The heart of the Tundra, a silky-smooth DOCH, 32-valve, 4.7-liter V8 power unit is the only engine offered, but it too has been modified to suit the behavior of an SUV. It's now biased toward torque, at 315 lb ft, with a slight reduction in horsepower to 240 from 245. All this power is transferred to the pavement via a 4-speed automatic transmission with one-touch 4-wheel drive, offering high and low range, a prerequisite for a true off-road adventurer.
Fortunately the same superb build quality and overall refinement that impressed me with the Tundra is evident both outside and inside the Sequoia. The seats are large and comfortable, available in cloth or leather depending on your choice of the SR5 or Limited packages. Almost every other luxury accessory SUV buyers have come to expect comes standard in Sequoia, making it an extremely good by at $45,400.
Although large in stature, it's nowhere near the largest available in this category. The Sequoia falls neatly between the Chevy Tahoe and Suburban, about the size of the class sales-leading Ford Expedition. That said, it has ample seating for eight with plenty of storage space behind the rear seats. A literal ton of equipment can be accommodated in the back by folding either the 2nd or 3rd row, creating a flat loading area.
2001 RAV4
An altogether different vehicle with an altogether different objective, the petite RAV4 weighs in at a scant 1310 kg. Toyota has simultaneously smoothed over and toughened up the exterior design, making it more palatable to the moral majority than the previous model. Arguably, the new RAV4 is the best looking compact SUV available, from every angle. The interior is particularly attractive, with ample use of aluminum-like trim pieces and quality plastic and cloth materials.