“Excellent reliability, with all the space that you need. Very comfortable and capable. It is absolutely worth the gas it uses.”
2021 Toyota Sequoia: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The main change for the 2021 Toyota Sequoia is the new Nightshade Special Edition, a Limited-based trim with blacked-out styling. Otherwise, this is largely a carryover year with no major mechanical, safety, or infotainment updates.
About the 2021 Toyota Sequoia
2nd generation (2008-2022), late-cycle year before the 2023 redesign
Toyota positioned the Sequoia as a full-size, body-on-frame family SUV built for road trips, towing, and light trail use without giving up three-row space. Its core appeal was simple: a big V8, truck-based toughness, generous passenger room, available 4WD, and standard driver-assist tech. Compared with more car-like family SUVs, the Sequoia leaned harder into strength, towing ability, and long-term durability while still offering comfort-focused upper trims.
The SR5 serves as the core three-row family SUV, while the Limited adds leather seating, a power liftgate, and upgraded audio. The Platinum focuses on comfort with ventilated front seats and adaptive suspension, and the TRD Pro is the off-road model with standard four-wheel drive, specialized shocks, and a front skid plate. Every trim uses a 381-hp 5.7-liter V8 and six-speed automatic transmission.
What changed, by category
Styling
The Nightshade Special Edition joined the lineup as a Limited-based trim with black exterior accents and badges, black mirror caps and door handles, 20-inch black wheels, and a black leather-trimmed seven-passenger interior.
2021 Toyota Sequoia specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V8, 5.7 Liter | V8, 5.7 Liter | V8, 5.7 Liter | V8, 5.7 Liter | V8, 5.7 Liter | V8, 5.7 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Sequential Shift | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Sequential Shift | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Sequential Shift | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Sequential Shift | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Sequential Shift | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Sequential Shift |
| Drivetrain | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 13 mpg | 13 mpg | 13 mpg | 13 mpg | 13 mpg | 13 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 17 mpg | 17 mpg | 17 mpg | 17 mpg | 17 mpg | 17 mpg |
| Horsepower | 381 hp | 381 hp | 381 hp | 381 hp | 381 hp | 381 hp |
| Torque | 401 lb-ft | 401 lb-ft | 401 lb-ft | 401 lb-ft | 401 lb-ft | 401 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 7100 lb | 7100 lb | 7100 lb | 7000 lb | 7100 lb | 7100 lb |
| Rear Legroom | 35.3 in | 35.3 in | 35.3 in | 35.3 in | 35.3 in | 35.3 in |
| Seats | 8 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | ||||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||
| Heated Windshield | ||||||
| LED Headlights | ||||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||||||
| Privacy Glass | ||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||
| Roof Rails | ||||||
| Side Steps | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||
| Rear DVD Entertainment System | ||||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||
| Subwoofer | ||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||||
| 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 Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||||
| Power Folding Third Row Seat | ||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||||
| Rear Window Shades | ||||||
| Third Row Seat | ||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2021 Toyota Sequoia compared with the 2020 model?
The new Nightshade Special Edition is the meaningful change for 2021. The rest of the Sequoia largely carries over without major updates to its powertrain, safety equipment, or infotainment.
What is the 2021 Toyota Sequoia Nightshade Special Edition?
The 2021 Nightshade is a Limited-based Sequoia with a darker appearance. It has black exterior trim and badges, black mirror caps and door handles, 20-inch black wheels, and black leather-trimmed seating, but it does not add more power or off-road hardware.
Did the 2021 Toyota Sequoia get a new engine or transmission?
No. Every 2021 Sequoia keeps the 381-hp 5.7-liter V8 and six-speed automatic transmission.
Was the 2021 Toyota Sequoia redesigned?
No. The 2021 Sequoia remains part of the second generation and has no broad body, chassis, or interior redesign. Its main update is the addition of the Nightshade Special Edition.
Which 2021 Toyota Sequoia trim is set up for off-road driving?
The 2021 TRD Pro is the off-road-focused trim. It has standard four-wheel drive with a locking center differential, specialized FOX shocks, TRD springs, a front skid plate, and Rigid Industries LED fog lights.
2021 Toyota Sequoia Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 Toyota Sequoia.
4.4
2021 Toyota Sequoia
(55 reviews)
“If you want a vehicle that performs, is unquestionably reliable, has huge towing capacity, all-weather operating ability, and interior flexibility, you will want a Toyota Sequoia.”
“Excellent quality, comfort, and drive performance. Excels at providing storage options and cargo capacity.”
Sources
- pressroom.toyota.com — Sequoia Marches Ahead With Pricing And All New Special Edition For 2021 Model Year
- pressroom.toyota.com — Big Is Beautiful 2021 Toyota Sequoia Adds Sizzle With Nightshade Edition
- toyota.com — Pdf / 2021 / Sequoia Ebrochure
- pressroom.toyota.com — 2020 Sequoia Family Trips Get More Adventurous With New Trd Pro
- pressroom.toyota.com — Full Package 2022 Toyota Sequoia Offers Capability Comfort Spaciousness