WD vehicle. Should've kept that system and put it on the Tundra as well. Just Toyota cutting corners and costs and selling us a worse vehicle for $20k more!!!

Am in Africa Sierra Leone I own a first gen. 2006 , I use it off-road daily and it hold up well and am so satisfied and comfortable

The lack auto 4wd has been a gripe for me with my Tundras. Was wondering if it’s a reliability issue? I have a Tundra for my personal vehicle and a GMC with 4wd auto for work. I’ve had a couple pretty major issues with my GMC transmission

Selectable 4wd is the best. Auto 4wd is not made for dry surfaces. You can still damage the transfer case.

This vehicle seems ideal for towing a small camping trailer or small boat or U-haul trailer, or trailer with motorcycles, atvs, lawn-equipment, horses, goats, bicycles, etc.

I love these Slip Tests.

That noise sounds like the front sway bar endlinks binding up.

Great video! Can you do a slip test on Andre’s Trail Boss?

Something worth mentioning… at 80,000$+, your income needs to be at minimum, 112,500$ per year after tax (NOT accounting for borrowing interest rates) to make the payments for a 64 month term and have it at 10% of income. Unless you make 112,500, (more actually unless you have 30% down in cash) do not get this vehicle. I’m not sure why everyone is getting into insane debt, and then wonder why they’re so stressed. Like bud, you’re trying to fill a hole by buying things instead of going to counselling or therapy. Buy within your means!!

Excellent episode! Shout out to Tommy & Cole!

Someone who calls the MK2 S-type ugly, especially a guy from the US who wasn't old enough to remember seeing one when they were brand new on the road, or if you were old enough, don't you remember the cars on the road at the time (late 90s-early 2000). I do love how we have opinions though, one thing you're right about though is reliability. My mum had one, 2 years old when she bought it in 2001; by 2007, the gearbox failed, etc etc.

The elephant in the room is no cargo space and only a 22 gallon fuel tank lol

I'll add for people looking at this segment, towing is a consideration, and that 22 gallon fuel tank will probably move it down the list for people who tow any amount of distance.

That suspension clunk comes from Tundras Offroad as well, no one seems to know just yet where it’s coming from.

GM does have the auto 4wd option, but a lot of folks are damaging the transfer case by using it. I prefer the way toyota does it

The previous version did have an all-wheel-drive option

This truck is cool….but you can’t be cute and practical at the same time….i agree the front and rear angles are not practical but for a family car that will only need to get through snowy parking lots I think it’s a winner. I like it.

That front end needs to be put on the Tundra. 😎

Great analysistic explanation of Off Road capabilities of the Sequoia.

They don't put the auto AWD function for reliability, less moving parts

Yall crying about reliability???? Mine has lifetime oil changes, package that has 6 years on EVERYTHING Electric and the hybrid motor has a 10 year 100k warranty and yes the resale value is great compared to many other brands plus it’s not considered a luxury car so it doesn’t depreciate as bad as usual ford or Chevy ram etc. it’s gonna do just great

Really wish they would've made this Sequoia with the rear seats folding flat and the back window rolling down. I currently have a 2016 4Runner and those two features are among my favorites. Even though they're small features to some, to me, the removal of them really ruined the Sequoia. Which honestly sucks because the styling of everything else is amazing!! Such a beautiful SUV! Hopefully they make those changes moving forward, because whenever I'm looking to upgrade, I will certainly be a buyer if they bring those back!

That's not a spoiler. Have you heard of a valance? Valance is there to show you the lowest part under the vehicle is as low as the valance .

Is it odd that I'd like that option to use 4wd specifically when I want it? To me that is a feature that I specifically want

Talking to many mechanics and service writers- Auto 4wd is something to stay away from. Though its convenient, it breaks as they age and is expensive to repair. To your point, Toyota would be smart to offer full time 4wd from LC 300 on upper trim models.

Looking for something in this side category within maybe a year and it's super tough.. I used to have a 2017 Discovery with a Frontrunner roof rack for the tent and my favorite Falken Wild peak At3 tires.. The SUV was just unstoppable off road, so much space and comfort on the highway and long trips... until at 88,000 miles it's engine malfunctioned. I live in the Colorado Springs and I Really DON"T need a 3rd row... however I have two little kids and REALLY wish you could option the TRD Pro Sequoia with a 3 passenger 2nd row and 3rd row delete.... so that the rear could be used for just storage and cargo. I'm looking at the AT4 Yukon, and well I just can't afford anything close to 70-80k anyways it is just shitty that ANYTHING now a days in this segment is just so much $$$. Even building a Base SR5 Sequoia with modest creature comforts IE> Leather seats as a $2,300 option and some other TRD Off road bits makes it 75,000 truck. I seriously don't know how Toyota get away with selling a 60,000$ SUV with cloth seats! Insane. Looks soooo much better than the older one though... Another choice would be the new Armada SV 4wd version I just wish it had a touch more off road features and well... it didn't get like 13 mpg. I really want a SUV that will LAST for say 15 years and I'm Sure Toyota can get me there, just hard to swallow the initial investment.

If I could spend that much money on an off-road vehicle, I certainly wouldn't want an automatic mode that takes all the fun out of it.

That third row seat not folding flat is garage. Was wanting to buy one till I saw that let down.

Tommy, were you able to figure that clunking from the front end? Really sounded like something was loose. Very strange.

When you switch in into 4L on a non TRD Off-Road or TRD Pro trims will it automatically turn A-TRAC system on?

As a former 2nd gen Sequoia owner that is very happy I didn’t wait on the redesign garbage non flat load floor huge fail! I bought a new 2019 Expedition instead and love it. Never going back to Toyota especially today with our non locally owned dealers scalping prices to stupid levels. Last few weeks my Expedition Platinum has been hauling contractor gear for several projects I was doing. Yesterday it was hauling 8 people to a family event. Two things the new Sequoia can’t do as well due to the crap floor design and poor seating space. Toyota botched it!! My old 2nd gen sequoia was superior to the new one.

right rear is primary drive wheel, I think... therefore 3 wheel slip with only that one on the ground does not make much sense to test...

Impressive - My next vehicle! Got the new Tundra 4x4 off-road, great truck. However, NEED this third row! 😎👍🏼

Eighty thousand dollars 💸 I think I'll buy three of them 😮.

Would have liked to see the three-wheel test with one front on the surface.

I got this ride it’s fckn god mode!!!! This is our family car and it’s insane! Jelly of my wife wish my Silverado drove as awesome and smooth.

Totally agree, I literally would have bought the new Tundra, but I got an F150 mainly because the lack of 4 auto on the Tundra. The F150 also lets you use the rear locker in any transfer case setting, Toyota only lets you use it in 4 low “off road mode”. On the Sequoia, not having a full time 4x4 system is a deadly mistake by the bean counters.

Blows my mind some of the things Toyota doesn’t have. Should definitely have an auto 4wd function at that price. As mentioned gm has had it for years. I’d rather my money go towards that instead of the drive modes/ crawl control that most will never need or use. You can knock gm but they have been including some good useful features for a while. Auto 4wd auto headlights even in base trims. The g80 sure it’s not a selectable locker but it does the job. These are useful “everyday” use kind of features.

What was the payload rating on your test model?

What’s with the lack of comparison to the sequoias truest competitor the Nissan Armada?