Toyota Sequoia (US) review

The Sequoia’s interior is something of a mixed bag. It’s spacious but the packaging of the seats and consoles makes it feel more cramped than it actually is, at least if you’re riding up front.

Drivers are treated to a 12.3-inch digital display behind the wheel and a 14-inch infotainment screen for various car functions. This plus a dedicated camera button, by the way, is a large part of what makes the Sequoia manageable in situations that would otherwise be a nightmare in a three-row shuttle like this. Still stressed out? Optional massage seats are available.

How’s the cargo space?

Good. Though again, it’s tough to get around the odd packaging. Depending on the grade, the Sequoia’s second row is either a bench seat or two captain’s chairs. These fold up and away easily enough to access the collapsable third row. Tuck everything away and there’s a whopping 86.9cu ft (2,460 liters) of space available. It’s enough to do a full grocery shop and still have room to pick up flat pack furniture on the way home.

The trouble is the third row doesn’t stow away seamlessly. So there’s loads of room, but it’s all uneven, making it difficult to efficiently organize a haul.

The configuration most likely to be used is with the second row up, third row down, and that leaves you with a good 49cu ft (1,388 liters) of space. If you must use the third row, it’s at the cost of nearly all the available cargo area, leaving a meager sliver of room for a few bags.

Is that third row actually usable?

As far as they go, this one’s pretty good. Both seating positions have adjustable backs and are on rails so anyone banished to the back can slide their seats to make the most of the available room. Compared to the other seats, it’s still not the place to be. But maxed out, it’s downright luxurious compared to the usual third row offerings.