Toyota’s full-size SUV is back for the new year: The 2019 Toyota Sequoia will come in four configurations, all of them fitted with a towing package, and with an enhanced set of technologies and new safety systems, highlighted by the inclusion of the Toyota Safety Sense P suite of technologies.
“While many manufacturers have abandoned the full-size, body-on-frame SUV market, we continue to build the Sequoia for those Canadians who demand its unbeatable combination of capability and comfort.”
- Cyril Dimitris, Vice President, Toyota Canada
The look
As befits its alpha-male persona, the Sequoia is fronted by a prominent grille and stands high with 9.5 inches of ground clearance. It also features elements like LED headlamps with washers, LED daytime running lights and fog lamps, a power moon roof, roof rails and running boards.
The interior
Toyota says the generous use of glass means that the cabin has lots of natural light and provides great visibility on all sides. Depending on the trim chosen, the Sequoia can fit either seven or eight passengers. All versions have a 60/40 split fold-down configuration for the third row, which opens up a whopping 3,400 litres of potential cargo space in back.
Other notable features include a 6.1-inch display audio system with Bluetooth connectivity, integrated Sirius XM satellite radio and steering wheel-mounted controls, tri-zone independent automatic climate control, power windows including the tailgate window and a host of in-cabin storage spaces.
The powertrain
Toyota’s full-size SUV runs on a 5.7L i-FORCE V8 engine able to deliver 381 hp and up to 401 lb-ft of torque. Harnessing that power is an electronically controlled 6-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift mode, which delivers it in turn to all four wheels via an on-demand all-wheel-drive system complete with centre differential lock, auto limited slip rear differential, automatic disconnecting differential and two-speed transfer case.
Every version of the 2019 Sequoia also gets a trailer sway control system, as well as Toyota’s Tow Package, providing a towing capacity of at least 3,175 kg.
Every Sequoia comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense P, a suite of active safety technologies that includes the Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Automatic High Beams, and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. Other safety technologies standard on all Sequoia models include the Toyota Star Safety System, eight airbags, the Toyota Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert systems, a back-up camera, a direct tire pressure monitoring system, an antitheft system and more.
The trims
The entry-level Sequoia SR5 comes with a 40/20/40 split fold-down second row of seats (thus allowing for eight occupants), a towing capacity of 3,220 kg, 18-inch alloy wheels, an 8-speaker audio system, leather seating, heated front seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
The next-up Sequoia TRD Sport adds TRD sport-tuned Bilstein shocks, TRD front and rear sway bars, 20” black alloy wheels, and front and rear clearance sonar. Inside, the middle row receives captain’s seats (for a seven-person capacity). Other interior details include a TRD shift knob, door sill protectors and floor mats. Exterior details include a gloss black front grille, lower grille chrome surround, black side mirrors and rear door garnish.
The Sequoia Limited includes a 40/20/40 split folding second-row seat for an eight-person capacity, a 3,220 kg towing capacity, 20” alloy wheels, 12-speaker audio system with navigation, leather seating, heated front seats, a driver’s seat memory system, leather-wrapped steering wheel, illuminated vanity mirrors, a power rear door with jam protection and rear door glass sunshade, a power tailgate lock, chrome vent knobs, steering wheel-mounted HVAC controls, exterior mirrors linked to seat memory with reverse auto tilt function, integrated signal lamps and puddle lamps, chrome exterior mirrors, door handles and rear trunk trim, and more
The top-end Sequoia Platinum features second-row captain’s seats, a 3,175 kg towing capacity, front and rear Adaptive Variable Suspension systems, unique 20” alloy wheels, a 14-speaker JBL Synthesis audio system with 4-channel amp, navigation, seats in perforated leather, heated and ventilated front seats, a driver’s seat memory system, wood grain and leather-wrapped steering wheel, wood-grain interior trim, illuminated vanity mirrors, a power rear door with jam protection and rear door glass sunshade, a power tailgate lock, chrome vent knobs, steering wheel-mounted HVAC controls, a 120V accessory power outlet in the cargo area, exterior mirrors linked to seat memory with reverse auto tilt function and integrated signal lamps and puddle lamps, as well as chrome exterior mirrors door handles and rear trunk trim.
The pricing
Sequoia SR5 - $66,275
Sequoia TRD - $67,890
Sequoia Platinum - $76,075
