• 2013

• 2012 Toyota Sequoia

• Used Toyota Sequoia
• Repairs Toyota Sequoia

Scorecard

Overall:	2012 Toyota Sequoia U.S. News Best Cars 8.3
Critics' Rating:	8.7
Performance:	7.9
Interior:	8.2
Safety:	N/A
Reliability:

How we calculate scores

Research analyzed for this review

Awards

• 2012 Best Affordable Full-Size SUV for Families

Pros & Cons

• Relatively maneuverable
• Very comfortable front seats
• Roomy interior

• Some low-quality interior materials
• Below-average fuel economy for the class

Research Other Years

• 2013 Toyota Sequoia
• 2011 Toyota Sequoia
• 2010 Toyota Sequoia
• 2008 Toyota Sequoia
• 2007 Toyota Sequoia

The 2012 Toyota Sequoia is a capable and well-made full-size SUV. Test drivers say that it’s a good choice for shoppers needing to tow a boat or haul lots of people and cargo.

Shoppers considering an affordable large SUV should take a look at the Toyota Sequoia, according to reviewers. It has a smooth ride and is more maneuverable in tight spots than most other full-size sport utility vehicles, which makes the Toyota Sequoia ideal for commuting and around-town errands. While many truck-based SUVs suffer from third-row seating that’s barely fit for kids, test drivers say the Sequoia’s third-row seat is adult-sized, which makes it a good choice for large families or for people who often carpool.

The Sequoia isn’t perfect, though. Its fuel economy isn’t very good compared with some of its competitors, and some low-quality dash materials disappoint critics. Buyers who prioritize even more comfortable third rows over towing ability may want to look for a minivan or a crossover SUV, though this can be said about nearly all truck-based SUVs. The Toyota Sequoia also can’t tow quite as much as some of its burlier competitors.

However, if you need the Sequoia’s four-wheel drive capability and its massive cargo-hauling and passenger-carrying capacities, reviewers say the 2012 Toyota Sequoia is a solid pick in its class. In fact,  its roomy third row, rugged performance and great value helped the Sequoia earn our 2012 Best Affordable Full-Size SUV for Families award.

Other SUVs to Consider

The Toyota Sequoia is a good choice in its class, but depending on your priorities, some competitors are better. If you need an SUV that can carry a ton of people or stuff, but has better fuel economy than the Sequoia, check out the GMC Yukon Hybrid. It costs about the same as a Sequoia Limited, and comes similarly equipped. Plus, the Yukon Hybrid gets 20/23 mpg city/highway, with an annual fuel cost that’s significantly less than any model of the Sequoia.

If an adult-sized third row is important to you, consider the Ford Expedition. Reviewers say its back seat is even roomier than the Sequoia’s. The Expedition also costs less than the Sequoia, though its fuel economy isn’t much better.

Details: Toyota Sequoia

The 2012 Toyota Sequoia continues to be offered in three trim levels: SR5, Limited and Platinum. For this model year, Toyota has added standard trailer sway control to all models, and a blind spot warning system is now available on Platinum models.

See the full list of 2012 Toyota Sequoia specifications.

• "This large SUV holds its own against most rivals in every measure except dashboard convenience and cargo space behind the 3rd-row seat. Those demerits are softened by an otherwise inviting cabin and an overall size that makes close-quarters maneuvering easier than with most in this class.” -- Consumer Guide
• "With class-leading refinement, versatility and user-friendly features, the … Toyota Sequoia is our top pick among full-size SUVs.” -- Edmunds
• "Those who regularly carry up to eight people, haul a lot of gear and tow heavy trailers will find that the … Toyota Sequoia can do all that with ease and comfort.” -- Kelley Blue Book
• “It's a fairly refined rig to be sure, but there's no hiding its truck roots: It shares a frame with the Tundra pickup. Three trim levels span from basic to posh.” -- Car and Driver