Flash Drive

2021 Toyota Sequoia

February 16, 2021 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 

Model Tested: 2021 Toyota Sequoia 4×4 Nightshade

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia Nightshade is aptly named, especially when photographed on a dark street.

Engine: 5.7-liter V-8, 381 horsepower 401 lb-ft torque

Transmission: 6-speed automatic, four-wheel-drive

EPA Rating: 13-mpg city, 17-mpg highway, 14-mpg combined

Base Price: $63,345

As Tested: $67,955

Performance:

Sturdy, body-on-frame construction

Strong engine with ample torque

Smooth highway ride

The Sequoia’s styling is easier to see on this white TRD edition. The full-size SUV is a confident off-road performer.

Receiver hitch

Tow/haul mode

Differential lock

Drive modes: 2WD, 4 Hi, 4 Low

Confident foul weather performance

Modern safety features

Comfort:

Stretch-out front legroom

Power lumbar adjustment both front seats

Driver has power thigh support

Heated seats, but odd rheostat style controls

The 2021 Toyota Nightshade’s body styling carries over from 2020.

Thick contoured leather steering wheel

OK auxiliary controls

Big, roomy interior

Third row fits adults

Very spacious second row with captain’s chairs

Almost flat floor (very minimal hump)

Pull-up sunshades for third row windows

Power reclining seatbacks for third row

Utility:

Power liftgate clears tall people

Interior room and comfort are big pluses for all Sequoia models and trim levels.

Wide opening

Flat cargo deck

Full width bin under deck

Grocery bag hooks

OK space behind third row

Power folding (up/down) third row seats

Flat floor when seats are retracted

Power rear window

Substantial full-length roof rails

Full-length second row door bins

The optional captain’s chairs for the second row are very spacious, but there is still adult size room in the third row.

Two seatback pouches

Big, deep console bin

Double glovebox

WOW Factors:

Lots of room and comfort for a big family

Excellent utility capabilities

Legendary Toyota reliability

Strong V-8 engine

Handsome styling

Whines:

Thirsty (we averaged 13.4-mpg in mixed driving)

Some tech features (e.g. infotainment screen) are dated

The Toyota Sequoia lineup is powered by a 5.7-liter V-8 that has ample towing capabilities, but at the expense of fuel economy.

A lot of hard plastic in interior

Bottom Line:

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia is big like its namesake tree. Interior space is abundant in this three row full size SUV. The Toyota stalwart is largely unchanged from 2020 with the exception of the new Nightshade editions (Midnight Black, Magnetic Gray, Blizzard Pearl). The good news about the Sequoia’s longevity is everything works very well, but some features fall behind those of competitive SUVs. The Toyota Sequoia is a big, traditional SUV and that’s what many buyers want in an SUV.