Toyota Sequoia

Importing a used Toyota Sequoia from the USA

The Sequoia is Toyota's full-size, body-on-frame SUV — the three-row alternative to a Chevrolet Tahoe or Ford Expedition, built to haul a family and tow a trailer without complaint. It was never a European showroom car, so importing a used one from the States is the realistic path. USCar Trader works as an independent broker, sourcing the exact truck you want and steering it through freight, customs and TÜV to a German plate. Because the Sequoia shares its ladder frame and running gear with the Tundra pickup, it's a genuinely rugged machine, and that changes how you evaluate a used example.

Production years and key changes

The second generation (2008 to 2022, code XK60) is the one most people picture: a huge, softly sprung V8 hauler that stayed on sale almost unchanged for well over a decade, which makes parts and knowledge plentiful. The current third generation (2023 onward, XK80) is a clean-sheet redesign on the TNGA-F platform, and it's a very different animal — turbocharged hybrid power, a modern cabin, and independent-then-solid rear axle engineering that dominates the ownership conversation. Both are worth importing for different reasons.

What is under the hood

Second-gen Sequoias run the 5.7-litre 3UR-FE V8, roughly 381 hp, mated to a six-speed automatic — smooth, torquey and thirsty, but famously durable. The third generation abandoned the V8 for the i-Force MAX system: a 3.5-litre V35A-FTS twin-turbo V6 paired with an electric motor for a combined output near 437 hp and strong low-end torque, driving through a ten-speed automatic. Rear-wheel drive is standard, with part-time or full-time four-wheel drive widely fitted. If you want the classic naturally aspirated V8 character, shop second-gen; if you want efficiency and pace, the newer hybrid delivers.

Trims and body styles

The Sequoia is a single large SUV body with two or three rows of seats. Trims across the generations include SR5, Limited, Platinum, the off-road-flavoured TRD Pro, and the newer Capstone luxury flagship. TRD Pro adds Fox shocks and a locking rear differential; Platinum and Capstone lean toward leather, air suspension and adaptive damping. For import, a Limited or Platinum second-gen strikes a good balance of equipment and value.

What the US market offers

Second-generation trucks are everywhere in the US used market, often with high but honest mileage — 80,000 to 150,000 miles is common and these V8s frequently sail past 300,000. Third-gen examples are newer and pricier, usually low-mileage lease returns. As with any large American SUV, southern and western states give you the cleanest, rust-free undersides, which matters on a body-on-frame vehicle.

Who this import is for

The Sequoia suits a buyer who needs genuine seven- or eight-seat space, serious towing capacity for a caravan or boat, and Toyota durability, and who doesn't mind the footprint or the fuel bill of a full-size SUV on German roads. Large families, tow users and people who simply want something no local dealer stocks are the core audience.

Technical data and figures

Reliability: trouble spots to check

The second-gen 5.7 V8 is one of Toyota's most bulletproof engines; the usual gripes are cam tower oil leaks, an air-injection pump failure on higher-mileage trucks, and simple thirst. Its six-speed automatic rarely gives trouble. The third generation's headline issue is packaging: to fit the hybrid battery and solid rear axle, the load floor sits high and the third row doesn't fold flat into the floor, which frustrates some owners — inspect the cargo area in person against your needs. Early i-Force MAX trucks also saw a recall related to engine assembly on some units, so check that any campaigns were completed. Air suspension on Platinum/Capstone trims is a long-term wear item to budget for.

US vs. Europe differences

US Sequoias use amber-integrated front lighting, generally lack a rear fog lamp, and display miles and °F. Infotainment maps are US-based. There's no European type approval because the model was never sold here, so the truck needs an individual approval rather than a routine re-registration. The sheer width is legal but worth considering for narrow streets and garages.

How the import works

The sequence is: choose the specific vehicle, run a VIN and origin check to confirm the plant of build, secure payment through escrow, ship by ocean freight to a port such as Bremerhaven, clear German customs, present for TÜV individual approval with any needed modifications, and register locally. USCar Trader manages the chain end to end.

Import duty, VAT and fees

Bottom line: what matters is the factory shown by the VIN – proven US origin unlocks 0% duty. The 19% import VAT always applies.

Keep the two charges distinct. Import duty hinges on provable origin: the Sequoia is built in San Antonio, Texas, so a US origin is likely, and under EU Regulations 2026/1455 and 2026/1461 a directly shipped, genuinely US-built vehicle can attain a 0% rate — but we confirm this from the VIN and plant code before you commit rather than treating it as guaranteed. Separately, the 19% German import VAT (Einfuhrumsatzsteuer) always applies to the customs value, whatever the origin. Both appear as clear, margin-free line items.

From modifications to registration

Plan for a retrofitted rear fog lamp, European-compliant lighting/signalling, and verification of the km/h odometer reading. The inspector examines lights, glass markings, tyres and emissions paperwork. With the approval certificate in hand, registration at the Zulassungsstelle is straightforward.

Pre-buy inspection points

Match the VIN to the title and the vehicle. Order a Carfax or AutoCheck to reveal accident, flood or salvage history. Inspect the frame and underbody for rust, especially on northern trucks. Check for V8 oil leaks and confirm the air-injection system on high-mileage second-gen units. On third-gen trucks, verify recall completion and test all hybrid functions. Confirm four-wheel drive engages and, on air-sprung trims, that the suspension holds ride height. Confirm a clean, non-salvage title.

What buyers ask most

Can I import a used Toyota Sequoia to Germany?

Yes. It's a normal used import completed via individual approval, as the Sequoia was never sold new in Europe.

Is the Sequoia built in the USA?

Yes, in San Antonio, Texas, which often supports a favourable duty position — but we still verify the exact VIN and plant before you buy.

Does that mean guaranteed 0% duty?

No. A qualifying US origin and direct shipping can enable 0% under the 2026 EU regulations, but we confirm it case by case rather than promising it.

Is the 19% import VAT always due?

Yes. German Einfuhrumsatzsteuer of 19% applies to every imported vehicle regardless of origin.

V8 or hybrid — which should I import?

The 2008–2022 5.7 V8 is the proven, simple choice; the 2023-on i-Force MAX hybrid is faster and thriftier but newer and pricier.

What's the biggest drawback of the new Sequoia?

The high load floor and non-folding third row reduce cargo flexibility, so inspect the boot against your needs.

How thirsty is the V8?

Expect roughly 15 to 17 litres per 100 km in real-world driving.

How long does import take?

Generally six to twelve weeks from purchase to German plates.

Start your search with Toyota in the Carhub, look at related large Toyotas such as the Toyota Highlander, the Toyota Grand Highlander or the Toyota Tacoma, and view current Sequoia listings to see what we can bring over.