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Does the 2021 Toyota Sequoia Deserve Last Place?

We noticed that the 2021 Toyota Sequoia has been on the back burner. But what’s the deal? The Toyota Sequoia is another beastly Toyota model to enjoy. I’ve never seen anyone drive a Sequoia without a smile, so what’s the deal here?  Does the 2021 Toyota Sequoia deserve to be in last place?  According to …

We noticed that the 2021 Toyota Sequoia has been on the back burner. But what’s the deal? The Toyota Sequoia is another beastly Toyota model to enjoy. I’ve never seen anyone drive a Sequoia without a smile, so what’s the deal here? 

Does the 2021 Toyota Sequoia deserve to be in last place? 

According to U.S. News, the 2021 Toyota Sequoia is in last place. It landed at the very bottom of their list of the Best Large SUVs for 2021. Coming in last must hurt, but at least it made the list, right? 

a lunar rock trd pro sequoia showing off its formidable presence with a wide stance angle in the desert
2021 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro | Toyota

The Nissan Armada and Chevy Suburban both came ahead of the Sequioa, and the 2021 Chevy Tahoe is currently in first place. The Tahoe just got a total redesign which might be necessary for the Sequioa to regain success. 

U.S. News mentioned that the Sequoia is a dinosaur, which is a little hurtful because they mean that it’s old and outdated. The Ford Raptor and Ram 1500 TRX are dinosaurs in a good way because they are powerful beasts. Alright, we will get to the point. 

Toyota Sequoia problems 

You can get started in a 2021 Toyota Sequoia for about $50,200. The 2021 Chevy Tahoe starts at about $49,000, so it’s competitively priced. The price isn’t the issue though, the value is. The Sequioa has an aging interior that’s filled with plastics and other cheap materials. 

Despite having a recently updated infotainment system, it already feels dated. According to Edmunds, the updated 7-inch touchscreen doesn’t have the best resolution. The system is always slow and prone to freezing. But on a positive note, the Sequioa now has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Also, there are four 12-volt ports around the cabin for charging multiple devices. 

Another negative feature that critics mention is the fuel economy. Brace yourself. The Toyota Sequoia only gets an EPA estimated 13 mpg in the city and 17 mpg on the highway. We knew it would be bad but didn’t expect it to be that bad. For comparison’s sake, the Chevy Tahoe gets an EPA estimated 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. 

Last but not least, the Toyota Sequoia doesn’t have the best ride. Shakes and rattles often enter the cabin, and the steering wheel doesn’t provide the best feedback. Rivals tend to have better handling and a more composed ride. However, the Sequioa is also praised for being very agile and easy to maneuver in tight areas. 

Positives about the 2021 Toyota Sequoia 

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia has plenty of positive features too. For example, the 5.7-liter V8 engine pumps out 381 hp and 401 lb-ft of torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 7.4 seconds. The TRD Pro suspension makes climbing hills and descents more comfortable and stable too. 

the 2021 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro interior view of the front seats with trd pro badging
2021 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro | Toyota

Plus, the Sequoia is huge! There are 18.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row with up to 120.1 cubic feet total. There are plenty of nooks and crannies to store your gear, and the power liftgate adds convenience. 

The Toyota Sequoia is also a reliable option. It has a score of four out of five for its reliability rating from J.D. Power. Standard safety features include automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. 

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