carivo.co
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 8 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $55,805–$71,609 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2021 Toyota Sequoia Base at 7.7/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this suv. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.5/10, while Value at 6.7/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We score reliability at 8.2/10 — better than most direct rivals, if short of the segment's best. The 8.5/10 safety score puts it near the top of the class on this dimension; the official trim-level results at nhtsa.gov are worth a final check.
Performance scores 7.2/10 — competent for everyday use. Acceleration and handling are adequate for commuting and highway driving, though enthusiasts will want to look at higher-rated alternatives. Tech rates a reasonable 7.5/10: the essentials are covered and well executed, but rivals at the same price often include more as standard.
Priced from $55,805–$71,609, 19 MPG, seating 8, the Toyota Sequoia Base sits in the premium tier of the suv category. The value score of 6.7/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Our take: The 2021 Toyota Sequoia Base is a solid, well-rounded suv that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. The main caveat is value — worth checking if those dimensions are priorities for you. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2021 Toyota Sequoia Base ranks #564 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 77% of the segment. Its 7.7/10 overall score is 0.3 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $55,805 starting price is about 55% above the segment's median of $36,079.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2018 Toyota Sequoia Base scores 7.6/10 — within striking distance of the 2021's 7.7 — and starts roughly $5,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 7.9/10 | $63,164 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.9/10 | $61,325 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.9/10 | $59,485 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.8/10 | $57,645 | Read review → |
| 2021 (this review) | 7.7/10 | $55,805 | |
| 2020 | 7.7/10 | $53,966 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.6/10 | $52,126 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.6/10 | $50,286 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.5/10 | $48,446 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.5/10 | $46,607 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.5/10 | $44,767 | Read review → |
Other suvs at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.
Explore the full lineup of Toyota models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
