Toyota Sequoia
Encyclopedia
The Toyota Sequoia is a full-size SUV produced by Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana
in Princeton, Indiana
. 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 Toyota's flagship Land Cruiser
SUV.
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, giving it markedly larger leg room for the third row, and more cargo capacity behind its third row. Another difference is that the Sequoia is available in 2WD and its 4WD system is not the permanent 4WD system found in the Land Cruiser. Lastly the Land Cruiser is more luxurious and more 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
.
s and a more sophisticated multi-link live axle rear suspension. The Sequoia was nominated for the North American Truck of the Year
award for 2001. 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 two-wheel drive
and four-wheel drive
versions. Vehicle Stability Control was standard on models.
It received a mid-cycle update and minor cosmetic updates for 2005 and gained a more powerful engine
equipped with VVT-i
, as well as a 5-speed automatic transmission
, replacing the previous 4-speed, LED
-backlit gauges and an in-glass antenna replaces the previous power mast.
Towing Capacity for the 2005 model year:
. 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 feet (5.8 m) and allows for a fold-flat rear seat. Toyota stated the new frame is 70 percent more resistant to bending flex with torsional rigidity up 30 percent However, the new model weighs more than 500 lb (226.8 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-liter 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 complant 4.7-liter 2UZ-FE 276 hp V8 featured from the previous generation. The 4.7-liter is standard on the SR5, while the Limited and Platinum models come standard with a 5.7-liter 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 7400 lbs (4,536 kg) with the 5.7-liter V8 in 2WD SR5 form or 7100 lbs in the 4WD SR5 trim. For complete trailer & weight capacities, see Toyota’s website.
Exterior differences include door handle colors (color-keyed for the SR5; chrome for the Limited and Platinum), diamond-cut 20" 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.
Note: Sequioa has not been retested for 2010.
In a Motor Trend comparison the Sequoia took 1st place.
Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana
Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana, Inc. is an automobile manufacturing factory located nearly halfway between Princeton, Indiana and Fort Branch, Indiana, USA...
in Princeton, Indiana
Princeton, Indiana
The median income for a household in the city was $26,689, and the median income for a family was $37,308. Males had a median income of $28,076 versus $19,825 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,049...
. It is derived from the Toyota Tundra
Toyota Tundra
The Toyota Tundra is a full-size pickup truck introduced by Toyota in the year 2000. It was widely considered to be the first full-size import-brand truck built with an American look and feel and a refined V8 engine. The Tundra was eventually nominated for the North American Truck of the Year...
pickup truck but differs in its use of an independent rear suspension. It is priced between the mid-size 4Runner
Toyota 4Runner
The Toyota 4Runner is a mid-size SUV manufactured by Toyota and sold throughout the world from 1984 to the present. In Japan it was known as the Toyota Hilux Surf...
and Toyota's flagship Land Cruiser
Toyota Land Cruiser
The is a series of four-wheel drive vehicles produced by the Japanese car maker Toyota Motor Corporation. It is not related to the Studebaker Land Cruiser car produced in the US from 1934-1954....
SUV.
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, giving it markedly larger leg room for the third row, and more cargo capacity behind its third row. Another difference is that the Sequoia is available in 2WD and its 4WD system is not the permanent 4WD system found in the Land Cruiser. Lastly the Land Cruiser is more luxurious and more upmarket, being the basis
Badge engineering
Badge engineering is an ironic term that describes the rebadging of one product as another...
for the Lexus LX
Lexus LX
The Lexus LX is a full-size sport utility vehicle sold by Lexus since 1996. Three generations of the Lexus LX have been produced, all based heavily on the long-running Toyota Land Cruiser series of SUVs. The first generation LX 450 debuted in 1996 as Lexus' first entry into the SUV market. Its...
. As of 2011, the Sequoia is sold exclusively in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, Bolivia
Bolivia
Bolivia officially known as Plurinational State of Bolivia , is a landlocked country in central South America. It is the poorest country in South America...
, Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
, Chile
Chile
Chile ,officially the Republic of Chile , is a country in South America occupying a long, narrow coastal strip between the Andes mountains to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. It borders Peru to the north, Bolivia to the northeast, Argentina to the east, and the Drake Passage in the far...
, Mexico
Mexico
The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...
, Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico , officially the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico , is an unincorporated territory of the United States, located in the northeastern Caribbean, east of the Dominican Republic and west of both the United States Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands.Puerto Rico comprises an...
and the Middle East
Middle East
The Middle East is a region that encompasses Western Asia and Northern Africa. It is often used as a synonym for Near East, in opposition to Far East...
.
