Second Generation Toyota Sequoia
The Toyota Sequoia is a full-size SUV produced by Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana in Princeton, Indiana. The Toyota Sequoia is a full-size SUV produced by Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana in Princeton, Indiana. It is available in Thailand’s Dubai’s and United States’ top dealer exporter.
It is derived from the Toyota Tundra pickup truck but differs in its use of an independent rear suspension. It is priced between the mid-size 4Runner and the full-size Land Cruiser. The Sequoia is the largest SUV currently sold under the Toyota name. Both the Sequoia and Land Cruiser seat eight passengers, however the Sequoia is slightly larger than the Land Cruiser, with partially larger leg room for the third row, and more cargo space behind the third row. Another difference is that the Sequoia is available in 2WD and its 4WD system is not the permanent 4WD system like the one featured on the Land Cruiser. Lastly the Land Cruiser is more luxurious and upmarket, being the basis for the Lexus LX. As of 2011, the Sequoia is sold exclusively in the United States, Bolivia, Canada, Chile, Mexico, Puerto Rico and the Middle East.
Toyota unveiled the 2008 Toyota Sequoia at the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show, with sales beginning that following December. Like the original Sequoia, the new model is based on the new Tundra. However major differences with the Tundra include a fully boxed frame, a rear independent suspension featuring double wishbones with coil springs for improved ride comfort and room, and a locking center differential on 4-wheel drive models. The new suspension helps give the Sequoia a tighter turning radius of 19 ft (5.8 m) and allows for a fold-flat rear seat.[2] Toyota stated the new frame is 70 percent more resistant to bending flex with torsional rigidity up 30 percent[3] However, the new model weighs more than 500 lb (227 kg) more than the previous Sequoia. The drag coefficient has been reduced to 0.35.
Improvements include an optional ULEV-II compliant 381 horsepower 5.7 L 3UR-FE V8, mated to a 6-speed automatic.
The 2008 Sequoia comes in three trim lines: the SR5 and Limited, and new Platinum. Pricing ranges from about $34,000 to $55,000 depending upon the trim line and configuration. The base engine is the previous ULEV compliant 4.7 L 2UZ-FE 276 hp (206 kW) V8 featured from the previous generation. The 4.7 L is standard on the SR5, while the Limited and Platinum models come standard with a 5.7 L V8 engine. Four-wheel drive is available on all models.
The interior of the 2008 Sequoia features the same dash as the new Tundra. Standard features include a tilt and telescopic steering wheel, power windows and doors, dual sun visors, and a keyless entry. Options include DVD based navigation with backup camera and 7″ screen, a rear DVD entertainment system, a 14-speaker JBL audio system, and heated seats with ventilated coolers in the front row and warmers in the second row, available in Platinum trim. The Limited trim includes audio, climate, and hands-free Bluetooth mobile phone system controls, an improved JBL audio system, electroluminescent Optitron gauges, and an electrochromic auto-dimming rear-view mirror and side view mirrors with a HomeLink transceiver. The Platinum model includes a standard DVD navigation with a backup camera, a rear air suspension which can lower for easy loading, and Dynamic Laser Cruise Control.
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. The Sequoia has a maximum towing capacity of 7,400 lb (3,357 kg) with the 5.7 L V8 in 2WD SR5 form or 7,100 lb (3,221 kg) in the 4WD SR5 trim. For complete trailer & weight capacities, see Toyota’s website.[4] Exterior differences include door handle colors (color-keyed for the SR5; chrome for the Limited and Platinum), diamond-cut 20 in aluminum alloy wheels for the Platinum trim, and varying power-heated remote-controlled side mirrors.
Standard safety features include Vehicle Stability Control, traction control, anti-lock brakes brake assist, electronic brakeforce distribution, front side torso airbags and roll-sensing side curtain airbags for all three rows. For the 2010 model knee airbags were added as standard feature for front driver and passenger safety.