The automotive industry is changing at a breakneck pace today. Countless automakers across the globe are committing to being 100% electric by a certain year. This puts into question where some longtime staples of brands stand. These vehicles are the ones that ride on dated platforms and have large engines that are commonly considered outmoded by today’s standards. But that doesn’t mean that people still don’t love these kinds of setups.

That is why certain large SUVs like the Toyota Sequoia are still around today. Nothing about this SUV is fundamentally new. Its last full redesign was for the 2008 model year and not much has happened to it since then. But the great thing is that the Sequoia is still relevant today.

There are plenty of aspects the Sequoia has today that make it a strong contender. Technology advancements in the industry have left the Sequoia behind in the dust in some senses as well. Despite all of this, the Sequoia soldiers on with success in a crowded market. Not many seem bothered by the offerings of the Sequoia (or lack thereof) due to the success we see from the large SUV.

Here’s what makes the Sequoia still relevant today and where it can improve in the future.

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Features Of The Toyota Sequoia That Still Charm

seq2
VIA Toyota

The Sequoia has always been a vehicle that can go further than most. This is even more true today since most competitors are moving away from vehicles that go anywhere beyond the pavement. Other competitors like the Nissan Armada and the Chevrolet Tahoe have softened over the years while the Sequoia has remained a steadfast off roader.

The Sequoia offers trims such as the TRD Pro that gives significant off road upgrades such as double wishbone suspension and FOX shocks. Unlike others in the segment, the Sequoia comfortably carries seven to eight people not only on the road, but also on the trail.

2021 Sequoia TRD Pro Fate
Via Toyota

Toyota also knows that messing with a perfect powertrain recipe isn’t the way to go. The V8 found in the Sequoia has been the same power plant that has existed in it since its first year in 2000. The 5.7-liter V8 is not the most efficient with only returning 13 mpg in the city and 17 mpg on the highway. But this engine has been synonymous with impeccable reliability over the years. This is why it is common to see many Sequoias for sale with well over 100,000 miles but still commanding a high price because of its reliability.

Few vehicles consistently have a cult following over the years. Sequoias have been one of those SUVs that garner so many loyal followers. This is true for many Toyota trucks and SUVs, but the Sequoia is no exception. Social media and the internet is plastered with forums and groups that are completely centered around Sequoia owners and enthusiasts. This is because Sequoias are the perfect canvas for aftermarket modifications that improve off road prowess and overall visual appeal.

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What We Hope Can Change With Time

Toyota Sequoia Interior Via Toyota

Although the Sequoia does a lot to win people over despite its age, not everything is perfect with this oversized SUV. As mentioned earlier, gas mileage is not great by any stretch of the imagination even for a vehicle as large as this is.

We hope that in the future the next generation Sequoia could have the same ore at least similar twin turbo V6 that is found in the 2022 Tundra and Land Cruiser that is sold overseas. This would give the Sequoia some much needed efficiency while still maintaining the power needed for such a large vehicle. Even better would be Toyota utilizing its industry leading hybrid technology to also electrify the Sequoia.

As with the whole large SUV market, prices for new examples can be on the high end. This is no exception with the Sequoia. The 2022 Sequoia starts at a little over $50,000 but despite reliability, there is not much quality that comes with such a hefty price tag. Inside there is an abundance of hard plastics on the doors and dashboards. There is only a small center screen that is offered on all trims of the Sequoia. Technology overall is sparse in the Sequoia especially when compared to modern competitors.

The Sequoia has done a lot of things right from the get go which has gotten this far. Fourteen years to be exact. That is quite a feat in the automotive industry as a whole given that most vehicles are on a five to six year life cycle before getting overhauled. This doesn’t mean we can’t hope that there is more greatness to come from the Sequoia in the future. We’re just crossing our fingers that Toyota tosses out all the unlovable feature and keeps what has truly made the Sequoia a large SUV icon for more than two decades.