Technical
Only one engine appears on the menu for the Sequoia. It is the same 4.7L
V8 engine found in the 4Runner, Tundra, Lexus GX470 and Lexus LX470 in varied states of tune. In this vehicle, it develops 282 hp at 5 400 rpm and 325 lb/ft of torque at 3 400 rpm up 42 and 10 respectively from 2004. A new for 2005 5-speed automatic transmission transfers power to all four corners. The 4WD system is of the permanent type. The multi-mode transfer case can be positioned in either high or low gear. The rear suspension on the Sequoia is self or manual levelling. It will automatically adjust ride height to compensate for heavy cargo or a large trailer. Steering is accomplished with a variable assist rack and pinion and braking duties are handled by 4-wheel vented discs.
On the road
The V8 is obviously right and necessary for a vehicle of this size and girth. At 2 413 kg, the Sequoia is evidently no featherweight. Quick take-offs are hampered by a throttle pedal that has an unusual amount of play in it. With the pedal to the floor, the behemoth charges forward with little effort. Highway passing is trouble free. The 4.7L gives off a nice macho sonorous V8 noise.
T
he 4WD system is very slow to engage between gears in the transfer case. Once engaged, the system works well although the VSC with A-Trac (vehicle stability control) can never be fully disengaged. This could prove to be problematic for someone going through some deep mud or snow. The transmission, on the other hand, shifts crisply through the gears. It will even hold a lower gear for a pronounced amount of time even under mild acceleration. This permits quicker bursts of acceleration (no kick down) but higher fuel consumption is the compromise. Speaking of gas, the Sequoia managed an average low number of 15L per 100 km and an average high of 21L per 100km.
Brakes on the Sequoia represent its weakest point. The pedal is very spongy and, on top of that, requires a tremendous amount of pressure. Stopping distances are long. Combined with a pedal that lacks total response, braking ought to become pre-emptive. Steering is precise for a truck but lacks on-center feel.
The Sequoia's ride is quite harsh à la truck. The front is compliant enough however the rear load-levelling suspension is very dry. The front soaks up road irregularities however the tail end quickly becomes fussy and jarring. Crosswinds are a concern but are also expected on a vehicle this big.
Safety
The Sequoia has standard dual front, side and side curtain air bags, ABS brakes, electronic brake force distribution, stability and traction control and seatbelt pre-tensionners. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) awarded the truck 5 out of 5 stars (a perfect result) for a frontal impact for both front passengers. The IIHS has not rated the Sequoia however it rated the Tundra, with which it shares its platform, as Good in frontal impacts.
Only one engine appears on the menu for the Sequoia. It is the same 4.7L
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On the road
The V8 is obviously right and necessary for a vehicle of this size and girth. At 2 413 kg, the Sequoia is evidently no featherweight. Quick take-offs are hampered by a throttle pedal that has an unusual amount of play in it. With the pedal to the floor, the behemoth charges forward with little effort. Highway passing is trouble free. The 4.7L gives off a nice macho sonorous V8 noise.
T
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Brakes on the Sequoia represent its weakest point. The pedal is very spongy and, on top of that, requires a tremendous amount of pressure. Stopping distances are long. Combined with a pedal that lacks total response, braking ought to become pre-emptive. Steering is precise for a truck but lacks on-center feel.
The Sequoia's ride is quite harsh à la truck. The front is compliant enough however the rear load-levelling suspension is very dry. The front soaks up road irregularities however the tail end quickly becomes fussy and jarring. Crosswinds are a concern but are also expected on a vehicle this big.
Safety
The Sequoia has standard dual front, side and side curtain air bags, ABS brakes, electronic brake force distribution, stability and traction control and seatbelt pre-tensionners. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) awarded the truck 5 out of 5 stars (a perfect result) for a frontal impact for both front passengers. The IIHS has not rated the Sequoia however it rated the Tundra, with which it shares its platform, as Good in frontal impacts.