The Toyota Sequoia is a compelling SUV that blends comfort, technology, and solid off-road chops into an attractive package. It’s a great option for those needing three rows, but thanks to greater capability and luxury than ever before, prices on the top trims have crept past $80,000. We realize this may too much for many buyers, so what can you do if you desire something that will do nearly everything the current Sequoia does for half the price? Well, you could consider the previous generation Sequoia instead.
The second-generation Sequoia may not have all the latest bells and whistles, but it delivers solid performance, reliability, and significant savings that are hard to ignore. Currently, 2020 models can be found for half the price of the top-of-the-line 2025 Capstone Sequoia – and these aren’t base 2020 models either, but the higher-spec Limited and even the sporty TRD Pro versions. It’s hard to argue with savings like this, and you may even find you enjoy the simplicity of the previous generation over the current model, so let’s take a look at how the two models stack up.
Data and specs pertaining to the Sequoia models has been sourced directly from the automaker.
Design: Rugged Off-Road Looks
The 2020 Toyota Sequoia and the 2025 Toyota Sequoia share a similar design philosophy, rooted in rugged, off-road capability even on the base models. This helps to set them apart from competitors like the Ford Expedition or Chevrolet Tahoe. While the new Sequoia offers fresh, modern looks, however, the 2020 version is decidedly old-school, so which one you gravitate to is really going to come down to personal taste.
2020 Toyota Sequoia
Retains a traditional SUV look with a boxy, robust design. Standard features include LED headlights, LED fog lights, a power-tilt-and-slide moonroof, and 18-inch alloy wheels. TRD Pro trim adds off-road enhancements like a Toyota heritage grille and Rigid Industries LED fog lights.
The previous generation Sequoia looks dated, there’s no beating around that bush. Its broad, rounded looks can trace its roots back to 2007 when it first debuted, but it was improved over the years thanks to updated lighting elements, improved front and rear fascias, and better wheel choices. It’s a handsome, yet mostly unassuming vehicle that will get the job done without too much fuss, but don’t forget this was the first year for the TRD Pro version if you want an option with a little more character.
Exterior Dimensions Comparison
2020 Toyota Sequoia
2025 Toyota Sequoia
Wheelbase
122.0 inches
122.0 inches
Exterior Length
205.1 inches
208.1 inches
Exterior Width
79.9 inches
79.6 inches
Exterior Height
77.0 inches
74.2 – 77.7 inches
Ground Clearance (Min – Max)
9.6 – 10 inches
8.6 – 9.1 inches
Approach/Departure Angles*
27 degrees| 21degrees
23 degrees |20 degees
Curb Weight
5,730 – 6,000 lbs
5,620 – 6,185 lbs
*figures for the off-road focused TRD Pro models
2025 Toyota Sequoia
Incorporates sleeker, more modern styling. Standard 20-inch alloy wheels on most trims, with options for 22-inch wheels on the Capstone. TRD Pro trim includes the exclusive Mudbath paint color, skid plates, and blacked-out exterior elements.
We are big fans of how Toyota redesigned the Sequoia for the newest generation and feel its looks are a standout in the current Toyota lineup. The more rigid, squared-off looks have been completely modernized thanks to sharper lines, updated lighting elements, and a more prominent grille that gives it a ton of presence. It’s a sleek-looking machine, and if we’re going off of looks alone, it’s the model we’d go with, but there’s no denying the 2020 Sequoia’s rugged, utilitarian design remains appealing to those who prioritize functionality over aesthetics.
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Additionally, the older model has better ground clearance and approach/departure angles, so if you’re planning on off-roading, that may be a better option. That’s not to say the new model isn’t capable, but those who know about tackling trails will appreciate what the older model offers.
Engine and Powertrain: Small Displacement, Big Power
The 5.7-liter V8 in the 2020 Sequoia earned a reputation for its reliability and thirst. There are countless accounts of drivers of the previous-gen Sequoia or Tundra putting hundreds of thousands of miles on the engine without it breaking a sweat, and many have even reached the coveted million-mile mark. Part of this is thanks to the simplicity of the powertrain, but also because it was in production for so long, allowing Toyota to iron out all the kinks, thanks to the company’s focus on build quality. 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque is respectable, but there’s no getting around its abysmal fuel economy, which will find you at the gas station frequently for fill-ups.
2020 Toyota Sequoia
2025 Toyota Sequoia
Engine
5.7-liter V8
3.4-liter Twin-Turbo V6 Hybrid
Drivetrain
RWD/4WD
RWD/4WD
Transmission
6-speed automatic
10-speed automatic
Horsepower
381 hp
437 hp
Torque
401 lb-ft
583 lb-ft
0-60
6.6 seconds (est.)
5.6 seconds (est.)
Fuel Economy
13/17/15 MPG (2WD) | 13/17/14 mpg (4WD)
21/24/22 MPG (2WD) | 19/22/20 mpg (4WD)
The 2025 Sequoia’s hybrid powertrain is completely modernized, however, with the model moving down to a hybridized twin-turbo V6. Every model in the lineup receives this engine, which means every model has 437 hp and 583 lb-ft of torque on tap. Fuel economy has also been improved, though we found its 22 mpg combined to be a bit optimistic. These are both improvements over the outgoing model, but the jury is still out on the engine’s reliability. Recently, some non-hybridized versions of the 3.4-liter engine have displayed some problems, leading to a massive recall of over 100,000 Tundras and Lexus LXs. The Sequoia wasn’t named in this recall, suggesting that the hybrid engines don’t suffer from the same failures, but it’s still an important issue to keep in mind.
