MODEL
Toyota Sequoia
NHTSA safety across every Toyota Sequoia model year we cover.
Across the 7 model years of the Toyota Sequoia we cover (2019 to 2025), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2022 at 85 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2019 at 81. 20 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Toyota Sequoia is a full-size, body-on-frame SUV aimed at families and buyers who need serious passenger and cargo capacity without giving up the towing muscle of a truck-based platform. Now in its third generation, it targets a loyal audience of large-family haulers, outdoor enthusiasts, and fleet buyers who want Toyota's reputation for longevity wrapped in a genuinely big footprint.
At MotorCaliber, we measure safety, and the Sequoia's picture here is mixed enough to deserve a careful read before you sign anything. The best NHTSA Safety Index we recorded across the 2019-to-2025 window is 85 out of 100, achieved in the 2020 model year, which lands it in our Strong band. That is a respectable score for a full-size truck-based SUV, a segment that historically trades some nimble crash-avoidance geometry for sheer mass and towing capability. Rollover performance sits at 4 out of 5 stars, which is honest and expected given the Sequoia's tall, heavy architecture. Frontal and side crash-test ratings are listed as not rated across our covered years, meaning shoppers cannot lean on a complete star-rating picture the way they might with a crossover that has been more thoroughly evaluated. That gap in the data is itself something to weigh. The recall count of 20 across six model years is elevated and worth tracking through NHTSA's database before purchase or ownership. Owner complaints total 91, with 3 reported crashes and 6 reported injuries noted among them. These are unverified allegations, but the pattern warrants attention. The Sequoia is not a safety laggard, but its incomplete crash-test record and above-average recall volume mean a diligent shopper should check current open recalls on their specific VIN before buying.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally praise the Sequoia's commanding road presence, generous three-row seating, and the smooth power delivery of its hybrid powertrain in newer generations. Most acknowledge the trade-offs that come with a body-on-frame platform at this size, and professional assessments tend to position it as a strong choice for towing-focused buyers who prioritize space and capability over car-like handling.
- The best NHTSA Safety Index for the Sequoia across our covered years is 85 out of 100, earned in the 2020 model year, placing it in the Strong band, but this score does not reflect a complete set of frontal and side crash-test star ratings, which are listed as not rated.
- Rollover resistance is rated at 4 out of 5 stars, a result that reflects the Sequoia's tall, heavy, truck-based body-on-frame construction and is consistent with what buyers should expect from a full-size SUV in this class.
- Twenty recalls have been issued across the 2019-to-2025 model years, an elevated count that shoppers should investigate by running their specific VIN through NHTSA's free recall-lookup tool before finalizing a purchase or if they already own one.
- Ninety-one owner complaints have been filed across the covered years, including 3 reported crashes and 6 reported injuries. These are unverified allegations, but buyers should review the complaint categories on NHTSA's database to understand which vehicle systems have drawn the most concern.
Most-recalled year on record: 2024 Toyota Sequoia with 5 recalls.