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2013 Toyota Sequoia 4WD Platinum V8 5.7L Review

2013 Toyota Sequoia 4WD Platinum V8 5.7L | Photo: Alexandra Straub
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Alexandra Straub
You won't forget its name
It might not be a volume-selling model like the Corolla, but there is a market for large SUVs, and Toyota does a bang-up job with theirs.

Let me introduce you two
The Toyota Sequoia is a vehicle in the Japanese automaker's lineup that is not frequently talked about. When mentioning to a friend what vehicle I had, they replied: "A Toyota what?"

There's no faulting her since I don't see a ton of them on the road. Nor are they as popular as the Prius, Corolla or RAV4.

Nevertheless, some people/families still require big vehicles to execute their daily tasks. For that, there's the 2013 Toyota Sequoia 4WD Platinum 5.7L. And once you've met it, chances are you won't forget it.

The 2013 Toyota Sequoia Platinum has an MSRP of $67,140. Keep in mind, this is the top-of-the-line trim with a premium stereo system, leather seats, a DVD player, and more. Ditch the bells and whistles and the price of the base SR5 5.7L slips down to $51,890.

Step inside, literally
Thank goodness for running boards on the Sequoia or I'd have a heck of a time hoisting myself into its cabin. It's fairly high up, but that also has its perks. Visibility is great from this high-up position, especially from the front seats.

Once inside, there's room for seven. Classy, sand beige leather seating surfaces abound, as well as a tranquil atmosphere. If you're wondering why there isn't an eighth seat, it's because on the Platinum edition the second row features bucket seats, not bench seats. Opting for either the SR5 5.7L or the 5.7L Limited will allow for eight passengers, but the second row isn't as luxurious.

As much as I like being the driver, the ultra-comfy second row bucket seats are a great place to hang out for long drives. Throw a DVD into the rear entertainment system, and I'm a happy camper. Then again, if I did that, I'd have to give up the driver's seat which I'm not prepared to do. Can't have it all, I guess!

Three rows
When it comes to third-row seating, the question: "How easy it to get back there?" usually arises. With the lift of a lever, the second-row bucket seat folds onto itself and moves forward and backward. There's a generous space to allow adults to hop into the nosebleeds. However, unlike an arena where the higher up/back spots aren't as great, any seat is a good seat in the 2013 Toyota Sequoia, even for an adult.

But arrive early for an even better position.

I can see cleary now
Due to its sizeable stature, the 2013 Toyota Sequoia has various aids in place to make sure you're going where you're supposed to when backing up or parallel parking. The sonar feature beeps when getting close to an object, thanks to sensor placed at both the forward and rear end of the SUV. Should the beeping drive you crazy, it can easily be switched off at the push of a button.

Then there's the rearview camera, which is a particular delight that makes sure smaller objects (or even people) aren't accidentally hit while hanging out behind you when you head off.

Moving forward
All trims of the 2013 Toyota Sequoia are powered by a 5.7L, i-FORCE V8 engine, which puts out 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque. Needless to say, I wasn't suffering from power withdrawal when it came to putting the pedal down. Calling the 6-speed automatic transmission to action takes little effort. It's ready to go at the driver's command, but isn't too jumpy in the process.

What's your number?
With great power comes not-so-awesome fuel numbers. This seven-passenger vehicle uses an estimated 17.2L/100km in the city and 11.9L/100km in the city. I averaged 15.2L/100km while we were together. True, it has a thirsty disposition, but it's just what comes with the territory.

Years ago, Toyota did offer a V6 option, but the V8 proved to be more efficient in the fuel economy department. A solution to the gas consumption blues? I vote for a Toyota Sequoia hybrid. Whether one is in the works is another question, but I'm hopeful.

Stop it
Slowing down a vehicle with a curb weight of 2,714 kg (5,985 lbs) is no light duty. Get it? Light duty? Tough crowd!

Anyway...

By using a set of power-assisted, front- and rear-ventilated disc brakes with ABS, Brake Assist and Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), the 2013 Toyota Sequoia can come to a fairly quick stop.

Big but not clumsy
When describing how the part-time 4WD Sequoia performs on the road, I must sing its praises. Yes, it's quite big, but the 2013 Toyota Sequoia doesn't feel clumsy. Nor did it feel super chunky. This is a great attribute that carries through on other Toyota products like the Tundra, Sienna and Venza. And thanks to the rack and pinion power steering, maneouvering this mass is also somewhat effortless.

This 2013 Toyota Sequoia 4WD Platinum V8 5.7L was originally published on Auto-Venus.com.

 
2013 Toyota Sequoia Platinum V8 5.7L
toyota sequoia 2013
2013 Toyota Sequoia Platinum V8 5.7L
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Alexandra Straub
Alexandra Straub
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