Base Price: $34,835
Price as Tested: $54,920
Why We Drove It: The previous version of the Toyota Sequoia ranked high in our annual Initial Quality study, displayed a strong trend toward ranking high in initial quality over time, and displayed a strong trend toward ranking high in our Vehicle Dependability Study.
 
The Toyota Sequoia is a full size, truck-based SUV that can seat up to eight passengers. It is equipped with a choice between two V-8 engines that drive the rear or all four wheels, and is designed for towing and carrying significant amounts of weight over widely varying terrain   up to 10,000 pounds of trailer and up to 1,350 pounds of people and cargo. With all seats folded, the Sequoia can hold as much as 120.8 cubic feet of cargo. The Sequoia first debuted for the 2001 model year, based upon the Tundra pickup truck. For 2008, the Sequoia is completely redesigned, inside and out.


Here is a summary of the major changes to the 2008 Toyota Sequoia:
. Redesigned inside and out
. Shares platform and powertrains with Tundra pickup truck
. Longer, taller, wider and heavier than before
. More passenger and cargo space
. More powerful V-8 engine option
. New four-wheel independent suspension
. Bigger wheels and tires
. Stouter brakes
. Available air suspension option
. New Platinum trim level
. Numerous comfort, storage and technology updates


The 2008 Toyota Sequoia is offered in SR5, Limited and Platimum trim, with a choice between two V-8 engines driving the rear or all four wheels. The Sequoia Limited model adds fog lights, running boards, roof rails, chrome exterior trim, leather interior trim, a heated 10-way power driver s seat, an Optitron gauge cluster, front and rear parking sonar, side window shades, retractable heated power outside mirrors, and a JBL premium audio system with a six-disc CD changer. In addition to the Limited upgrades, the Platinum includes 20-inch alloy wheels, a power tailgate, headlight washers, heated second-row captain s chairs, air conditioned front seats, a navigation system, a reversing camera, a power sunroof, a power tilt and telescopic steering wheel, and an electrically adjustable suspension.


Options generally depend on the trim level selected. Sequoia SR5 models can be equipped with extras like a touch-screen navigation system with reversing camera, a JBL audio system, power adjustable front seats, leather upholstery, a Homelink universal transmitter, a power sunroof, a load leveling suspension, front and rear parking sonar, running boards, a towing package, and a cold weather package. Limited models are available with navigation, a reversing camera, a power sunroof, and a load-leveling suspension, just like the SR5. Options exclusive to the Limited include 20-inch alloy wheels, a power tailgate, and second-row captain s chairs. Platinum models are well equipped out of the box, with only dynamic laser cruise control and special White Pearl paint as unique options. All Sequoias can be ordered with a rear seat DVD entertainment system that includes a 115-volt power outlet, and daytime running lights.


The 2008 Toyota Sequoia SR5 and Limited are powered by a standard 4.7-liter V-8 engine. This engine makes 276 horsepower at 5400 rpm and 314 lb.-ft. of torque at 3400 rpm. A five-speed automatic transmission drives the rear or all four wheels, and a Sequoia equipped with this engine can tow up to 7,800 pounds when properly equipped. Available on SR5 and Limited, and standard on Platinum, is a 5.7-liter V-8 engine. This engine makes 381 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 401 lb.-ft. of torque at 3600 rpm. A six-speed automatic transmission is included with this larger, more powerful V-8. It can tow up to 10,000 pounds when properly equipped.


Standard safety features on the 2008 Toyota Sequoia include six airbags: dual front, dual front side-impact, and side curtains with roll-sensing technology for all three rows of seats. Additionally, the Sequoia is equipped with antilock brakes and brake assist, stability control, and traction control. Front and rear sonar systems are standard on Limited and Platinum, optional on SR5. A reversing camera is standard on Platinum, optional on SR5 and Limited. Only the Sequoia Platinum is available with dynamic laser cruise control.


J.D. Power and Associates says the 2008 Toyota Sequoia competes against other full-size multi-activity vehicles like the Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe, Ford Expedition, GMC Yukon, and Nissan Armada.