The 2024 Toyota Sequoia has generated significant buzz, and for good reason. After spending considerable time behind the wheel of the 2024 Toyota Sequoia Platinum, including pushing it harder than perhaps intended on a backwoods dirt road, some surprising impressions emerged. This isn’t just your average full-size SUV; it’s a testament to Toyota’s engineering, blending robust capability with unexpected driving enjoyment. You might even forget you’re piloting a body-on-frame behemoth.
My experience with the Sequoia extended over two weeks and 300 miles, a mix of highway cruising and city errands. During this time, two key aspects became clear: the 2024 Sequoia is surprisingly fun to drive, and equipped with the TRD Off-Road package, it feels ready for almost any adventure. However, there’s one notable drawback that potential buyers should consider.
| 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 |
| Base Price / As Tested | $63,125 / $82,082 |
| On Sale Date | Now |
Hybrid Powertrain and Driving Dynamics
The heart of the 2024 Sequoia is its i-Force Max hybrid powertrain. This twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V-6, combined with an electric motor, delivers a potent 437 horsepower. The power is definitely noticeable, especially as the turbos kick in at higher RPMs. However, the real sweet spot is in the low-end torque. The 583 pound-feet of torque provides effortless acceleration and makes navigating daily driving situations a breeze.
The electric motor integration is seamless, allowing for near-silent operation in parking lots and low-speed maneuvers. It’s almost comical how quietly such a large SUV can move, offering a stealth element you wouldn’t expect.
This particular Sequoia Platinum test vehicle was also equipped with the TRD Off-Road package. This adds Falken Wildpeak all-terrain tires, Bilstein shocks, skid plates, a locking rear differential, unique TRD styling cues, and off-road drive modes. While these features suggest off-road prowess, the low-hanging front air dam, with a mere eight inches of ground clearance, presents a significant limitation. For a vehicle marketed with off-road capabilities like Crawl Control, the minimal front clearance feels like a misstep. It raises the question of whether Toyota truly anticipates Sequoia owners venturing far from paved roads.
Pros: Composed On Any Surface, Power At Will, Awesome Interior
Interior Comfort and Technology
Despite the off-road aspirations, the 2024 Sequoia Platinum is clearly designed for family comfort. The second-row captain’s chairs in the Platinum trim are heated and cooled, offering a truly luxurious experience. The spaciousness of the second row ensures even sibling squabbles are minimized, offering ample room for everyone to relax.
The front cabin is well-designed with a user-friendly layout. Physical buttons provide quick access to frequently used functions, while the large 14.0-inch touchscreen handles infotainment duties. The system is attractive, intuitive, and surprisingly responsive. Even the voice control system works reliably, a welcome departure from often frustrating in-car voice assistants. While the navigation system had minor quirks with speed limit data, and a slight misinterpretation of a pizza restaurant request, the overall infotainment experience is excellent, balancing physical controls with modern digital technology.
Third-Row and Cargo Limitations
However, the third-row seat in the 2024 Sequoia is where compromises become apparent. While power-folding for convenience, it doesn’t fold completely flat, resulting in a raised cargo floor. This can be inconvenient when loading bulkier items. With the third row up, cargo space is a modest 11.5 cubic feet, barely enough for a standard grocery run. Competitors like the Ford Expedition and GMC Yukon offer significantly more cargo room in this configuration, approximately double the Sequoia’s capacity. Even the Jeep Wagoneer boasts a cavernous 27.4 cubic feet of rear cargo space.
Third-row passenger comfort is also limited, particularly for taller adults. The seat’s position above the solid rear axle and hybrid battery pack results in tighter headroom (35.6 inches) and legroom (36.6 inches) compared to rivals. While not unbearable, it’s the least spacious third row in the segment. The Jeep Wagoneer leads in headroom (39 inches), and the Ford Expedition offers class-leading legroom (40.9 inches). The Sequoia’s third row is functional, but families prioritizing maximum third-row space might find it lacking compared to competitors.
Cons: Tight Third Row, Tighter Cargo Space, Air Dam Kills Off-Road Adventures
Fuel Economy and Value
Despite its size and power, the 2024 Toyota Sequoia shines in fuel economy, thanks to its hybrid powertrain. EPA estimates are 19 mpg city, 22 mpg highway, and 20 mpg combined. However, real-world testing showed even better results, consistently achieving 25 to 30 mpg on 55-mph roads. Around town driving at lower speeds also proved more efficient than highway speeds, showcasing the hybrid system’s effectiveness. Over 300 miles of mixed driving, the average fuel economy was an impressive 24.1 mpg for a 6,000-pound SUV with 437 horsepower.
The as-tested price of this Sequoia Platinum with TRD Off-Road package and additional options reached $82,082. This is comparable to a well-equipped Chevrolet Tahoe but slightly less expensive than similarly equipped GMC Yukon, Ford Expedition, and Jeep Wagoneer models. For buyers seeking value, the base Sequoia SR5 offers the same hybrid powertrain and three-row seating, with the option to add the TRD Off-Road package, for approximately $15,000 less.
Final Verdict: 2024 Toyota Sequoia Review
While not a traditional SUV enthusiast, the 2024 Toyota Sequoia Platinum proved surprisingly enjoyable. Its primary mission as a comfortable and capable family hauler is largely successful, despite the third-row and cargo limitations. The 2024 Sequoia stands out in a crowded SUV market with its bold styling and available TRD Off-Road package.
However, the low-hanging front air dam does temper expectations for serious off-roading. Despite this, the 2024 Sequoia offers a compelling blend of hybrid efficiency, robust performance, and Toyota’s renowned reliability. For families prioritizing fuel economy and a refined driving experience in a full-size SUV, the 2024 Toyota Sequoia is definitely worth considering. It’s a vehicle that exceeds expectations in many areas, offering a unique and appealing option in the competitive SUV landscape.
Competitors
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2024 Toyota Sequoia Platinum
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
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
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