2019 Toyota Sequoia Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

If you are looking for a full-size SUV with a ton of cargo space and a good off-roading performance, then the 2019 Toyota Sequoia should be on your list of vehicles to test drive. However, it is a vehicle that demands some careful consideration on the buyer's part.

Make no mistake about it; the Sequoia is indeed a massive SUV. It is flexible enough in its configurations to seat up to eight people while still offering a very generous amount of cargo space. Whether you need it to function as a people-hauler or for lugging around your camping or sports gear, the Sequoia can do it. It even has a respectable maximum tow rating of 7,000 pounds. Its towing can be maximized with the Tow/Haul driving mode, which provides more seamless driving while towing.

Before you decide on whether to buy the Sequoia, you should know what each of its four trim levels (the SR5, the TRD Sport, the Limited, and the Platinum) have to offer. Take note that, the higher up in the line you go (and the more you decide to equip), the higher the price tag will jump. But, depending on which trim you buy, you might find yourself getting a pretty good deal.

Each Sequoia model is equipped with a standard 5.7-L V8 engine that is capable of generating 381 hp and 401 lb-ft of torque. This engine gets paired up with a six-speed automatic transmission. While rear-wheel drive comes standard, you can opt to get four-wheel drive installed instead. If you plan on doing a lot of off-roading or will have to drive quite a bit in inclement weather conditions, you might want to consider slapping the four-wheel drive on your chosen trim level.

So, which trim level is right for you? Which trims should you overlook? To figure that out, let us break down each 2019 Toyota Sequoia trim level and compare their different specs and features. By the end of this review, you should have a clearer sense of which Sequoia level might best fit your unique needs.

 

Compare the 2019 Toyota Sequoia SR5 vs TRD Sport Trims. What is the difference?

The 2019 Toyota Sequoia's base trim is known as the SR5. For being a base trim, the SR5 is remarkably well-equipped with a host of standard features, making it a rather attractive purchase for many customers.

On its exterior, the SR5 comes loaded with high-quality features. There are LED headlights with both low and high beams with an automatic on/off feature. Also, the SR5 has LED daytime running lights with the automatic on and off function and LED fog lights that are integrated with the headlights. The front fascia has a grille that is made of chrome and surrounded by a dark silver insert and accents. The side mirrors are powered and heated, and, like the door handles, are color-keyed. A power tilt/slide moonroof comes as standard issue, as do the 18-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels that the vehicle sits atop of. A silver roof rack and black running boards also adorn the exterior of the SR5.

There is also a lengthy list of standard features found throughout the SR5's cabin. The interior is decked out in an easy-to-clean fabric upholstery, but an upgrade to leather trim is possible. Tri-zone automatic climate control can be found in all of the trim levels, as can the leather-wrapped steering wheel, which has a number of infotainment controls mounted onto it for the driver's convenience. The remote keyless entry system also features a remote illuminated entry feature. An automatically-dimming rearview mirror with a HomeLink universal transceiver can be equipped as part of an optional package. There is a 12-v auxiliary power outlet in the cargo area as well as hooks for securing grocery bags. Oh, and you won't have passengers fighting over cupholders, as there are a grand total of 16 of them conveniently placed throughout the cabin.

As far as infotainment goes, Toyota gives you quite a bit. The Entune Audio Plus system comes standard. This set-up gives you a 6.1-inch touchscreen display, AM/FM/HD radio, a 2.0 USB port that can connect an iPod, advanced voice recognition, Scout GPS, Bluetooth connectivity, Siri Eyes Free, and a complimentary 3-month all access trial to SiriusXM Satellite Radio.

Safety is another main focus on the Sequoia, and this is made obvious by the standard inclusion of the Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) bundle on all trim levels. Features included within it are a lane departure alert, the pre-collision system that also helps detect pedestrians, dynamic radar cruise control, and automatic high beams. Toyota also equips the SR5 with the Star Safety System (which contains features that assist with safe braking), an advanced airbag system up front, and a blind-spot monitoring system that comes with a feature for monitoring the traffic behind you. You also get parking sensors for both ends of the vehicle.

