Here’s why the 2021 Toyota Sequoia is Being Ignored
We keep hearing about the Ford Expedition and the 2021 Chevy Tahoe with its fresh redesign, but what’s up with the 2021 Toyota Sequoia? It’s not making any headlines or winning awards. This could be because the Toyota Sequoia is too outdated to compete.
The 2021 Toyota Sequoia is ancient
The 2021 Toyota Sequoia is part of the second generation that was released in 2008. Meaning it has a look that’s 12 years old. So, it hasn’t had much of an update in the last decade, and critics are calling it a dinosaur.
To the untrained eye, it could even be challenging to tell the 2021 Sequoia apart from, say, a 2011 model. This is unless you go for a special edition like the 2021 Nightshade Edition that wraps the senior SUV in all black.
According to U.S.News, the 2021 Toyota Sequoia ranks in 6th place on the list of Best Large SUVs for 2020 and 2021. Sixth place didn’t seem so bad until we realized that means it comes in the last place. The 2020 Ford Expedition remains in first place over the 2021 Chevy Tahoe.
Why does the Toyota Sequoia feel old?
Well, for one thing, the 2021 model didn’t receive any new updates aside from the Nightshade Edition. Other than that, the 2020 Toyota Sequoia at least received a new 7-inch touchscreen infotainment center that can connect to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
RANDOM: Why Would Anyone Buy a Toyota Sequoia Instead of a Highlander?
There were no significant changes for the 2019 Toyota Sequoia, and in 2018 the Toyota Safety Sense suite of driver aids became standard, and the TRD Sport trim made its debut. So, why buy a brand new Sequoia when you can save with a used one?
According to Edmunds, when the new infotainment system arrived in 2020, it already felt outdated. The graphics and response are decent, but the system tends to freeze and disconnect often.
U.S.News also said that the ride is uncomfortable. While the interior is spacious, climbing in and out of the rear seats can be a challenge for taller adults. The third row feels narrow, and traveling with only six passengers is recommended, while rivals have more passenger space.
The Toyota Sequoia does have a smooth ride without much wind noise, but the loud engine can fill the cabin. Also, the font seats fail to offer support. Plus, hard plastics and cheap materials fill the outdated cabin. With a starting price of $50,100, you expect a little more luxury.
Is the 2021 Toyota Sequoia a good SUV?
Yes, the 2021 Sequoia is a good SUV. It’s just currently being outclassed by rivals. It has a strong 5.7-liter V8 engine with 381-hp and 401 lb-ft of torque. It can tow up to 7,400 lb too. But rivals can tow more. The Expedition can tow up to 9,400 lb.
It also has one of the largest cargo areas for its class. There is up to 120.1 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats folded flat. The Chevy Tahoe narrowly beats it by offering up to 122.9 cubic feet of cargo space.
The 2021 Toyota Sequoia also has a high predicted reliability rating. J.D.Power gave it a 4 out 5. However, the 2021 Chevy Tahoe gained has a 5/5 for predicted reliability. We hope that the Toyota Sequoia manages to survive until its redesigned for the 2023 model year.
