Toyota’s largest SUV got some updates for 2026, bringing new comfort features and interior refinements to an already capable three-row giant. The 2026 Toyota Sequoia uses an all-hybrid powertrain across every trim level, putting out 437 horsepower while achieving respectable fuel economy for its size. But this full-size SUV has some quirks that buyers should know about before signing on the dotted line.
- The 2026 Sequoia starts at $66,120 and features a 437-horsepower hybrid V6 engine across all trims.
- New for 2026 include power-folding third-row seats standard across the lineup and real leather seating in the Limited trim.
- While the Sequoia excels at towing up to 9,520 pounds, it falls short on third-row space and cargo room compared to rivals.
Power and Performance That Holds Up
The Sequoia’s hybrid powertrain puts out 437 horsepower and returns combined EPA numbers in the low-20-mpg range. That’s pretty good for a vehicle that weighs as much as a small building. The turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 hybrid powertrain makes 437 horsepower and 538 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Toyota calls this setup the i-FORCE MAX, and it’s the only powertrain you can get in the Sequoia. There’s no traditional gas-only option. Fuel economy measures at about 21/24 mpg city/highway with rear-wheel drive, and 19/22 with four-wheel drive. Those numbers beat many V8-powered competitors, though they’re not exactly Prius territory.
For towing and hauling, the Sequoia is rated to pull up to 9,520 pounds, which is above-average grunt, even among truck-based SUVs. That towing capacity varies depending on trim level and whether you opt for two-wheel or four-wheel drive, but even the lowest rating is strong enough for most boat and camper needs. If you’re familiar with Toyota’s other SUVs, like the 2021 Toyota RAV4, the Sequoia is basically the big brother with serious muscle.
What’s New for 2026
The 2026 Sequoia arrives with several seating updates, including a power-folding third row now standard, and the mid-level Limited gains real leather upholstery, while massaging front seats become standard on the upscale Platinum, 1794 Edition, and Capstone trims. That’s a solid upgrade, especially considering how much of a pain it can be to manually fold down a third row.
Toyota is offering a special paint color for its top off-road models in 2026 called WaveMaker, a bright aquamarine-ish blue that looks like it came from the ’90s. If you’re into standing out at the trailhead, this color will do the trick.
New for the range-topping Capstone is Shale Premium textured leather trimmed seats, while the Limited trim gets cowhide in black or grey instead of the SofTex faux leather material, with the black leather gaining white contrast stitching while the gray leather gets black stitching. Small touches, but they make the interior feel more premium.
The Third-Row Problem
The Sequoia stumbles in the third row. Those seats are cramped due to the solid rear axle impinging on space, and with that seat in use, the Sequoia is lacking in cargo room. This is a real problem for a full-size SUV that’s supposed to compete with the Chevy Tahoe and Ford Expedition.
The Sequoia’s interior measurements are notably smaller than those of its rivals. So even though this thing looks massive from the outside, you might be surprised at how tight it feels in the back rows. If you regularly haul seven or eight people, you’ll want to test this out thoroughly before buying.
For cargo capacity, the Sequoia has 22.3 cubic feet of trunk space. That’s with all seats up. Drop the third row and you get more room, but it still trails some competitors.
Trim Levels and Pricing
The Sequoia continues in six trim levels: SR5, Limited, Platinum, TRD Pro, 1794 Edition, and Capstone, with pricing starting at $66,120, including destination, and reaching $86,530 for the Capstone. That’s a pretty wide price range, and it reflects the different personalities these trims offer.
The SR5 is your basic workhorse, though it still comes well-equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen and all of Toyota’s safety features. Step up to the Limited and you get that new leather seating, a 14-inch touchscreen, and heated and cooled front seats. The TRD Pro is the off-road beast with special suspension, all-terrain tires, and that wild blue paint option. At the top, the Capstone is the luxury model with all the bells and whistles.
Four-wheel drive is available on the SR5 and Limited for $3,000 and standard on subsequent trims. So if you don’t need 4WD and stick with the base SR5, you can get into a Sequoia for around $66K, which is competitive for this segment.
Is This the Right Full-Size SUV for You?
The 2026 Toyota Sequoia brings a lot to the table. The hybrid powertrain is a smart move, giving you decent power and better fuel economy than most competitors. The towing capacity is excellent, and Toyota’s reputation for reliability is a big selling point. Plus, every example gets adaptive cruise control, surround-view cameras, parking sensors, lane-keeping assist, traffic sign recognition, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and front and rear automatic emergency braking.
But that third-row space issue is hard to ignore if you plan to use all three rows regularly. And while the hybrid system is efficient for the class, that i-FORCE MAX system can be slow to respond and occasionally lurchy. Some buyers might find the driving experience less refined than expected at this price point.
If you’re shopping for a three-row Toyota and don’t necessarily need full-size capability, the Grand Highlander might be worth considering. But if you need serious towing capacity and hybrid efficiency in a body-on-frame SUV, the Sequoia checks those boxes better than almost anything else on the market.
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Lucas Foster 
Ava Rodriguez