Certainly, the TRD trim level has most of what you'll find on the SR5. But, of course, it has even more since it is considered to be the sport trim. On the outside, the accents are upgraded to chrome, and the heated side mirrors are clad in gloss black. Also, the TRD gets larger 20-inch sport wheels, a black roof rack, and unique performance-tuned Bilstein shock absorbers and anti-sway bars for both the rear and front of the SUV.

Inside of the cabin, the TRD is distinguishable from the SR5 due to its capacity for seven seats instead of eight. Like the SR5, the seats have fabric upholstery but can be upgraded to leather. You can also still opt for the auto-dimming rearview mirror and HomeLink transceiver. And, with regard to infotainment, you can opt to get the Entune Audio Plus system as part of a package. Most of the safety features are also the same on the TRD as they are on the SR5.

Compare the 2019 Sequoia TRD Sport vs Limited Trims. What is the difference?

If you prefer luxury over sport, skip past the TRD and jump straight into the Limited trim level. The Limited comes with almost everything that the SR5 has but adds a bit more in terms of comfort and convenience. The Limited's exterior shares some of the dark silver elements of the SR5 and the chrome trim from the TRD. For example, the side mirrors are decked in chrome, as are the door handles. Also, the Limited has 20-inch split spoke wheels that are accented in dark silver.

On the inside, the Limited gives you the option of equipping a Blu-ray player with a 9-inch screen. Leather seats come standard, and, like the SR5, there are eight of them in total. You can, however, still opt for the 7-seat configuration. As a nice little added bonus, the Limited has retractable sun shades for the second- and third-row windows. Up front, the vanity mirrors on the sun visors are illuminated for convenience.

The Limited trim gets an upgrade when it comes to the infotainment system. The Entune Premium Audio system comes standard, and it includes the Entune App Suite and built-in navigation. Also, with regard to the Limited's safety features, the only real difference from the lower trim levels is that you can opt to add two-position power memory to the driver's seat as well as power memory to the side mirrors.

Compare the Sequoia Limited vs Platinum Trims. What is the difference?

At last, we have reach the top of the 2019 Toyota Sequoia line-up. The Platinum trim goes above and beyond to include more luxury features not found in the Limited. The exterior, for starters, is fully trimmed in chrome, including standard chrome auto-dimming side mirrors. The Platinum also comes with an adaptive variable suspension and an electronically modulated air suspension for enhanced driving performance.

The cabin also has quite a few noticeable upgrades from the Limited. Inside of the Platinum, the rear seat Blu-ray player comes standard, and the seats are treated with some top-notch perforated leather. They are also both heated and ventilated up front for maximum comfort. Additionally, the leather-clad steering wheel gains a beautiful wood grain, and an upgraded center console comes standard.

The Platinum gets treated to the height of Toyota's infotainment technology with the Entune Premium JBL Synthesis system. This upgrades you to 14 state-of-the-art JBL speakers and a subwoofer. For those who love having a superb sound system, this might just be the trim level to buy since the sound quality comes out crystal clear.

Other than these alterations, the Premium has the other features found on the lower trim levels. As is probably evident by now, the Premium is really all about providing drivers with the utmost in technology and comfort, which is why it sits at the very top of the Sequoia line-up.

 

Final Thoughts

Choosing between the Sequoia's four trim levels might seem a little less difficult by now. As you can see, all four trims share quite a few standard features, and there are enough options available on the lower trim levels to make them feel luxurious. Sure, if you can swing it, the Limited and Platinum trims are nice. And, of course, the TRD is the ideal trim for those who crave off-roading adventures.

However, the base SR5 trim is the level to buy. Despite the fact that it is a base trim, the SR5 gives you the best overall deal. There are plenty of standard features but not enough to make the vehicle seem overwhelming to the average driver. The SR5 makes for a strong daily driver and is still perfectly capable of comforting and entertaining its occupants.