Based on Toyota’s full-size Tundra pickup truck, Toyota’s Sequoia is like the tree that has the same name, meaning, it’s large.
Sequoia is a 3-row SUV with a true 4WD system and hybrid technology. With chiseled styling and a bold grille, Sequoia goes up against similar competitive vehicles but offers Toyota’s proven hybrid powertrain. It’s offered in SR5, Limited, TRD Pro, 1794 Edition and Capstone trim levels and in rear-wheel drive.
We tested the new 1794 edition that has a western theme with its saddle tan leather interior and faux wood trim on dash, doors and console. It included a panoramic sunroof, second row captain’s chairs for seven passenger seating (8 with a second-row bench seat) and a 14-inch infotainment display with a 12.3-inch gauge cluster.
Heated/ventilated/messaging front seats are especially comfy with good lateral support after a step-in of 10.5 inches to the powered running boards, or a tall 24 inches if bypassing them.
The infotainment display features some voice control, a rearview, frontal and revolving cameras, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Wi-Fi connectivity, plus navigation, apps, Sirius radio and a premium JBL audio system. And below them are easy to operate and view HVAC controls with selections that can be displayed on the screen.
Over on the digital 12.3-inch gauge cluster, it also serves as an embedded driver information display for features, functions, alerts and drive modes. Included within the gauges is a 10-inch color Heads-Up-Display (HUD). A digital rearview camera transforms into a digital ultra-wide-angle view that’s helpful when backing a trailer or in a tight spot as has a Trailer Backup Guide w/Straight Path Assist that’s displayed on the screen.
The console houses a burly gear selector for the 10-speed automatic transmission along with a cell phone charging pad plus a drive mode selector switch for Eco, Normal, Sport and Tow-Haul modes in addition to a 4WD slide selector for 2H, 4H and 4L modes.
Heated second row seats are comfy and slide well forward for easy access onto the third-row seats. There are HVAC controls at the rear of the console for second row passengers. In their rearmost position, there’s generous leg and head room. Compromise somewhat by positioning the second-row midway that can increase third row leg room. Otherwise, the third row is mainly for youngsters.
Back in the cargo area and with the third-row seats upright, there’s 12 cubic feet of space. Flip them cargo space increases to 49 cubic feet. Flip the second-row seatbacks and capacity increases to 89 cubic feet for 84 inches of cargo loading depth.
The rear underfloor has a shallow, full-width bin with the floor doubling as a shelf that can be adjusted to three positions for added small item storage such as grocery bags and other small items.
Sequoia is powered by a turbocharged, 3.4-liter V6 that when coupled to its 5,855-pound curb weight, would have been a gas guzzler. But Toyota smartly used its proven hybrid technology and added an electric motor that added 48-hp and 184 lb/ft of torque to give Sequoia a combined total of 437-hp and a whopping 583 lb/ft of torque for EPA mileage estimates of 19 city, 22-highway mpg when mated to the standard 10-speed automatic transmission. The pairing offers a tow rating of an impressive 9,010 pounds. So powered, Sequoia does not lack for power as acceleration is linear and pasting power is robust and doesn’t lag. Sequoia was independently 0-60 tested at 5.6 seconds.
Sequoia handles nicely and grips the road like glue. The ride is smooth on Bridgestone 20-inch tires and it’s exceptionally quiet. And with 8.6 inches of ground clearance, it can handle mild off-roads and modest snow depths.
Since it’s a big 4WD SUV is also comes with a big price. Starting out with a base of $80,135 that escalated after adding the 10-inch color HUD ($600), power extended running boards ($1,005), roof crossbars ($365), connected services ($325) and wheel locks ($105), took the bottom line to $84,480 with delivery ($1,945).
Now for that money, Sequoia came standard with a host of safety features like Toyota’s 2.5 w/pre-collision system that includes a long list of features.
Sequoia comes with warranties of 3 year/36K mile limited warranty, a 5/60K mile powertrain, 10/150K mile hybrid components, and a 2/25K mile complimentary scheduled maintenance coverage.
For a family of four or more, Sequoia delivers as a proven, rugged, 4WD SUV that doubles as a daily driver.
