2024 Toyota Sequoia: Don’t Let The Nameplate Fool You!

Based on an all-new Tundra platform, the Sequoia does all that a Tundra can do, with space for more passengers and cargo. The rigid body on the frame platform makes it a very capable workhorse. Today I’ll be reviewing the Platinum trim, which sits in the middle spectrum of pricing and specifications as well. 

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia Platinum starts at an MSRP of $73,865. Fortunately, this time Toyota offers the TRD Off-Road Package, adding Bilstein suspension, skid plate, all-terrain tires, crawl control, and electronically controlled locking rear differential, to name a few, for an additional $2,310.

2024 Toyota Sequoia Price For All Trims

Looks Like A Tundra Twin!

The Sequoia bears a striking resemblance to the Toyota Tundra truck. The Platinum trim with the 4WD system weighs around 5,800 pounds. In the front, there is a massive chrome Toyota badge with a blue ring, indicating this is the hybrid model. BTW, all the Sequoia models are hybrids only. The gloss black grille is surrounded by chrome, and there's also sensors in the lower section with a little bit more cutouts. The LED headlights with DRLs and turn signals are quite detailed and look modern.

The turn signals have a really unique design and blink like the ones in high-end cars. The gloss black section in the front bumper has LED fog lights accompanied by a lower air dam just to help improve aerodynamics, with cutouts on both sides there. Also, there’s a sensor located in the middle of the grill for the adaptive cruise and other ADAS features. 

Also, there’s a camera at the top of the windshield in two different areas, and there’s an i-Force Max badge on the side of the hood. The Platinum trim has a set of 20-in wheels, and they're finished off in a dark gray with a multi-spoke design. The fender arches are finished in gloss black and match with the trim piece in the lower section of the doors. 

For better visibility, it comes with massive mirrors, and there's a camera underneath the turn signal. The mirrors can actually retract or extend to give you a little bit more vision when you have a trailer. Up top is a full moon roof, and there’s again gloss black for the roof racks.

Some nice lines run down the side profile in the lower side skirt, along with a crisp line from the headlight. The line behind the back door handle leads to the tail lights. In the back, there’s a body-colored spoiler with a third brake light, and the wiper blade is in the lower section of the rear glass. The LED tail lights come with the same design as the turn signals in the front. A backup camera sits above the glossy black Sequoia badge.

You can find more gloss black in that lower diffuser. For convenience, there’s a provision that allows you to open up the rear liftgate glass, so you don't need to open up the entire lift gate for small stuff. The Sequoia also offers a pretty easy way to open up the lift gate. You can use the button on the key fob or you can actually kick your foot below the rear bumper, so if you do this, you'll hear it beep and open the liftgate for you. If you have your hands full of groceries, then this functionality is a boon.

Tech-laden And Comfy Inside

Even for shorter drivers, hopping in is easy with automatic running boards. Inside, you are greeted with a perforated steering wheel with blue stitching. When you fire up the ignition, you are welcomed by a bold Sequoia graphic in the digital gauge cluster. The steering has mounted controls on the left for digital gauge cluster settings, while on the right are cruise and adaptive cruise controls. The fit and finish are quite up to par with what you would expect from an SUV at this price point.

The gauge cluster is well laid out and has plenty of information for monitoring hybrid systems as well as the boost available from the turbos. We have a lot of standard safety features that you can go through, so you can customize all of this as needed. Now over on the left lower side of the steering wheel, we have the automatic side steps button, so you can turn them off or have them on auto mode. Also, there's the rear cargo light, automatic headlights, fuel cap release, dimmer switch, odometer reset, and then some safety features that you can turn on and off. The Platinum has a heated steering wheel. 

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia interior features a large gauge cluster and infotainment screen

The Sequoia Platinum also has a head-up display and the famed JBL audio sound system. Also, there's a little bit of storage just behind the infotainment screen with a 12-volt output, so you can charge some items. Coming to the massive touchscreen system, you can go into the navigation, there's music you can get into your phone when you have that paired, and then go through some of this vehicle information. Below the screen, there are heated and ventilated seat adjustments, climate controls, fan speed, and a physical volume knob. 

Going further down, there’s a trailer mode button, so you can use that when you need to tow. Next is a shortcut to the 3D camera system for the 360-degree view, and I found it very useful when trailering and parking in tight spots. Toyota has made provision for wireless charging, and underneath the center console there’s a good amount of storage space. The E brake and the auto-hold function are just in front of the shifter. Also, adjacent to the shifter, there's a switch for RWD and 4WD modes. The side rotary knob is the tow haul and drive mode selector. 

On the windscreen, there’s a dashcam with action camera mode. Also, there’s a digital rear-view mirror. Of course, there’s a sunroof as well, and the overall visibility is good despite the SUV’s massive size. The seats are well-cushioned and comfortable for those long drives with family.

The third-row seats aren't comfortable, and cargo space is on the lower side as well. 

The second-row seats can be folded down for easy ingress and egress. However, the third row is best reserved for shorter adults or kids. The cargo space is quite tight behind the third row, but those can slide ahead with ease to add some space. They can also be folded, but not flat, owing to the presence of the hybrid battery under the floor. So, there's 22.3 cubic feet of space behind the third row, which is less than the Grand Highlander. However, it does offer 86.9 cu-ft of max cargo space with all the rear seats down.

What Moves This Mountain?

As I said earlier, all Sequoia trims are hybrid and powered by a 3.4-liter engine coupled with two electric motors. Compared to the trend of big V8 engines in the segment, Toyota preferred to opt for a V6 hybrid configuration. 

The combined output stands at 437 hp and 583 lb-ft of torque, which is plenty enough to move Toyota’s largest SUV on sale. The Sequoia’s performance can put some sports sedans to shame with its 0-60 time of 5.6 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 14.3 seconds. However, the top speed is limited to 107 mph.

All that power is enough to tow up to 9,310 pounds in the Platinum configuration without breaking a sweat.

How Does It Feel To Drive Toyota’s Biggest SUV?

Being in the driver’s seat for close to six hours wasn’t a problem for me. As the seat positioning is perfect, the armrest position near glass windows is comfortable. Despite being a large SUV based on a pickup truck platform, it is easy to drive and quiet. However, the large side mirrors create some wind noise when extended. 

Somehow, Toyota has cleverly made it sound like a V8 inside the cabin. Around corners, this full-size SUV carried its weight really well; no complaints there. With different drive modes like Custom, Sport, Sport+, and Eco, there is a clear difference in throttle response. Overall, the ride quality is decent and pliant over most surfaces.

How Efficient Is The V6 Hybrid Over The Previous-Generation V8 Powertrain?

Compared to the previous-gen Sequoia, the new-gen Sequoia is pretty fuel-efficient and powerful too. The i-Force Max Hybrid powertrain helps it deliver 21 mpg in the city, 24 mpg on the highway, and 22 mpg in combined driving conditions. I got around 21 mpg in mixed conditions, which is pretty cool for an SUV of this size, performance, and practicality. In the older Sequoia, I managed to get only 14 miles to a gallon.

Should The 2024 Sequoia Be A Part Of Your Vehicle Fleet?

Yes. For the list of features, specifications, comfort, and tech on offer, the 2024 Sequoia is a worthy competitor. It challenges the likes of the Chevrolet Tahoe or even the GMC Yukon, both of which are less powerful and thirsty at the same time. For a price tag of close to $75,000, the 2024 Toyota Sequoia is not just a decades-old nameplate but a modern full-size SUV waiting to be a part of your garage.