The 2019 Toyota Sequoia combined full-size, body-on-frame construction with a standard 5.7-liter V8, three rows of seats and a towing rating of up to 7,400 pounds. It was part of the second generation that ran from the 2008 through 2022 model years, and the 2019 model carried the same mechanical package as the refreshed 2018 version. This article covers the engine, four-wheel-drive system, performance, fuel economy and pricing of the 2019 Sequoia.
Engine and Powertrain
A single engine served the entire 2019 Sequoia range: a 5.7-liter i-FORCE V8 with dual overhead camshafts, 32 valves and dual independent Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i). It produced 381 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 401 lb-ft of torque at 3,600 rpm, and an Acoustic Control Induction System helped make that torque available across the rev range. Power went to the wheels through a six-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission, and the engine breathed through a dual exhaust.
The i-FORCE V8 was a proven, low-stress design that prioritized torque and durability over fuel efficiency, which suited the Sequoia’s role as a tow vehicle. Peak torque arrived at just 3,600 rpm, so the SUV could pull a trailer or haul a full load without the engine having to work hard.
The Sequoia’s engine was shared with the Tundra pickup, reflecting the two vehicles’ common platform. Buyers chose between rear-wheel drive and a Multi-Mode four-wheel-drive system.
Four-Wheel Drive and Off-Road Capability
Rear-wheel drive was standard. The optional Multi-Mode four-wheel-drive system used a lockable TORSEN limited-slip center differential to apportion torque between the axles and a two-speed transfer case for a low range. Toyota designed low range to be selectable on the move with a rotary knob, and the center differential could be locked at the push of a button. Four-wheel-drive models also substituted Active Traction Control (A-TRAC) for the standard traction control.
Because all four-wheel-drive models included the two-speed transfer case and locking center differential, the Sequoia offered genuine off-road hardware rather than the light-duty all-wheel-drive systems found in car-based crossovers. The independent rear suspension, meanwhile, helped the big SUV ride more comfortably and gave the third row more usable space.
Underneath, the Sequoia used an independent rear suspension that Toyota credited with its ride quality and its third-row space. Stopping power came from 13.9-inch ventilated front discs with four-piston calipers and 13.6-inch ventilated rear discs.
An integrated towing package was standard, and Toyota cited the body-on-frame construction and long wheelbase as advantages for towing stability.
Performance, Towing and Braking
Towing capacity was rated at 7,400 pounds for two-wheel-drive models and 7,100 pounds for four-wheel drive. The table below summarizes the key figures for the 2019 Sequoia.
| Specification | 2019 Toyota Sequoia |
|---|---|
| Engine | 5.7L i-FORCE V8, DOHC 32-valve |
| Horsepower | 381 hp @ 5,600 rpm |
| Torque | 401 lb-ft @ 3,600 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD; available 4WD with 2-speed transfer case |
| Maximum towing | 7,400 lb (2WD) / 7,100 lb (4WD) |
| Seating | Up to 8 |
| EPA fuel economy | 13/17/15 mpg (2WD); 14 mpg combined (4WD) |
Fuel Economy
The V8’s fuel economy was modest, as expected for a large, heavy SUV. The EPA rated the two-wheel-drive 2019 Sequoia at 13 mpg city, 17 mpg highway and 15 mpg combined, and four-wheel-drive models at 14 mpg combined. Those figures applied to every trim, since all versions used the same engine and transmission.
Combined with its large fuel tank, the Sequoia offered a long driving range between fill-ups, though its consumption was among the highest of any Toyota model.
Exterior and Interior
The Sequoia was a large, upright SUV with a body-style relationship to the Tundra pickup. The 2018 refresh that carried into 2019 added LED headlights, daytime running lights and fog lights, along with a power tilt/slide moonroof, roof rack and running boards as standard equipment. SR5 and TRD Sport models used 18- or 20-inch wheels depending on trim, while the Limited and Platinum rode on 20-inch wheels.
Exterior colors for the 2019 model included the shades introduced with the 2018 refresh, such as Midnight Black Metallic, Shoreline Blue Pearl and Toasted Walnut Pearl.
Inside, the cabin seated seven or eight passengers across three rows. Toyota quoted 40.9 inches of second-row legroom and 35.1 inches in the third row, and the middle row could slide through 5.9 inches of travel. With both rear rows folded flat, cargo space totaled up to 120.1 cubic feet, and the load bay could take objects up to 11 feet long.
The cabin prioritized space and durability over luxury at the lower trims, with cloth upholstery, a large center console and generously sized controls; higher trims added leather and wood-look trim. Toyota also fitted a power rear window in the liftgate.
Price
For 2019, Cars.com listed the Sequoia SR5 from $49,050, the TRD Sport from $51,765, the Limited from $57,545 and the Platinum from $64,760, all excluding the destination charge. Four-wheel drive added roughly $3,225, and CarsDirect quoted prices including the destination fee of $49,995, $52,710, $58,490 and $65,705 respectively.
For buyers who needed maximum capability rather than outright luxury, the four-wheel-drive TRD Sport offered the same powertrain, towing hardware and off-road systems as the top trims for thousands of dollars less.
It remained the least expensive way to combine the Sequoia’s V8 with the TRD suspension package.
Related Toyota Models
For more on this platform, see the 2019 Toyota Sequoia redesign and Price and the 2019 Toyota Tundra Rumors Redesign and Release Date, or return to the Toyota Review index.
