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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.
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.