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The 2021 Sequoia TRD Pro is a big beast of an SUV. It doesn’t exactly get the best reviews, but it’s still a member of the prestigious Toyota SUV lineup. For the 2020 model year, the TRD Pro version became an option for Sequoia models. We just drove one for a week, and if you have children you should probably give the 2021 Sequoia some consideration. My kids loved the 2021 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro.

Overall, there are several other large SUV options out there. The Chevrolet Suburban and Ford Expedition are both popular alternatives. The Sequoia, which loving fans have nicknamed “the Tree” because of its namesake, is still a solid choice for those that prioritize stellar reliability. Additionally, the available TRD Pro model offers a new level of off-road prowess giving this large family SUV an edge over its competition.

How reliable is the Toyota Sequoia?

Historically, there are few large SUVs that compare to the Sequoia in terms of reliability. For example, Consumer Reports gives this large three-row Toyota SUV a 4 out of 5 for predicted reliability in its outgoing model year.

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 2021 Toyota Sequoia is also recommended by Consumer Reports. In fact, it’s one of the ‘under the radar’ SUV models that the critics recommend for shoppers looking at large family SUVs. This model has been known to crush 200,000 miles. Other sources report strong reliability ratings for Tree as well.

If we take a look at RepairPal’s data on the Toyota Sequoia, we see an above-average reliability rating. 3.5 out 5 is a good rating relative to the other reliability verdicts on RepairPal. The Ford Expedition, for example, got lower reliability ratings and shows a higher average cost to repair on RepairPal in spite of besting the Sequoia on Consumer Reports.

The Toyota Sequoia is a family SUV that costs a little less than the average vehicle to repair. The data shows that the average cost to repair this Toyota SUV is $642. The average for all vehicles is $652. For the Ford Expedition, repairs cost an average of $861.

2021 Ford Expedition in the snow
2021 Ford Expedition | Ford

My kids loved the 2021 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro

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

During my review of the 2021 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro, we drive on city streets, country roads, and mountain passes. The weather went from bad to worse and we never skipped a beat. Even heavy snow and a frozen layer over the concrete couldn’t daunt the TRD Pro Sequoia.

Plus, my kids absolutely loved it. They see a lot of cars, trucks, and SUVs so I always take note when they seem particularly impressed. They love the Lunar Rock TRD Pro color (which we already knew after testing the 2021 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro). But even more than that they loved climbing up into it like a jungle gym. Once inside, each boy cherished all the space his legs had to kick around behind the front seats without even so much as an accidental toe graze.

While it may not be the easiest truck to climb into or offer the most state-of-the-art tech, it feels so beastly and confident on any terrain. Car seats are super easy to install. Plus, when kids give a vehicle their wholehearted stamp of approval that’s difficult to ignore. And if I can say anything about the 2021 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro, it’s that it’s a great SUV for families with children.