2012 Toyota Sequoia: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

The biggest change for the 2012 Toyota Sequoia is standard Trailer-Sway Control across the lineup. Platinum also gains Blind Spot Monitor, but otherwise this is a light update with the same basic trim and engine lineup as 2011.

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About the 2012 Toyota Sequoia

2nd generation Sequoia (2008-2022), 2012 is a mid-run pre-facelift year.

Toyota presents the Sequoia as a full-size family SUV for people who need real truck strength along with three rows of seats. The 2012 brochure leans on family travel, flexible cargo space, towing ability, and the confidence of V8 power, body-on-frame construction, and available 4WD. Compared with softer crossovers, the Sequoia’s appeal is straightforward: lots of room, serious hauling ability, and Toyota durability in one large, road-trip-friendly package.

The SR5 is the practical family-and-towing version, with seating for eight, a tow hitch, three-zone climate control, a moonroof, and Bluetooth. Limited adds leather, heated front seats, premium JBL audio, parking sensors, and a power-folding third row, while Platinum brings navigation, rear entertainment, upgraded suspension, and heated and ventilated front seats.

What changed, by category

Safety

Trailer-Sway Control becomes standard on SR5, Limited, and Platinum. The Platinum trim also gains Blind Spot Monitor.

2012 Toyota Sequoia specs and features by trim

Feature	2012 Toyota SequoiaSR50 in stock	2012 Toyota SequoiaLimited0 in stock	2012 Toyota SequoiaPlatinum0 in stock
Engine	V8, 4.6 Liter / V8, 5.7 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 5.7 Liter	V8, 5.7 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 5.7 Liter	V8, 5.7 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 5.7 Liter
Transmission	Auto, 6-Spd w/Seq Shft	Auto, 6-Spd w/Seq Shft	Auto, 6-Spd w/Seq Shft
Drivetrain	2WD / 4WD	4WD	2WD / 4WD
Fuel Type	Gas / Flexible Fuel	Gas / Flexible Fuel	Gas / Flexible Fuel
MPG City	13–14 mpg	13 mpg	13 mpg
MPG Highway	17–20 mpg	17 mpg	17–18 mpg
Horsepower	310–381 hp	381 hp	381 hp
Torque	327–401 lb-ft	401 lb-ft	401 lb-ft
Max Towing	7100 lb	7100 lb	7000 lb
Trunk/Cargo	120.1 cu-ft	120.1 cu-ft	120.1 cu-ft
Rear Legroom	35.3 in	35.3 in	35.3 in
Seats	8	8	7
Doors	4	4	4
Safety & Security
Alarm System
Blindspot Sensors
Rear View Camera
Exterior Features
Alloy Wheels
Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors
Fog Lights
Memory Exterior Mirrors
Power Moonroof
Power Folding Exterior Mirrors
Power Liftgate/Trunk Release
Rear Spoiler
Roof Rails
Entertainment & Electronics
Bluetooth
Front DVD Entertainment System
Navigation System
Premium Audio
Rear DVD Entertainment System
Satellite Radio
Smartphone Interface
Subwoofer
USB Ports
Comfort & Convenience
115V Power Outlet
Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror
Dual Power Front Seats
Heated Front Seats
Heated Rear Seats
Integrated Garage Door Opener
Leather Seats
Memory Driver's Seat
Memory Front Seats
Memory Steering Wheel
Power Driver Seat
Power Folding Third Row Seat
Rear Window Shades
Remote Start
Third Row Seat
Ventilated Front Seats
Wood Interior Trim

How the 2013 Toyota Sequoia compares

The biggest change for the 2013 Toyota Sequoia is that the 381-hp 5.7-liter V8 becomes standard on every trim, replacing the smaller V8 previously offered on the SR5. The rest of this three-row SUV is largely unchanged, aside from updates to its entertainment and connected-media technology.

See the full 2013 changes

Frequently asked questions

What is the biggest change to the 2012 Toyota Sequoia?

The biggest change is standard Trailer-Sway Control on every 2012 Sequoia trim. It helps steady a trailer if it begins moving from side to side.

Is Trailer-Sway Control standard on every 2012 Toyota Sequoia?

Yes. Trailer-Sway Control is standard on the 2012 Sequoia SR5, Limited, and Platinum.

What changed on the 2012 Toyota Sequoia Platinum?

The 2012 Sequoia Platinum gains Blind Spot Monitor along with the lineup-wide addition of standard Trailer-Sway Control. Its other notable equipment includes navigation, rear entertainment, an upgraded suspension, and heated and ventilated front seats.

Was the 2012 Toyota Sequoia redesigned?

No. The 2012 Sequoia continues the second-generation design introduced for 2008, so its updates are limited to added safety equipment rather than a full redesign.

Is the 2012 Toyota Sequoia a major upgrade over the 2011 model?

No. The 2012 model is a light update over the 2011 Sequoia. Standard Trailer-Sway Control is the main lineup-wide improvement, and Platinum also adds Blind Spot Monitor; the basic trims, engines, and body carry over.