The 2024 Toyota Sequoia emerges as a compelling contender in the full-size SUV segment, blending robust performance with surprising agility. My initial encounter with the Sequoia Platinum on a long, winding dirt road – Stephan Bridge Road – immediately challenged my preconceptions about large SUVs. Where I once navigated this terrain in a lumbering Crown Victoria as a reckless teenager, the Sequoia handled it with composed ease, reaching 70 mph almost inadvertently. This experience underscored the Sequoia’s refined driving dynamics, a trait that consistently impressed me throughout my two-week, 300-mile test drive. It’s remarkably easy to forget you’re piloting a body-on-frame SUV of this size.
This wasn’t an isolated incident. Across various driving scenarios, from mundane commutes to spirited backroad excursions, the Sequoia consistently defied expectations. Two key aspects became clear: this SUV is genuinely enjoyable to drive, and when equipped with the TRD Off-Road package, it possesses impressive off-road potential – albeit with a notable limitation.
| Quick Specs | 2024 Toyota Sequoia Platinum |
|---|---|
| Engine | Twin-Turbocharged 3.4-Liter V-6 Hybrid |
| Output | 437 Horsepower / 583 Pound-Feet |
| Efficiency | 19 City / 22 Highway / 20 Combined MPG |
| Base Price / As Tested | $63,125 / $82,082 |
| On Sale Date | Now |
Potent Hybrid Powertrain and Engaging Performance
The secret to the Sequoia’s surprising dynamism lies under the hood: Toyota’s i-Force Max V-6 hybrid powertrain. This system, standard across all Sequoia trims, combines a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V-6 engine with an electric motor to deliver a combined output of 437 horsepower and a substantial 583 pound-feet of torque. The power delivery is immediate and gratifying, particularly in the higher RPM range as the turbos spool up. However, the Sequoia truly shines in everyday driving scenarios, effortlessly surging forward from low RPMs thanks to the abundant torque.
The integrated electric motor also enables near-silent operation in low-speed situations, such as navigating parking lots. It’s surprisingly stealthy for a vehicle of its size, allowing you to glide through urban environments with minimal noise.
This particular Sequoia Platinum test model was further enhanced with the TRD Off-Road package. This upgrade adds Falken Wildpeak all-terrain tires, Bilstein shocks, skid plates for underbody protection, an electronically locking rear differential for enhanced traction, distinctive TRD styling cues, and specialized off-road driving modes. While these features hint at off-road prowess, a significant drawback emerges: the low-hanging front air dam. Positioned just eight inches above the ground, this component severely restricts the Sequoia’s approach angle and overall off-road clearance. For a vehicle marketed with off-road capabilities and equipped with features like Crawl Control, this low clearance is perplexing. It raises questions about Toyota’s intended use case for the Sequoia TRD Off-Road – is it genuinely designed for venturing off the beaten path, or is it more of a visual enhancement?
Comfort and Practicality for Family Life
Despite the off-road package, the Sequoia’s true calling is as a comfortable and capable family SUV. My impromptu high-speed dirt road excursion inadvertently highlighted this strength. The Sequoia isn’t engineered for extreme rock crawling or tackling challenging trails; it’s built to master the suburban landscape, from school runs to family outings at entertainment venues. The second row in the Platinum trim is exceptionally comfortable, featuring heated and cooled captain’s chairs that provide ample space and comfort for passengers of all ages. This layout effectively minimizes sibling squabbles on long journeys.
The front cabin prioritizes user-friendliness and intuitive technology. A well-organized array of physical buttons provides quick access to frequently used functions, while the prominent 14.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system handles more complex controls. The system is visually appealing, easy to navigate, and includes a voice control system that, remarkably, functions reliably. While the navigation system occasionally displayed quirks, such as inaccurate speed limits on secondary roads, the overall infotainment experience is a standout feature – a harmonious blend of tactile controls and modern digital technology.