Towing: Hauling with Confidence
When you’re buying a vehicle of this size, one of your big considerations may be towing capacity, and both versions of the Sequoia deliver, thanks to their powerful engines and body-on-frame construction. The extra power of the new model does help it to tow a bit more, however, as does Toyota’s decision to return to a solid rear axle with the newest generation, compared to the independent rear axle of the previous generation. Great for towing, but not the best for its on-road manners.
Towing Specification
2020 Toyota Sequoia
2025 Toyota Sequoia
Min Towing Capacity
7,000 lbs
8,980 lbs
MaxTowing Capacity
7,400 lbs
9,520 lbs
Available Towing Features
Tow/Haul mode, trailer-sway control
Tow Tech package with digital display rearview mirror, backup guide, and straight path assist
If you need max capability, the 2025 Sequoia is the obvious winner, but it’s not always about max towing numbers. The V8 engine offers consistent, linear torque across a broad range, making it ideal for towing. If you want simplicity, the 2020 model is good; for brute power, opt for the new version.
Interior and Tech: Comfort vs. Simplicity
Feature
2020 Toyota Sequoia
2025 Toyota Sequoia
Leather Upholstery
S
S
Heated Front Seats
S
S
Ventilated Front Seats
N/A
O
Panoramic Moonroof
O
O
Digital Gauge Cluster
S
S
Three-Zone Climate Control
S
S
Surround-View Camera
S
S
Wireless Smartphone Connectivity
N/A
S
Premium JBL Sound System with 14 speakers
O
O
Head-up Display
N/A
O
Multimedia Screen
7-inch standard
8-inch standard | 14-inch available
* S = Standard, O = Optional, N/A = Not Available
2020 Toyota Sequoia
Interior Design: The 2020 Sequoia’s interior is straightforward and functional, with large knobs and buttons that are easy to use and well-placed Materials: Features a mix of hard plastics and durable cloth or leather upholstery, designed to withstand heavy use. Technology: A seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system is standard, offering basic connectivity features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims add a rear-seat entertainment system.
If you’ve ever sat in a Toyota product made during the 2010s, you probably have a good idea of what to expect out of the 2020 Sequoia. The interior isn’t flashy, but it’s purposeful and well-laid out, giving you easy access to all the systems you need. The only screen here is a smaller, seven-inch touchscreen in the center of the dash, though there’s a tiny digital display between the speedometer and tachometer. There isn’t much to pull your attention away from the road, which many prefer to the massive screens that dominate vehicles today. The other benefit of this older model is significantly improved interior space – at least in terms of legroom, shoulder room, and cargo volume. The new model has much better headroom.
2020 Toyota Sequoia
2025 Toyota Sequoia
Seating
7 – 8 Seater
7 – 8 Seater
Headroom Front | Middle | Rear
34.8 | 34.9 | 34.5 inches
39.2 | 38.4 | 35.6 inches
Legroom Front | Middle | Rear
42.5 | 40.9 | 35.3 inches
41.2 | 39.2 | 28.1 – 33.7 inches
Shoulder Room Front | Middle | Rear
66.4 | 65.6 | 65.7 inches
65.0 | 61.8 | 62.6 inches
Cargo Volume (min – max)
18.9 – 120.1 ft³
22.3 – 86.9 ft³
2025 Toyota Sequoia
Interior Design: The 2025 model boasts a sleek, modern cabin with a more refined design. Soft-touch materials, leather upholstery, and wood trim (in the 1794 and Capstone trims) give it a more luxurious feel. Materials: Premium materials throughout, including leather seating with available massaging functionality in higher trims. Technology: Comes standard with an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system (14-inch on higher trims), advanced driver-assistance features, and optional massaging seats. The 2025 model also offers a digital rearview mirror, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera system, enhancing both convenience and safety.
The 2025 Sequoia is more luxurious and tech-forward in nearly every way, so if those are important to you, it’s definitely the one to go with. A massive 14-inch screen dominates the center of the dash on high-end models, as does a digital display that takes over duty in front of the driver. Massaging seats can be optioned, as can a head-up display and panoramic sunroof on some trims. It’s obvious why this SUV costs quite a bit more than the older one, but don’t think this means the old model still isn’t a comfortable place to spend some time. The new model is just more convenient.
Price and Winner: Modern Luxury or Proven Value?
2020 Toyota Sequoia
2025 Toyota Sequoia
Base Price
$49,980 (new) | $35k (used)
$62,175
Top Trim Price
$64,105 (TRD Pro new) | $62k (used)
$83,665 (Capstone)
The 2025 Toyota Sequoia starts at $62,175 for the base SR5 trim, with prices reaching up to $83,665 for the fully-loaded Capstone 4×4. In contrast, a used 2020 Sequoia can be found for significantly less, in the low $40,000 range and even less, depending on the mileage and condition.
The benefit of getting older is that you know these vehicles have a proven track record in reliability and performance, and you’ll have much more room to work with inside. It’s going to do nearly everything you’d need a new Sequoia to do – barring all the updated tech – for a whole lot less, which gives you tons of wiggle room to either spend the extra money on aftermarket upgrades to make this an even better off-road vehicle. If you’re looking for a fun family adventure vehicle, we’d go with the older model. For those who want a more opulent family hauler, go with the new version.
Sources:
AutoTempest.com