3. 2nd Gen Toyota Sequoia

The second-generation Toyota Sequoia is a full-size SUV built on the same fundamental architecture as the Tundra, giving it the stoutness and capability of a truck while adding the comfort and versatility expected of a family hauler. Its spacious three-row interior offers generous passenger and cargo room, a highly configurable second row, power-folding third-row seats, and enough space behind the seats to make it a surprisingly capable road-trip and camping vehicle. Under the hood, the 5.7-liter 3UR-FE V8 produces 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque, giving the Sequoia excellent acceleration and serious towing capability. With the factory towing package, it can tow up to roughly 9,600 pounds, while four-wheel-drive models offer a locking center differential and low-range gearing for moderate off-road use.

Like the Tundra and other Toyota trucks of the era, the Sequoia’s powertrain is generally very robust, but age and a few known issues deserve attention. Potential problems include secondary air-injection system failures, timing-chain tensioner wear, occasional cold-start piston slap, electrical and radio issues, and problems with the power sunroof and rear wiper. The most important concern for buyers of early second-generation models is frame and underbody rust, particularly in vehicles that spent their lives in areas where road salt is heavily used. Suspension components and steering parts will also eventually require replacement simply due to age and mileage. Overall, the second-generation Sequoia is an exceptionally durable and capable family SUV, particularly for owners who need to tow or carry substantial amounts of gear. Its biggest drawbacks are its size and poor fuel economy, but for those willing to accept roughly 13–17 mpg, few SUVs of its era offer the same combination of reliability, space, and towing capability.