NEW FOR 2016:
– No changes.
Toyota’s biggest sport utility vehicle carries over into 2016 without any changes.
Although it’s been more than two years since Toyota updated the Tundra, the half-ton truck upon which the Sequoia is based, it continues in what is effectively the same form since it was launched back in 2008.
The Sequoia offers buyers the usual benefits and shortcomings of a truck-based machine. The standard equipment level is generous, with standard heated leather seats, power seats, and a power-folding third-row seat. Likewise, the sturdy body-on-frame construction is well suited to towing and hauling. Total towing capacity maxes out at 7,100 lbs which is somewhat less than its rivals from GM, Ford, and Nissan. However, a fully independent double wishbone rear suspension offers a smoother ride, especially the Platinum trim which benefits from adaptive variable suspension and rear air ride.
Against the likes of the Ford Expedition and the Chevrolet Tahoe, the Sequoia looks and feels dated. Most cabin materials are hard plastic, and the design is not especially user friendly – it’s a big stretch over to reach the stereo, and the silver plastic instrument cluster with its drilled-in instruments harks back to prior decades. Also missing are the latest infotainment and tech-based creature comforts, plus active safety features.
But if it’s brute-force you need, the Sequoia has all the bases covered. Its 5.7-litre iForce V8 is strong, developing over 400 lb-ft of torque. Acceleration is swift, and it sounds great, but fuel economy is well behind the pace of the competition.
The Sequoia is available in SR5, Limited, and Platinum trims.
Features on the SR5 include 18-inch alloy wheels, 6.1-inch display audio system with eight-speaker AM/FM/MP3/WMA/CD player, steering wheel mounted controls, auxiliary and USB input, Bluetooth capability, satellite radio, tri-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, heated front seats, power 10-way driver seat, power four-way passenger seat, 40/20/40 split/fold second row seat, 60/40 split folding power-operated third row seats, power locks, power windows with driver/front passenger auto-up/down, power rear door window, ATF temperature gauge, exterior temperature gauge, oil pressure and water temperature gauges, auto-dimming rear view mirror with backup camera and digital compass, tilt/telescopic steering wheel, leather-wrapped steering wheel, simulated leather door trim, carpeted and all-season floor mats, cruise control, digital clock, integrated garage door opener, map lights, front and rear clearance sonar, keyless entry, illuminated entry, rear privacy glass, moonroof, roof rails with cross bars, towing hitch with 4- and 7-pin wiring harness, electronic trailer brake control connecter, dual heated power adjustable side mirrors, variable intermittent wipers, fog lights, automatic headlights, headlight washers, and front tow hook.
Limited trim adds 20-inch alloy wheels, 12-speaker sound system, navigation, reverse camera integrated into display audio system, text-messaging assistant, multi-information display, electroluminescent instrument cluster, conversation mirror, auto-dimming rear-view mirror with compass, power tilt and telescoping steering column, tonneau cover, second and third-row retractable sunshades, driver memory, power rear tailgate, chrome door handles, chrome mirrors, chrome rear trunk trim, rear spoiler, power folding heated auto-dimming exterior mirrors with integrated turn signals and reverse auto tilt, alarm, blind-spot monitoring system.
Platinum adds rear air suspension, adaptive variable suspension, 14-speaker JBL sound system with four-channel amplifier, 9.0-inch rear-seat Blu-ray entertainment system with dual wireless headphones, wood and leather-wrapped steering wheel, dynamic laser cruise control, second-row centre console, 120-volt power outlet, ventilated front seats, perforated leather upholstery, heated second-row captain’s chairs, woodgrain trim.
