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2026 Toyota Sequoia Review: 437-HP Hybrid Beast, 9,500-lb Towing, Enough for Big Families

By Amit Kulkarni
5 min read
2026 Toyota Sequoia

The 2026 Toyota Sequoia continues to position itself as Toyota's largest, most luxurious SUV, and the new 1794 trim brings refined materials and equipment to match. It ships standard with Toyota's I-Force Max 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 hybrid (a 437-hp / 583 lb-ft system paired to a 10-speed automatic), starts at $64,000 for the model line, and delivers strong towing and resale prospects. However, in real-world testing the Sequoia trails some rivals on cargo volume and third-row comfort, and practicality remains a sticking point for family buyers who prioritize space.

New trim, hybrid powertrain, and pricing

The 2026 Toyota Sequoia 1794 blends near-Lexus interior quality with Toyota's standard hybrid performance hardware. Every Sequoia now uses the I-Force Max hybrid system, a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 with electric assist producing 437 hp and abundant torque, routed through a 10-speed automatic. The Sequoia lineup for 2026 begins at $64,000, while a fully-optioned 1794 four-wheel-drive example checked in around $86,000 in the reviewed specification. Toyota continues to assemble the Sequoia in Texas.

2026 Toyota Sequoia Powertrain, performance and economy

  • Powertrain: Standard hybrid I-Force Max, 3.5 L twin-turbo V6 + electric assist, combined output 437 hp / 583 lb-ft, 10-speed automatic.
  • Fuel economy (EPA quoted): ~20 MPG combined (4WD), 22 MPG (2WD). In early real-world testing the review team observed ~17 MPG in mixed city driving before completing a full tank.
  • Towing: Rated up to 9,500 lb; the reviewed 1794 as equipped weighed just over 9,000 lb.
  • Driving character: The hybrid system is tuned more for performance than hyper-efficient economy, and Toyota augments engine sound with synthesized cues to evoke the traditional V8 character common in full-size rivals. The 10-speed automatic is generally smooth with occasional shift confusion under hard inputs.

Interior, materials and technology

  • Cabin: The 1794 trim adopts rich two-tone leather, real wood trim and premium stitching to create a "Lexus-like" ambience. Toyota upgraded several interior offerings for 2026: the SR5 retains cloth seating, the Limited now receives genuine leather, and Platinum/1794 trims use real leather (the Capstone's previous black-and-white semi-aniline treatment has been removed in favor of real leather in shale tones).
  • Displays & audio: A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster is standard throughout the range; most trims get a 14-inch infotainment screen (base model excluded). Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available; Platinum and above can be optioned with a 14-speaker JBL audio system.
  • Visibility & convenience: Optional 10-inch head-up display (standard on Capstone, available on upper trims). Power running boards, power tailgate (now standard across the range), 360° camera system and extensive USB/power outlets round out the convenience list.
  • Storage & ergonomics: Large center console and abundant door storage (the channel's trademark "donut test" fit a full two dozen doughnuts into the console). Wireless charging is fitted on higher trims but the reviewer noted the pad's placement leaves the phone prone to shifting.

Seating, space and cargo

  • Seating: The 1794 reviewed came with captain's chairs (standard on Platinum and above) for a seven-passenger arrangement; a bench increases capacity to eight. Front seats are highly adjustable (up to 14-way on high trims) with memory functions available from the Limited level up.
  • Second row: 39 in of legroom (reviewer reference), generous headroom and climate/charging amenities. However, second-row seats are fixed in position for this generation, they do not slide fore/aft, which reduces flexibility compared with some rivals.
  • Third row: Claimed up to 34 in of legroom at its maximum setting but the Sequoia's third row lacks thigh support and can feel cramped for taller adults; the reviewer described it as "fit for the in-laws" rather than ideal for long trips. The third row does not stow neatly into the floor; instead the vehicle uses a shelf arrangement and power-folding third-row seats are one-touch.
  • Cargo capacity: Measured at ~11 cu ft behind the third row, 49 cu ft behind the second row, and 87 cu ft maximum with seats folded, significantly less than some full-size rivals that commonly exceed 100 cu ft maximum cargo volume. Cargo opening and usable height are adequate, but the third-row volumes are a weak point in the Sequoia's practicality profile.

Chassis, ride and safety

  • Platform & ride: The Sequoia remains a body-on-frame full-size SUV. Toyota offers rear air suspension and adaptive dampers as options to improve ride quality, though the Sequoia does not provide the same full-range, multi-link air-suspension setups available on some competitors. On 20-inch wheels the 1794 demonstrated a comfortable, controlled ride and a quiet cabin.
  • Noise: The review team recorded 53.3 dB at 55 mph, among the quieter results in the segment, reinforcing Toyota's focus on delivering a premium, insulated cabin experience.
  • Safety & driver aids: Toyota's full suite of active safety systems is standard across the lineup. The reviewer reported these systems performed well during the week-long test.

Practical strengths and weaknesses

Slam dunk (strengths):

  • Luxury-oriented cabin execution at 1794 trim that rivals near-premium competitors.
  • Strong hybrid performance with high torque and towing capability.
  • Excellent predicted resale and reliability (Toyota historically ranks at the top of reliability studies; the reviewer's combined reliability index and resale model suggest robust long-term value).

Airball (weaknesses):

  • Cargo and third-row practicality lag key rivals, lower maximum cargo volume and limited third-row comfort.
  • Fixed second-row position reduces flexibility for passenger/cargo balance.
  • Premium audio in high trims was judged bass-heavy and lacking fine detail relative to expectations at this price point.

Ownership considerations: warranty, value and costs

  • Warranty: 3 years / 36,000 mi basic; 5 years / 60,000 mi powertrain; hybrid battery warranty 10 years / 150,000 mi. Complimentary maintenance for 2 years / 25,000 mi is included.
  • Resale & reliability: Using the channel's resale model, the Sequoia is estimated to retain ~64.5% of MSRP after 5 years / 60,000 mi, and ~41.4% after 10 years / 120,000 mi, unusually strong for the class. Toyota's cumulative reliability indices also rank highly, supporting long-term ownership confidence.
  • 2026 Toyota Sequoia Pricing: The Sequoia lineup opened at $64,000 for 2026; a four-wheel-drive 1794 well optioned approaches $86,000. Buyers should weigh the premium interior and hybrid torque against rivals that may offer greater cargo volume and third-row comfort at similar price points.

Bottom line

The 2026 Toyota Sequoia 1794 is a compelling offering for buyers seeking a full-size SUV with strong hybrid performance, towing capability, and near-luxury interior finishes. It further solidifies Toyota's position for buyers who value reliability and resale. However, those who prioritize maximum cargo volume, third-row comfort and adjustable second-row flexibility should comparison-shop against segment rivals such as the Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford Expedition and GMC Yukon, vehicles that still lead in usable interior space and some suspension technologies.

For buyers who want a premium cabin, abundant power and Toyota's ownership economics, the Sequoia remains a persuasive choice, provided the compromises in cargo and third-row practicality are acceptable.