The redesigned 2008-onward model Toyota Sequoia is a good tow vehicle, and a viable choice. But there are a few things you need to know before/if you purchase one.

From 2008 to 2010, Toyota claimed the Sequoia (depending on trim level, engine and drive layout) could master up to a 10,000 lb (4,536 kg) braked trailer. For some reason, for 2011, Toyota has redacted that claim and now says the Sequoia (depending on trim level, engine and drive layout) is capable of towing a 7,400 lb (3,356 kg) braked trailer.

No explanation of why the towing capacity was reduced is given.

A proper trailer hitch is provided along with 4 and 7 trailer electrics connector. The vehicle is prewired for an electronic trailer brake controller module, but some owners have complained that interior panels must be removed under the dash to tie into the wiring harness. A transmission fluid cooler is also provided with the towing package to help keep the 6-speed automatic gearbox cool and quite while towing. The 6-speed auto also has tow/haul modes to tailor shift points and to provide engine breaking when towing downhill, this is accomplished via uphill/downhill shift logic.

When buying a 2008-2010 Sequoia, make sure it is rear-wheel drive with the 5.7 liter V8 engine (not the 4.6 liter V8, stay away from that engine) and in base SR5 trim with the towing package. This gives you the 10,000 lb (4,536 kg) towing capacity. As you stray from the configuration above, you will find that the towing capacity drops considerably.


Something to ignore: Toyota claimed the Sequoia had standard "Auto Limited-Slip Differential" (Auto LSD) on 4x2 and 4x4 models and marketed it as an advantage over the Nissan Armada, Dodge Durango, Ford Expedition, GM full-size SUV group, etc.

This supposed Auto Limited-Slip Differential (Auto LSD) is just ABS brake based traction control. Armada, Durango, Expedition and the GM full-size SUV group were also available with ABS brake based traction control.

The Sequoia 4x2 comes from the factory with open rear differentials. They are non limited-slip and non locking.

The Sequoia 4x4 comes from the factory with a two-speed (dual range) transfer case and Torsen (torque sensing) center limited-slip differential (LSD) with locking function. The front & rear differentials are open.

sorry for the delay, and thanks for starting the thread. work is insane. i'm really in the tentative stages of even considering a change, and i'm going three different directions in my head. train of thought 1 is to make a few updates to the '05 and just keep running, as (knock on wood) things seem to be in good order. train of thought 2 is to move forward about 4 years in another armada or infiniti, but it seems like the newer they get, the fewer examples on the market have the tow/haul mode ~ not that there are that many for sale at any given time. it's almost like they upscaled themselves out of being trucks and into being 7 or 8 passenger luxury cars. train of thought 3 is to look at a sequoia (the brand new ones surely are striking looking ~ but that would delay a purchase for a couple years until they show up 50% depreciated), or an expedition, or a hemi durango, or ..? ~ fuel economy seems to be equally poor in all possible choices, and capabilities seem to be rather similar as well. owner satisfaction and brand loyalty seem to be equally dispersed as well, so one could presume that they're all doing what they should, at least most of the time. one of the things that i like best about the armada, even when not pulling, is the engine braking feature, but nissan doesn't really seem to broadcast the fact that such a feature exists, and as far as i can read, neither does anybody else (unless you get into the BIG chevy trucks, where it's activated on an as needed basis). additionally, i DO want to keep the seating layout, which gives buckets in the center row so that you can get to the back seat without flipping or folding. i'd bet that limits the choices. anyway... open to opinions and to facts. please don't spend too much time helping me ;~}, as i do appreciate your time, and i may just end up going to ebay for a set of 2010 alloys and a NAV DVD update for the current truck in the end anyway. thanks again in advance for whatever input you may have. best ~ rob.

What tow vehicles are you particularly interested in? I can provide information for just about any towing SUV.