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 brakeDisc brake
The disc brake or disk brake is a device for slowing or stopping the rotation of a wheel while it is in motion.A brake disc is usually made of cast iron, but may in some cases be made of composites such as reinforced carbon–carbon or ceramic matrix composites. This is connected to the wheel and/or...
s and a more sophisticated multi-link live axle rear suspension. The Sequoia was nominated for the North American Truck of the Year
North American Car of the Year
The North American Car of the Year is an automobile award voted annually in January at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The jury consists of no more than 50 automotive journalists.-Example:-Pre-1994:-1994-1999:-2000-2009:...
award for 2001. The Sequoia is slightly longer than the Land Cruiser, however, it is barely noticeable. At introduction it was larger than the Chevrolet Tahoe
Chevrolet Tahoe
The Chevrolet Tahoe are full-size SUVs from General Motors. Chevrolet and GMC sold two different-sized SUVs under their Blazer/Jimmy model names through the early 1990s. This situation changed when GMC rebadged the full-size Jimmy as the Yukon in 1992...
in most dimensions and similar in size to the Ford Expedition
Ford Expedition
The Ford Expedition is a full-size SUV built by the Ford Motor Company. Introduced in 1997 as a replacement to the Ford Bronco, it was previously slotted between the smaller Ford Explorer and the larger Ford Excursion, but as of the 2005 model year, it is Ford's largest and last truck-based,...
; its V8 engine was certified as Ultra Low Emission Vehicle
Ultra Low Emission Vehicle
An ultra-low-emission vehicle is a motor vehicle that emits extremely low levels of motor vehicle emissions compared to other vehicles...
. 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 $
United States dollar
The United States dollar , also referred to as the American dollar, is the official currency of the United States of America. It is divided into 100 smaller units called cents or pennies....
41,855. It is sold in both two-wheel drive
Two-wheel drive
Two wheel drive or 2WD describes vehicles with a drivetrain that allows two wheels to receive power from the engine simultaneously.-Four wheeled vehicles:...
and four-wheel drive
Four-wheel drive
Four-wheel drive, 4WD, or 4×4 is a four-wheeled vehicle with a drivetrain that allows all four wheels to receive torque from the engine simultaneously...
versions. Vehicle Stability Control was standard on models.
Internal combustion engine
The internal combustion engine is an engine in which the combustion of a fuel occurs with an oxidizer in a combustion chamber. In an internal combustion engine, the expansion of the high-temperature and high -pressure gases produced by combustion apply direct force to some component of the engine...
equipped with VVT-i
VVT-i
VVT-i, or Variable Valve Timing with intelligence, is an automobile variable valve timing technology developed by Toyota, similar in performance to the BMW's VANOS. The Toyota VVT-i system replaces the Toyota VVT offered starting in 24 December 1991 on the 5-valve per cylinder 4A-GE engine. The...
, as well as a 5-speed automatic transmission
Automatic transmission
An automatic transmission is one type of motor vehicle transmission that can automatically change gear ratios as the vehicle moves, freeing the driver from having to shift gears manually...
, replacing the previous 4-speed, LED
LEd
LEd is a TeX/LaTeX editing software working under Microsoft Windows. It is a freeware product....
-backlit gauges and an in-glass antenna replaces the previous power mast.
Towing Capacity for the 2005 model year:
- 2WD: 6,500 lbs.
- 4WD: 6,200 lbs.
Second generation (2008–present)
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 TundraToyota Tundra
The Toyota Tundra is a full-size pickup truck introduced by Toyota in the year 2000. It was widely considered to be the first full-size import-brand truck built with an American look and feel and a refined V8 engine. The Tundra was eventually nominated for the North American Truck of the Year...
. However major differences with the Tundra include a fully boxed frame, a rear independent suspension
Independent suspension
Independent suspension is a broad term for any automobile suspension system that allows each wheel on the same axle to move vertically independently of each other. This is contrasted with a beam axle, live axle or deDion axle system in which the wheels are linked – movement on one side affects...
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 feet (5.8 m) and allows for a fold-flat rear seat. Toyota stated the new frame is 70 percent more resistant to bending flex with torsional rigidity up 30 percent However, the new model weighs more than 500 lb (226.8 kg) more than the previous Sequoia. The drag coefficient
Drag coefficient
In fluid dynamics, the drag coefficient is a dimensionless quantity that is used to quantify the drag or resistance of an object in a fluid environment such as air or water. It is used in the drag equation, where a lower drag coefficient indicates the object will have less aerodynamic or...
has been reduced to 0.35.
Improvements include an optional ULEV-II compliant 381 horsepower 5.7-liter 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 complant 4.7-liter 2UZ-FE 276 hp V8 featured from the previous generation. The 4.7-liter is standard on the SR5, while the Limited and Platinum models come standard with a 5.7-liter 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
Automotive navigation system
An automotive navigation system is a satellite navigation system designed for use in automobiles. It typically uses a GPS navigation device to acquire position data to locate the user on a road in the unit's map database. Using the road database, the unit can give directions to other locations...
with backup camera
Backup camera
A backup camera is a special type of video camera that is produced specifically for the purpose of being attached to the rear of a vehicle to aid in backing up. Backup cameras are alternatively known as 'reversing cameras' or 'rear view cameras'....
