2008 Toyota Sequoia
by Jim Prueter -08/2008

New Sequoia worth a look for big families

Sequoia, which is built on the same platform as the Tundra pickup, is all new and completely redesigned for 2008. Like the big Tundra introduced last year, the new Sequoia is significantly larger than last year’s model, which was basically the same vehicle since 2001, with minor yearly upgrades.

Completely new inside and out, Sequoia has grown nearly four inches in wheelbase and over an inch in length and height. It sports a roomier cabin with second-row legroom noticeably more abundant.

Some might question Toyota’s timing at introducing such a large vehicle, given $4 a gallon gasoline, but manufacturers’ models are planned several years in advance. The Sequoia introduction was tied to last year’s Tundra debut.

Still, Sequoia sales are some 35 percent ahead of 2007 through the first seven months of 2008, bucking the trend of other full-sized SUVs like Chevy Tahoe, Ford Expedition and Dodge Durango whose sales are waning in popularity.

With the new Sequoia comes the same 5.7-liter, 381-horsepower V-8 that powers the Tundra as an option to the standard 4.7-liter, 276-horsepower V-8. Oddly, the more powerful V-8 returns better gas mileage. Although, the best we were able to squeeze out of the larger engine was a dismal gas-sucking 12 miles per gallon during a weeklong test drive. And, if you have anything other than a light touch on the gas pedal, that number will drop to the single digits and a $100 bill will disappear into the gas tank.

Yet, for families who can justify this size vehicle and need the power to tow a camper or boat, Sequoia should be on the “must test drive” list. Significant improvements to Sequoia’s driving dynamics, the roomy and comfortable interior, performance and road manners are impressive.

Three trim levels are available: SR5, Limited and the all-new ritzy Platinum. All are available in either two- or four-wheel drive.

Sequoia seats up to eight in three rows; 40/20/40 split second-row seats slide forward and back for more third-row legroom. The center of the second row is ideal for a child seat that can slide forward for easy access from the front seats. Sequoia is the only vehicle in its class to offer this feature.

Unlike Tahoe, the second and third rows fold flat for an ample 120 cubic feet of cargo space. Second-row is manual control only, but third-row powers up and down and also has a power recline feature. Carpeting falls in place to cover all gaps. Front seats are supremely comfortable.

We tested the top-of-the-line Platinum with standard leather seating, power everything, running boards, 20-inch wheels, load-leveling rear air springs, AVS adaptive shock absorbers, power liftgate, sunroof, heated/cooled front seats, second-row captain’s chairs, navigation system with integrated back-up camera and power tilt/telescoping steering wheel.

Options on our tester included a rear seat DVD entertainment system (which cannot be operated from the driver’s seat, requiring mom or dad to set it up before driving off), dynamic laser cruise control and a cold weather package for a total list price of $58,930.

The Sequoia is a huge vehicle and handling takes a bit of getting used to, meaning you just can’t pull into a parking space like you would with a sedan or smaller SUV. But it’s still not as difficult as some vehicles we’ve tested. Brakes feel a bit soft, but not panicky. The ride is superb, smooth and the cabin is library quiet on the road. Visibility is excellent.

The interior is less car-like and a couple notches below Tahoe — too many textures, colors and plastic materials. Center console is huge, and there’s also a slot on the console that will store a laptop. Door armrests have compartment for small items. The clock and temperature are housed in a separate slot on top of the dash and are hard to see and read during daylight.

Other nice touches are the pull-up window shades for second- and third-row seats, dial-up four-wheel drive and a covered stowage compartment in the cargo floor.

A few gripes: shorter drivers could use power pedals, different areas of dash lights don’t all dim the same, running boards are annoying with the only obvious purpose being to soil your slacks as you get in and out of the vehicle, and third row head rests are pretty much useless due to size and location.

Standard safety gear includes traction control plus vehicle skid control; brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution; front, side and side-curtain airbags for all rows of seats.

Overall: Lots of improvements on what was already a pretty good vehicle. It’s easy to drive with a comfortable ride, and massive amounts of room. Sequoia gets pricey when upgrading to the Limited and Platinum trim levels, and we wish it was offered as a hybrid.