Toyota Sequoia

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 2010, the Sequoia is sold exclusively in the United States, Canada, Chile, Mexico, Puerto Rico and the Middle East.

Elegant Blue Toyota Sequoia Concept

 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 reardisc brakes 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.

Toyota Sequoia Front View

Silver Toyota Sequoia Performance

For the 2010 model year the 4.7-liter V8 is replaced by an all-new 4.6-liter  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 iPod integration, and the rear-view mirror on the Limited trim has a built-in rearview camera.

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.