2024 Toyota Sequoia Interior Review: Everything Is Huge but Thoughtfully Designed
Big screen, big seats, big wheel, big shifter. But at least stuff is where you expect it to be.
If you want a three-row Toyota, there are quite a few options. There’s the 4Runner, Grand Highlander, Highlander (less Grand), and Sequoia. Don’t want an SUV? There’s also the Sienna minivan. Today, we’re getting in the 2024 Toyota Sequoia, the full-size three-row SUV, to see if its interior is up to snuff.
The third-generation Sequoia made its debut only a couple of years ago, so everything inside is still modern. It uses a trucky cabin layout that’s similar to those in the Tundra, Tacoma, and Land Cruiser. Despite being massive from the outside, the Sequoia doesn’t offer as much interior room as you’d expect. Still, the seats are comfortable and there’s plenty of storage space. Overall, it’s a thoughtfully designed place to be.
Infotainment
Does It Have Wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto?
Yes! All Sequoia models come with wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Syncing your device will be a breeze, and the system seamlessly re-establishes the connection when you get back in the car. The display is nice and big, too, so everything is easy to read.
The Infotainment Screen Is Huge
Speaking of a big display, the optional 14.0-inch infotainment screen is something to behold. I've said this before, but it’s almost too much screen: All the icons seem bigger than they need to be just because there’s such an abundance of real estate to cover. And then, because I need to sit closer to the wheel because I’m short, I wished the screen was cantered toward me more because the viewing angle was off.
The standard screen is merely 8.0 inches, so it might be easier to see and manage for some drivers.
There Are Hard Buttons
The finer radio and navigation controls have all been relegated to the touch screen. That’s an inevitability. However, we applaud Toyota for keeping the climate controls as hard buttons and switches below the screen. Here, you can control fan speed, temperature, fan direction, defogger, and available seat heating and cooling all with button taps. Much less distracting.
Tech
A Busy Digital Driver Display
All Sequoia models also come with a 12.3-inch fully digital driver display. This isn’t a favorite setup as the layout can come across as cluttered. There’s just a ton of stuff all vying for attention. Fortunately, the most important part—the speedometer—is front and center.
Using the Cruise Control
The Sequoia’s adaptive cruise control works very well, gauging following distances safely and reducing fatigue on long and boring highway stints. However, the lane centering feature is a little shaky, sometimes working and sometimes not. We find it easier just to switch it off altogether.
Well-Positioned Wireless Phone Charger
Right here is a great location for the wireless phone charger. You can still see the screen, and it’s right within arm’s reach.
Comfort
Front Seats Like Easy Chairs
Sitting in the front seat of the Sequoia is like being in a big easy chair. The cushions are nice and wide and barely contoured. The seat bottom is a touch firm, though, requiring you to shift your weight around a bit on longer drives.
Middle Seat: Captain’s Chairs
Depending on trim, you can get either a pair of captain’s chairs in the middle row or a three-seat bench. The captain’s chairs are even more comfortable than the front seats because you can recline way further. Plus, with how tall the windows are, you get a pretty good view outside, especially for smaller riders; kids should like it back there.
Middle Seat: 3-Row Bench for Maximum Utility
But sometimes, you just gotta have the bench. This turns the Sequoia into an eight-seater (versus a seven-seater with the captain’s perches). Regardless of setup, though, the seats are positioned rather low to the floor so your knees may be higher up than you’re used to.
Middle Seat Climate Controls Fit for Royalty
In top-level Capstone Sequoias, middle-seat passengers are treated like climate royalty. You get vents, your own climate controls, and heated and cooled seats. Not bad.
Big Windows Let in Tons of Light
You’d sort of expect big windows on a vehicle this large. Thankfully, the Sequoia doesn’t disappoint. The beltline is low enough that you can comfortably rest your elbows on the sills.
Panoramic Roof Adds Airiness
It’s always nice when a car has an airy greenhouse and doubly so when there’s a big, panoramic glass roof you can open up to let in even more light. This made the Sequoia feel even more like a house on wheels.
Third-Row Seat
Does It Seat Three?
Indeed! There are some three-row SUVs these days that only offer a two-seat bench in the third row. The Sequoia ignores this nonsense. Three people can fit in the third row, which reclines and has 6 inches of sliding capability. However, these seats are positioned basically on the floor of the vehicle, so those of us with longer legs might not be that comfortable. You get cupholders back there, though!
Trunk
Third Row: Upright
Because that third row can slide, it does compromise trunk space somewhat. Like, look. You could fit bags of groceries, probably? But only side by side.
There’s a Removable Shelf
If you fold down the third row, the removable shelf can be repositioned to suit your needs and create more of a flat load surface across the tops of the folded seat backs.
We Tried It Out
We packed two bicycles, two suitcases, a few boxes, and various odds and ends into the Sequoia. It wasn’t our finest packing job, but the overall impression, again, was because the floor of the Sequoia is rather high, it detracts from usable cabin space.
Everything Else
Love the Chunky Shifter
If we were to pick one word to describe the Sequoia’s interior, it would be “hefty.” Everything has heft to it. The steering wheel and shifter are both chunky and fit well with such a big vehicle. They feel substantial in the hand. They feel appropriate.
T O Y O T A
Though not available on all Sequoias, this is in case anyone forgets what sort of vehicle it is. Do you think they made the letters big enough?
That TRD Pro Red Leather
Just want to give a special shoutout to this red camo TRD Pro leather interior. It’s a truly alarming shade of red, which makes the camouflage print even more hilarious. But hey, if that’s your thing, go for it!
Is It Worth It for the Interior?
Depends. If all you want is a three-row Toyota, check out the Grand Highlander first—or even the Toyota Sienna. They’re more affordable than the full-size Sequoia and make even better use of their available cabin space. That said, the Sequoia feels more rugged and is happy to get tossed around. Just make sure your garage is big enough for it!
I got into cars the way most people do: my dad. Since I was little, it was always something we’d talk about and I think he was stoked to have his kid share his interest. He’d buy me the books, magazines, calendars, and diecast models—everything he could do to encourage a young enthusiast. Eventually, I went to school and got to the point where people start asking you what you want to do with your life. Seeing as cars are what I love and writing is what I enjoy doing, combining the two was the logical next step. This dream job is the only one I’ve ever wanted. Since then, I’ve worked at Road & Track, Jalopnik, Business Insider, The Drive, and now MotorTrend, and made appearances on Jay Leno’s Garage, Good Morning America, The Smoking Tire Podcast, Fusion’s Car vs. America, the Ask a Clean Person podcast, and MotorTrend’s Shift Talkers. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, cooking, and watching the Fast & Furious movies on repeat. Tokyo Drift is the best one.
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