However, the third-row seating and cargo area present some compromises. While the third row is power-folding and adjustable, adding convenience when not in use, it doesn’t fold completely flat. This results in a raised cargo floor, which can be inconvenient for loading bulky or smaller items. With the third row in place, cargo space is limited to just 11.5 cubic feet – sufficient for a modest grocery run, but significantly less than competitors like the Ford Expedition and GMC Yukon, which offer roughly double the cargo volume. The Jeep Wagoneer, in comparison, boasts a cavernous 27.4 cubic feet of space.
Third-row comfort is also less generous, particularly for taller adults. Due to the Sequoia’s solid rear axle and hybrid battery placement, headroom and legroom in the third row measure 35.6 inches and 36.6 inches, respectively. While not cramped, this is the most compact third row in the full-size SUV class. Competitors like the Wagoneer and Expedition offer significantly more space in this area. The Sequoia’s third row is adequate for occasional use or shorter trips, but families frequently requiring maximum passenger and cargo space might find it somewhat restrictive.
Impressive Fuel Economy and Competitive Pricing
Despite these limitations, the Sequoia compensates with a significant advantage: its standard hybrid powertrain. Toyota’s hybrid technology excels in this segment, delivering fuel economy figures that are remarkable for a large SUV. Official EPA ratings are 19 mpg city, 22 mpg highway, and 20 mpg combined. However, in real-world driving, particularly on 55-mph roads, I consistently observed fuel economy between 25 and 30 mpg. Around town at 35 mph, efficiency often surpassed highway driving. Over ten days and 300 miles of mixed driving, my average fuel economy was an impressive 24.1 mpg.
For a 6,000-pound SUV producing 437 horsepower, this fuel efficiency is exceptional. However, this performance and technology come at a price. The as-tested price of the Sequoia Platinum with the TRD Off-Road package, heads-up display, and dash cam reached $82,082. This price point is comparable to a well-equipped Chevrolet Tahoe but slightly more affordable than similarly equipped GMC Yukon, Ford Expedition, and Jeep Wagoneer models.
For buyers seeking value, the base Sequoia SR5 offers the same potent hybrid powertrain, three-row seating, and the option to add the TRD Off-Road package, all for approximately $15,000 less than the Platinum trim.
Final Verdict: A Refined and Capable Family SUV
Despite my general preference for smaller vehicles, the Sequoia Platinum left a genuinely positive impression. It excels as a comfortable, capable, and refined family hauler, successfully fulfilling its primary mission despite the compromises in third-row space. In a crowded SUV market, the Sequoia distinguishes itself with its bold styling, especially when enhanced by the TRD Off-Road package.
However, the low-hanging front air dam creates a sense of unfulfilled potential, hinting at a more rugged persona that’s somewhat restricted. Yet, for most families prioritizing on-road comfort, fuel efficiency, and Toyota’s renowned reliability, the 2024 Sequoia presents a compelling package. Should the need arise – even in a hypothetical zombie apocalypse scenario – the Sequoia offers a reassuring blend of capability and comfort. Just be prepared to sacrifice the air dam if serious off-roading is on the agenda.
Competitors
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2024 Toyota Sequoia Platinum Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine | Twin-Turbocharged 3.4-liter V-6 Hybrid |
| Motor | Permanent Magnet Synchronous |
| Battery | 1.87 Kilowatt-Hour Nickel-Metal Hydride |
| Output | 437 Horsepower / 583 Pound-Feet |
| Transmission | 10-Speed Automatic |
| Drive Type | Four-Wheel Drive |
| Weight | 6,150 Pounds |
| Efficiency | 19 City / 22 Highway / 20 Combined MPG |
| Seating Capacity | 7 |
| Towing | 9,010 Pounds |
| Cargo Volume | 11.5-22.3 / 86.9 Cubic Feet |
| Base Price | $63,125 |
| As-Tested Price | $82,082 |
| On Sale | Now |
