Toyota Sequoia
| Toyota Sequoia | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Toyota Motor Corporation |
| Production | 2000–present |
| Assembly | Princeton, Indiana |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Full-size SUV |
| Body style | 4-door SUV |
| Layout | Front engine, rear-wheel drive / four-wheel drive |
| Related | Toyota Tundra |
| First generation | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Production | 2001-2007 |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 4.7 L 240 hp V8 (2001)-(2004) 4.7 L 273 hp V8 with VVT-i (2005)-present |
| Transmission | 4-speed automatic (2001-2004) 5-speed automatic (2005-present) |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | Template:Auto in |
| Length | Template:Auto in |
| Width | 2001-02: Template:Auto in 2003-04: Template:Auto in 2005-07: Template:Auto in |
| Height | Template:Auto in 2001-04 SR5: Template:Auto in |
| Second generation | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Production | 2008-present |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 4.7L V8 5.7L V8 |
| Transmission | 5-speed automatic 6-speed automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | Template:Auto in |
| Length | Template:Auto in |
| Width | Template:Auto in |
| Height | Template:Auto in |
The Toyota Sequoia is a full-size SUV built by Toyota and based on their Tundra pickup truck. Introduced in 2000 for the 2001 model year, it was slotted in price between the mid-size 4Runner and the Land Cruiser. The Sequoia was nominated for the North American Truck of the Year award for 2001. Also, it filled the gap when the Land Cruiser was dropped for the Canadian market in 1995. The Sequoia is built at Toyota's Princeton, Indiana truck assembly plant and is currently sold exclusively in the United States and Canada.
First Generation (2001-2007)
The Sequoia was originally shown in car shows in 1999 and 2000, with full production starting in late 2000 as a 2001 model. Engine, driveline, and some sheetmetal components are shared with the Tundra, and shares the same basic chassis, with the exception of rear disc brakes and a more sophisticated multi-link live axle rear suspension. It received minor cosmetic updates for 2005 and gained a more powerful engine equipped with VVT-i, LED-backlit gauges, as well as a 5-speed automatic transmission, replacing the previous 4-speed. The Sequoia is slightly longer than the Land Cruiser, however, it is barely noticeable. At introduction it was larger than the Chevrolet Tahoe in most dimensions and similar in size to the Ford Expedition; its V8 engine was certified as Ultra Low Emission Vehicle. Frame assemblies and driveshafts are produced by Dana Corporation.
The Sequoia comes in two trim levels; SR5 and Limited. The SR5 starts at $32,820 while the more expensive Limited starts at $41,855. It is sold in both four-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive versions.
Second Generation (2008-)
Toyota unveiled the 2008 Toyota Sequoia at the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show. It was designed to look more like it's platform counterpart, the Tundra. The model is based of the new Tundra, which was launched in February 2007. Improvements include an optional 381 horsepower 5.7 liter V8, optional power folding split third row seats, and larger dimensions in every area. The 2008 Sequoia comes in three trim lines: the SR5 and Limited, featured on the first generation, and the Platinum, which is new for Toyota. Pricing ranges from about $35,000 to $55,000 depending upon the trim line and configuration.
The base engine is the 4.7 liter 276 horsepower V8 featured on the previous generation, though a newer replacement may be in the works. The 4.7 liter is standard on the SR5, while the Limited and Platinum model comes standard with the new engine. Four wheel drive is available on all models.
The interior of the 2008 Sequoia has been completely redisigned, featured the new, somewhat controversial dash of the new Tundra. Typical options include DVD based navigation, a DVD entertainment system, and seat warmers/coolers in the front row and warmers in the second row, available in Platinum trim. The HVAC system includes sun sensors to appropriately adjust airflow for each side of the vehicle.
Seating arrangements are for seven or eight passengers, eight for SR5 and Limited models and seven for Platinum models. Power folding 60/40 split third row seats are available on the Platinum.
External links
- Toyota.com : Vehicles : Sequoia is Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.'s official Sequoia page.
- [1] 2nd generation Toyota Sequoia SUV site.
- [2] Toyota press release detailing the launch of the 2008 Sequoia at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
- [3] Toyota's official pricing announcement of the 2008 Toyota Sequoia.