Click HERE to see a video on the Toyota Sequoia.
A big Toyota with some attitude
Another SUV... This is just one more of a seemingly endless palette of choices that manufacturer's offer. And there are many more to come.
In 2001, Toyota decided to participate in the full size SUV category that had been dominated by the Americans since the dawn of time. Their Land Cruiser has always been popular and is a living legend in many truck owners' circles. Therefore "why not build a bigger one?" they thought. Taking their 2000 redesigned Toyota Tundra pickup platform, the engineers at Toyota basically slapped a roof and windows over the bed and called it macaroni. Sale numbers are low for the big Toyota Sequoia. One has to remember that competing with the Chevrolet Suburban/GMC Yukon XL duo and the Ford Expedition is a tall order to fill. For 2005, Toyota helped the Sequoia where it needed it the most: horsepower and torque.
The Sequoia is available in only two trims. The SR5 V8 retails for $59,530 and the better appointed Limited, as tested, has a sticker price of $65,855.
Exterior styling
The Sequoia and its quasi-twin the Tundra certainly are large beasts. The
Sequoia is all about owning the road. It is a handsome looking truck with all the right attributes: tall large shoulders, big brawny front end with an oversized gaping grille and muscular fenders. Our Mink frost pearl paint coloured example was actually classy looking thanks to its golden aura perfectly matched to 17" gunmetal coloured alloy wheels. Panel fitment and paint application are quite good as is the habit at Toyota.
I am no longer a fan of running boards on SUVs thanks to my experience with the Pathfinder. However the Sequoia, which is sold by default with the side steps, are an absolute must as ingress and egress would be nearly impossible because of the height of the truck.
Interior styling
The dash is nice and straightforward. It is very well assembled with plastics that look much better than they feel. The gauges are large, clear and easy to consult. The HVAC controls are themselves easy to use
though they are located too far from the driver. The small screen that indicates the positioning of the vent and the desired temperature is also too distant and low to be easily consulted. I like column-mounted shifter; it must be because of my old Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser and my 1974 Ford Galaxie that I used to own. The one in the Sequoia is sloppy as the selector line and gear indicator do not always line up. I think the notches should be more pronounced.
Both front and second row seats are very comfortable. The middle row seats are actually the same as the front row buckets minus a few adjustments. The third row is sufficiently cozy although lower seat cushion padding is a little on the short side on long trips, as is legroom. The third row seats, in most vehicles with which they are offered in 2005, can be folded flat into the floor. The Sequoia's last row however needs to be removed and stored if the extra cargo space is required. The 10-speaker JBL audio system is powerful though the sound quality lacks clarity and antenna reception is average.
Visibility is generally good in every direction. The long tall hood and the absence of park assist make it tough to parallel. The ¾ rear view is unobstructed. However if a smaller vehicle such as the Civic is located a little too close to the side of the truck, it becomes nearly impossible to see and makes lane changes complicated.
A big Toyota with some attitude
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In 2001, Toyota decided to participate in the full size SUV category that had been dominated by the Americans since the dawn of time. Their Land Cruiser has always been popular and is a living legend in many truck owners' circles. Therefore "why not build a bigger one?" they thought. Taking their 2000 redesigned Toyota Tundra pickup platform, the engineers at Toyota basically slapped a roof and windows over the bed and called it macaroni. Sale numbers are low for the big Toyota Sequoia. One has to remember that competing with the Chevrolet Suburban/GMC Yukon XL duo and the Ford Expedition is a tall order to fill. For 2005, Toyota helped the Sequoia where it needed it the most: horsepower and torque.
The Sequoia is available in only two trims. The SR5 V8 retails for $59,530 and the better appointed Limited, as tested, has a sticker price of $65,855.
Exterior styling
The Sequoia and its quasi-twin the Tundra certainly are large beasts. The
 |
I am no longer a fan of running boards on SUVs thanks to my experience with the Pathfinder. However the Sequoia, which is sold by default with the side steps, are an absolute must as ingress and egress would be nearly impossible because of the height of the truck.
Interior styling
The dash is nice and straightforward. It is very well assembled with plastics that look much better than they feel. The gauges are large, clear and easy to consult. The HVAC controls are themselves easy to use
 |
Both front and second row seats are very comfortable. The middle row seats are actually the same as the front row buckets minus a few adjustments. The third row is sufficiently cozy although lower seat cushion padding is a little on the short side on long trips, as is legroom. The third row seats, in most vehicles with which they are offered in 2005, can be folded flat into the floor. The Sequoia's last row however needs to be removed and stored if the extra cargo space is required. The 10-speaker JBL audio system is powerful though the sound quality lacks clarity and antenna reception is average.
Visibility is generally good in every direction. The long tall hood and the absence of park assist make it tough to parallel. The ¾ rear view is unobstructed. However if a smaller vehicle such as the Civic is located a little too close to the side of the truck, it becomes nearly impossible to see and makes lane changes complicated.