2013 Toyota Sequoia: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026

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.
About the 2013 Toyota Sequoia
2nd generation (2008-2022), sixth model year; a middle-of-generation powertrain simplification year rather than a full redesign.
Toyota positioned the Sequoia as the big family SUV for people who still needed real towing strength and rough-road ability. The 2013 brochure centers on family travel, roomy seating for up to eight, large cargo capacity, and a strong V8, while Toyota’s press materials stress its full-size capability and truck-based strength. Compared with large crossovers, the Sequoia’s draw is simple: three-row family space, strong tow hardware, and a more rugged platform in one vehicle.
Toyota positioned the SR5 as the practical work-and-family trim, with three-row seating, a towing hitch, a moonroof, and three-zone climate control. Limited adds family-friendly comforts such as heated leather seats, parking sensors, a power liftgate, and a power-folding third row. Platinum is the road-trip-focused model, with adaptive suspension, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row captain’s chairs, navigation, and Blu-ray rear entertainment.
What changed, by category
2013 Toyota Sequoia specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 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 | 4WD | 4WD | 2WD / 4WD |
| Fuel Type | Gas / Flexible Fuel | Gas / Flexible Fuel | Gas / Flexible Fuel |
| MPG City | 13 mpg | 13 mpg | 13 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 17 mpg | 17 mpg | 17–18 mpg |
| Horsepower | 381 hp | 381 hp | 381 hp |
| Torque | 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 |
| Alarm System | |||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| 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 | |||
| Bluetooth | |||
| Front DVD Entertainment System | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| Rear DVD Entertainment System | |||
| Satellite Radio | |||
| Smartphone Interface | |||
| Subwoofer | |||
| USB Ports | |||
| 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 | |||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2013 Toyota Sequoia?
The biggest change is that every 2013 Sequoia uses the 381-hp 5.7-liter V8 with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The smaller 4.6-liter V8 previously offered on the SR5 is gone.
Was the 2013 Toyota Sequoia redesigned?
No, the 2013 Sequoia was not redesigned. It remains part of the second generation introduced for 2008, with a simplified engine lineup and updated entertainment technology rather than major styling or structural changes.
What technology changed in the 2013 Toyota Sequoia?
The 2013 Sequoia Platinum adds a Blu-ray rear entertainment system and touchscreen navigation and audio with Entune-connected apps. It is also the first full model year with Entune-connected multimedia in the Sequoia range.
How does the 2013 Toyota Sequoia compare with the 2012 model?
The 2013 Sequoia mainly differs by making the 5.7-liter V8 standard across the lineup and adding newer entertainment technology to Platinum. Otherwise, its design, three-trim structure, and basic chassis carry over from 2012.
Which trims does the 2013 Toyota Sequoia have?
The 2013 Sequoia comes in SR5, Limited, and Platinum trims, and all three use the 381-hp 5.7-liter V8. SR5 focuses on everyday utility, Limited adds more comfort and cargo-access features, and Platinum has the most luxury and entertainment equipment.