2026 Toyota Sequoia Capstone Review: Poor Value for $90,000

      Andrew P. Collins

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      The 2026 Toyota Sequoia Capstone features appealing design aspects and a decent level of luxury in the front seats. However, after spending a week in this family-oriented, trailer-capable vehicle, my main takeaway was the inefficient use of space. Its exterior size is cartoonishly large, and the interior makes it feel like passengers are seated miles apart. Yet, the cabin still comes across as cramped and lacks the cargo capacity it should theoretically have.

      Honestly, I wasn't a fan of the first or second-generation Toyota Sequoia either. They both suffered from the same issues present in this model: an abundance of flat plastic with rectangular controls, massive dimensions, but impractical interior layouts. Nonetheless, I approached this $90,000 top-tier version with an open mind. The fenders are attractive, and the i-Force hybrid system offers solid power and impressive towing capabilities while maintaining decent fuel efficiency.

      This vehicle is ideal for a family of four engaged in serious towing—perhaps you own a boat, horse, or UTV. Its hybrid powertrain provides excellent strength, with a maximum towing capacity of nearly 9,000 pounds, enough to transport two horses in a quality trailer—a task generally suited for Super Duty trucks.

      The hybrid battery and robust rear axle, however, do compromise interior space. Objectively, it handles well for a vehicle of its kind, and the powertrain is commendable if you overlook recent reliability concerns. Yet, the luxury features leave the Sequoia Capstone caught between high-end vehicles and utilitarian family vans, and did I mention it feels excessively large?

      The Basics

      The 2026 Toyota Sequoia is a sizable three-row SUV built on a traditional body-on-frame design, equipped with a more modern twin-turbo V6 hybrid powertrain and an old-fashioned solid rear axle. This vehicle (which one could definitely call a truck) starts at around $65,000. From the base SR5 trim, you can opt for the TRD Pro off-road version (with improved suspension and skid plates), various mid-level trims, and this fully-loaded Capstone. My test vehicle came to $86,530.

      The power figures are impressive: 437 horsepower and a formidable 583 lb-ft of torque. It's also designed to run on 87-octane (regular) fuel, which is a plus; the cost of filling a 22-gallon tank with premium is harsh nowadays, even for those affording a $90,000 vehicle. The transmission is a 10-speed automatic, which performs well. The 4x4 variant, commonly chosen by buyers, claims 19 mpg in the city, 22 mpg on the highway, and 20 mpg combined. There's also a two-wheel drive option (quite reasonable especially if you're located in southern states like South Carolina or Texas) that reports 21 mpg city, 24 highway, and 22 combined. Not too shabby for a 6,185-pound behemoth. Indeed, this vehicle weighs a full three tons before any passengers come on board. Make sure to pay attention to those bridge weight limits in small towns!

      Despite its imposing size, the Capstone doesn't have a particularly high ground clearance. The roofline reaches about 75 inches, while the ground clearance sits at only 8.6 inches. Even the TRD Pro version only has 9.1 inches of clearance—compare that to the Subaru Outback Wilderness with 9.5 inches.

      Driving the Toyota Sequoia Capstone

      Getting into the Sequoia is surprisingly challenging for a family vehicle. Standing at six feet tall, I had to exert some effort to step over the side step to enter the truck. That said, my height might be a factor—the power-deploying side steps were ineffective for me, and the door sill was too high for easy access. If you are shorter, this could quickly become a hassle.

      From the driver's viewpoint, the cabin features a screen larger than many laptops (14 inches). There are some interesting and tough-looking design elements, such as the sturdy switch panel beneath the screen and the vast center console. However, the luxury features about the Capstone are mixed. The grip covers appear cheap, but the massaging seats are delightful. The purplish-brown-on-grey (“Shale”) interior resembles office furniture from Staples—not the best aesthetic, but it’s not the worst either.

      Without a trailer or heavy cargo, and just a 45-pound Australian Shepherd in the passenger seat, the Sequoia accelerates impressively from a standstill. Braking is also quite good, given the weight of the truck. In fact, the weight contributes positively to the ride quality. Carrying the hybrid battery is akin to loading a pickup's bed—heavy springs perform better when