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
Bluetooth
Bluetooth is a proprietary open wireless technology standard for exchanging data over short distances from fixed and mobile devices, creating personal area networks with high levels of security...
mobile phone system controls, an improved JBL
JBL
JBL is an American audio electronics company currently owned by Harman International. It was founded in 1946 by James Bullough Lansing. Their primary products are loudspeakers and associated electronics. There are two independent divisions within the company — JBL Consumer and JBL Professional...
audio system, electroluminescent Optitron gauges, and an electrochromic auto-dimming rear-view mirror and side view mirrors with a HomeLink
Homelink
Homelink was the UK's first online banking system. It was set up by the Nottingham Building Society in 1983 in association with the Bank of Scotland, using the UK Post Office's Prestel Viewdata system....
transceiver. The Platinum model includes a standard DVD navigation with a backup camera, a rear air suspension
Air suspension
Air suspension is a type of vehicle suspension powered by an engine driven or electric air pump or compressor. This pump pressurizes the air, using compressed air as a spring. Air suspension replaces conventional steel springs. If the engine is left off for an extended period, the car will settle...
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 7400 lbs (4,536 kg) with the 5.7-liter V8 in 2WD SR5 form or 7100 lbs in the 4WD SR5 trim. For complete trailer & weight capacities, see Toyota’s website.
Exterior differences include door handle colors (color-keyed for the SR5; chrome for the Limited and Platinum), diamond-cut 20" aluminum alloy wheels for the Platinum trim, and varying power-heated remote-controlled side mirrors.
Standard safety features include Vehicle Stability Control, traction control
Traction control
A traction control system , also known as anti-slip regulation , is typically a secondary function of the anti-lock braking system on production motor vehicles, designed to prevent loss of traction of driven road wheels...
, anti-lock brakes brake assist
Brake assist
Brake Assist is a generic term for an automobile braking technology that increases braking pressure in an emergency situation. The first application was developed jointly by Daimler-Benz and TRW/LucasVarity...
, electronic brakeforce distribution
Electronic brakeforce distribution
Electronic brakeforce distribution ', Electronic brakeforce limitation ' is an automobile brake technology that automatically varies the amount of force applied to each of a vehicle's brakes, based on road conditions, speed, loading, etc...
, 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.
| Frontal Driver: | |
| Frontal Passenger: | |
| Side Driver: | not tested |
| Side Rear Passenger: | not tested |
| Rollover: |
Note: Sequioa has not been retested for 2010.
Model year changes
- The 2009 model year adds E85 flex fuel capability for the 5.7-liter V8 sold in certain states.
- For the 2010 model year the 4.7-liter V8 is replaced by an all-new 4.6-liter 1UR-FE engine paired to a six-speed automatic transmission. The SR5 and Platinum trims become mono-spec and the Limited grade offers three stand alone options (navigation system, rear-seat entertainment and seven-passenger seating). Front driver and passenger knee airbags were added as a standard feature. Platinum models get wood trim on the steering wheel and shift gear, and Bluetooth and audio controls are standard on the SR5 trim. The Timberland Mica exterior color gets replaced with the new Camry's Spruce Mica. All audio systems have USB connectivity with iPodIPodiPod is a line of portable media players created and marketed by Apple Inc. The product line-up currently consists of the hard drive-based iPod Classic, the touchscreen iPod Touch, the compact iPod Nano, and the ultra-compact iPod Shuffle...
integration, and the rear-view mirror on the Limited trim has a built-in rearview camera.
In a Motor Trend comparison the Sequoia took 1st place.
Annual sales
| Calendar year | US sales |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 9,925 |
| 2001 | 68,574 |
| 2002 | 70,187 |
| 2003 | 67,067 |
| 2004 | 58,114 |
| 2005 | 45,904 |
| 2006 | 34,315 |
| 2007 | 23,273 |
| 2008 | 30,693 |
| 2009 | 16,387 |
Recall
The 2008-2010 Sequoias were part of one of the 2009-2010 Toyota recalls that required the installation of a small shim to relieve unwanted friction and restore fluidity to the accelerator pedal. Early 2003 Sequoias were recalled to reprogram the Vehicle Stability Control system due to the possibility of poor acceleration at certain low speeds. The 2002-3 Sequoia model years also had a defect in the front ball joints.External links
- Toyota.com: Vehicles: Sequoia is Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. is the Toyota sales, marketing, and distribution subsidiary devoted to the U.S. market. Founded in 1957 in California, TMS currently employs more than 6,500 people...
's official Sequoia page. - http://www.toyotasequoia.com 2nd generation Toyota Sequoia SUV site.
- http://www.toyota.com/vehicles/minisite/sequoia/prelaunch/content/sequoia_press_release.pdf Toyota press release detailing the launch of the 2008 Sequoia at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
- http://www.toyota.com/vehicles/future/sequoia/pdf/08MYSequoiaPricing.pdf Toyota's official pricing announcement of the 2008 Toyota Sequoia.