The Sequoia is Toyota’s largest SUV, and the full-size model was redesigned for 2008. The Sequoia is available with a choice of V-8 engines, including a 4.6-liter V-8 and a more powerful 5.7-liter V-8. The Sequoia can seat up to eight people. The Sequoia comes in three trim levels: SR5, Limited and Platinum. Competitors include the Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford Expedition and Nissan Armada.
New for 2011 An on/off switch for the daytime running lights is a new feature, and connoisseurs of fake wood will notice that the Platinum model has new wood grain interior trim. Otherwise, there are no significant changes.
Exterior The Sequoia sports a two-box shape, but it doesn’t have bump strips on the side doors. Like the Toyota Tundra pickup truck, the Sequoia wears a large chrome grille. Exterior features include:
Available 18- or 20-inch rims
Running boards
Power-operated and heated side mirrors
Fog lamps
Daytime running lights
Available roof rack
Interior The Sequoia can accommodate up to eight people in its three rows of seats that can be covered in either fabric or leather. The second row slides out of the way when you lift a lever, making it easy to get to the third-row seats. Large air-conditioning knobs dominate the middle of the dash. Bluetooth and a USB port are standard. Interior features include:
Available seating for seven or eight passengers
Tri-zone automatic air conditioning
Power windows and locks
Keyless entry
CD stereo
Tilt/telescoping steering wheel
Cruise control
Available power-operated third row
Available navigation system with 7-inch screen and backup camera
Available DVD entertainment system with 9-inch screen
Available heated/ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats
Available power liftgate and sunroof
Under the Hood The Sequoia received a new base engine last year, the 4.6-liter i-Force V-8, which delivers 34 horsepower more than the previous version.
The 5.7-liter V-8 remains the engine of choice for most trim levels (it’s standard on Limited and Platinum Sequoias) — and a flex-fuel version is available. Both V-8s are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The Sequoia has a maximum tow rating of 7,400 pounds. Mechanical features include:
310-hp, 4.6-liter V-8 with 327 pounds-feet of torque
381-hp, 5.7-liter V-8 with 401 pounds-feet of torque
Six-speed automatic transmission
Four-wheel-independent suspension
Available air suspension system with load-leveling feature
Safety The Sequoia added driver and passenger knee airbags as standard equipment for 2010. Other standard safety features include:
Eight airbags
Electronic stability system
Traction control
Antilock brakes that incorporate brake assist and electronic brake-force distribution
Available front and rear parking sensors and backup camera
