2026 Toyota Sequoia Capstone First Test: Marginally Improved, Looks Better Inside

It’s been about three years since we last tested a Capstone edition of the Toyota Sequoia. At the time, it had just switched to its third generation and ditched its Jurassic-era V-8 for a modernized V-6 hybrid. With that change came vastly improved towing capacity, better fuel economy, and an easier-to-access third row. It wasn’t all perfect, though, and the Capstone’s interior didn’t match the nearly $80,000 asking price. Has Toyota fixed any of these issues with the latest Sequoia Capstone, or is it continuing to lumber on largely unchanged?

As far as the pure numbers go, the 2026 Sequoia Capstone performed about the same as it did back in 2023, which shouldn’t be surprising given it isn’t a materially different vehicle. We will say the brakes felt much better than the last time we tested it, with less mushiness than before. The numbers bear that out, with a 5-foot improvement in 60-to-0-mph stopping. It also accelerates smoothly to 60 mph with barely a fuss in 5.7 seconds, one tick slower than before. Although the 3.4-liter V-6 hybrid under the hood doesn’t deliver the same aural enjoyment as that of the Sequioa’s old V-8 when you’re hustling it, it returns better fuel economy than your typical large SUV.

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When it comes to the daily commute, the Sequoia Capstone still drives a lot like it looks: big. Take a curve with a bit of speed, and you’ll be met with notable body roll, while acceleration and braking bring plenty of squat and nosedive. The Sequoia isn’t totally clumsy in the day-to-day, but we’ve come to expect more from SUVs brushing up against six figures.

The Interior Color Is Better, but That’s About It

Speaking of things not matching up to the price point, the Sequoia Capstone’s interior still isn’t fabulous. In an SUV that costs $25,000 to $30,000 less, it would be fine. But the overall fit and finish remain questionable; the open-pore wood still looks less than stellar, and the plastics in the second and third rows seem destined to be scarred in regular use. Even the fit between the dashboard and glove box is still off, just as it was in 2023.

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The good news is that Toyota’s new Shale Premium leather is a real improvement. The old white-heavy interior felt loud, especially when paired with dark gray leather and trim. Now the colorway is much more subdued, and the contrasting tones and stitching flow together far better. The Shale treatment’s standout feature is the dark brown leather trim piece that divides the lower seat backs and cushions where the diamond-stitched inserts live.

What the Competition Offers at a Capstone Price

So while it’s better in a few spots, the Capstone still isn’t at the level we’d expect it to be for the price. Then again, you could say similar things about some of the top-trim three-row full-size SUVs in the Sequoia’s competitive set.

One model that undercuts the Capstone is the 2026 Nissan Armada Platinum Reserve, which starts at $82,795. But the Armada’s twin-turbo V-6 lacks hybrid assistance and falls nearly 1,000 pounds short of the Sequoia hybrid’s 9,520-pound towing capacity. If you want to beat the Toyota’s towing figure, you’ll want to look at the Jeep Grand Wagoneer. Its 3.0-liter twin-turbo I-6 and standard suspension are good for 6,030 pounds, but add the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow package, and that jumps to 10,000 pounds. That capability comes at a price, as the package requires nearly $8,000 in options and pushes the Summit Obsidian trim to $104,685. (Drop one level down to the still plenty fancy Limited Reserve, and you can have the $1,995 trailering option by itself, dropping the price below $85K.)

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The closest to the Sequoia Capstone in price and towing is the Ford Expedition King Ranch at $87,155, which is just under the Capstone’s $87,330 starting price and the $88,148 sticker on our tester. The King Ranch also comes standard with the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow package, which raises the Expedition’s tow rating from 9,000 pounds to 9,600 pounds, just edging out the hybrid Sequoia. Unfortunately, the lack of electrification hurts the Ford at the pump. Its 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6 EcoBoost is rated at 15/22/18 mpg, while the Sequoia manages 19/22/20, potentially saving you around $300 a year in fuel.

You’re Probably Better Off in a Platinum or Limited

Anything north of $80,000 in this segment is a lot to ask these days, even more so when you take a closer look at the Sequoia lineup. The Limited and Platinum trims are still the ones we’d recommend if you aren’t looking for enhanced off-road capability. You’ll get a leather interior, heated and ventilated front seats, and a power tilt-and-slide panoramic roof, which is optional on the Limited. If you want heated and ventilated second-row seats, those come standard on the Platinum. In fact, the only things you can’t get on the Platinum that you can on the Capstone are some dark chrome exterior trim and 22-inch wheels.

You’ll also spend a lot less, as the Sequoia Limited 4WD starts at $75,890 and the Platinum at $83,130. If you want a more overtly luxurious package, the 1794 Edition is also well equipped—including heated and ventilated leather seats front and rear—for $83,945, making it a better value than the Capstone. You can even option it with TRD Off-Road hardware if you want a little extra capability in the dirt. And the Sequoia has great towing capacity across the lineup.

Regardless of which trim you choose, it’s hard to argue against the 2026 Toyota Sequoia if you’re in the market for a capable and relatively efficient three-row SUV with the reputation for Toyota quality. But you need to weigh what you really need against what you want, because you’ll get more for your money in a lower-spec Sequoia—even if what you’re after is a little extra luxury inside and out.