2008 SEQUOIA

By Larry Walton

Many of our listeners and readers are well aware of the virtues of the 2007 Toyota Tundra. This completely re-designed second generation of Toyota’s full-sized truck is a big part of what we’ve been doing at Truck Test Digest.  We built this ultimate outdoor sportsman’s machine for the 2007 SEMA show (http://www.trucktestdigest.com/TTDnewsProjectDeepwoodsFirstLook.htm).

What was big news for the pickup truck market is now bigger news for the SUV market as Toyota unveils the all new 2008 Sequoia, which is built on the new Tundra platform.

The new Sequoia was not designed with a bigger-is-better approach although both bigger and better apply. An available new 5.7L V8 engine/six-speed transmission combination and an increased focus on efficiency, performance and driver/passenger comfort. With environmental concerns and fuel prices on the rise, Toyota’s engineers and designers have taken steps to increase not just the 2008 Sequoia’s performance and comfort, but also its efficiency and environmental awareness.

To that end, the Sequoia is equipped with an available powerful new 5.7L V8 engine that generates excellent fuel efficiency and very low emissions.  As with the Tundra, the new platform means larger exterior dimensions that are comparable to other vehicles in Sequoia’s class.

You gotta love Chief Engineer Motoharu Araya’s approach to research. Apparently he spent some time wedged between the family dog and some hockey gear noting how American families venture out on daily commutes and weekend wars with well stocked drink holders and constant en-route video entertainment.

Araya probably noted that full-size SUV owners take a very simple approach to fueling these machines.  When the fuel gauge points toward empty, they pull in, fill up, use a credit card, tuck the receipt away with no regard for the purchase amount and head back into traffic.  After all, gas prices are more of a concern for those who drive the little cars.

However, since it is a Toyota, the Sequoia was made as fuel efficient as possible for such a large and powerful vehicle.  The truck’s computer changes the dual variable valve timing to maximize both power (381 hp and 401 lb-ft) and efficiency.

Hauling and towing capabilities are further enhanced by the new six-speed ECT automatic electronically controlled transmission. Not only will the six-speed transmission’s torque converter lock up in fourth, fifth and sixth gear; a Tow/Haul mode extends use of the lower gear ratios, which is what you do naturally if you are towing a load and mixing gears on a manual transmission.

The power train set up along with changes in suspension, larger tires and beefed up wheels and brakes bring the available towing capacity up to 10,000 lbs.  Toyota managed these changes without compromising ride quality.

The 2008 Sequoia is all about passengers of all sizes. With seating for eight, the cabin interior is longer, wider and taller than the previous Sequoia. Second-row seats can be adjusted with extra leg room when the third-row seat is not occupied.

 The third-row seat offers room for adults and particular attention was given to make the back of the bus as comfortable as possible.  Access to the third row is generous and converting the rear area to cargo space is quick and easy.

The 2008 Sequoia employs a three-zone (left, right and rear) automatic air-conditioning with solar sensors and automatic left and right independent temperature controls. The air that is brought into the passenger cabin goes through a multi-layer filter to reduce pollen, dust and other contaminants.

The eight speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 port sound system (standard for the SR5 version) has been improved and speaker locations have been precision tuned. Available sound system upgrades include a 660-watt JBL Synthesis set-up with 14-speakers, Bluetooth capability, MP3 port and XM Satellite radio ready.

A seven inch screen on the available navigation system makes viewing the generation of menu options even easier.  Passengers from the second row back get a nine-inch display on the available Rear Seat Entertainment system with a DVD player.

In addition to the eight extra-large cup holders and eight bottle holders, the glove box has a 9.5 liters capacity, and the second-row console box will hold 12 CDs or four DVD cases or the equivalent volume of play dough.

The 2008 Sequoia is equipped with Toyota’s STAR Safety System, which includes VSC (Vehicle Stability Control), and TRAC (Traction Control) (2WD models) or A-TRAC (Active-Traction Control) (4WD models), ABS (antilock braking) with EBD (electronic brake force distribution) and Brake Assist. Side curtain airbags extend from the front seat to the third-row seat.

Toyota’s 36-month/36,000 mile new-vehicle limited warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60 months/60,000 miles and corrosionperforation for 60 months with no mileage limitations.

Second Opinion - By Keith Burton

First off, I am already of a fan of Toyota's Tundra pickup. I like the look and especially like the power. Now to find the new Sequoia with much of the same, with a nifty independent rear suspension, I am now a fan of the Sequoia.

The Sequoia is a large SUV, but remarkably, Toyota's engineers managed to make the large truck drive like a smaller one. That is a good thing to me as it adds a lot of confidence while driving this truck in heavy traffic and smaller roads. Why?  Because the truck has light controls with excellent feedback, and maneuverability with a much tighter turning circle than you would expect in such a large vehicle. All of this helps keep you mind on what is around you, and not what it takes to handle the truck. I know this is a subjective thing, but I recommend you test drive a 2008 Sequoia to see for yourself.

The nice thing about any Toyota is the thoroughness that the engineers and designers when through to anticipate the type of things owners expect in a modern vehicle. The Sequoia is truly expansive inside, almost van like, but without the van look. You get large comfortable seating for all passengers, even in the third row seating. You also get some serious power under the hood with its 381 horsepower 5.7 liter engine. Combined with the comfortable seating an engine performance, you get a vehicle that literally scoots off the line.

The suspension is also notable. Unlike the Tundra, the Sequoia gets a fully independent rear suspension that does a remarkable job of making this SUV ride and perform more like a luxury sedan than a truck. Fact is, this is truly amazing for the money, and while their will be a Lexus version, this truck for the money is a good deal in the ride and drive department.

I do have a few quibbles. The dash is expansive to look at and while that is nice the controls for some of the auxiliary systems are a bit of reach. That is okay as the most used features can be controlled by buttons on the steering wheel, but not all the functions.

I also do not like the deeply recessed gauge cluster. If you wear bifocal glasses, like I do, I found the gauges a bit hard to read and focus upon. They are also dark tunnels where the light doesn't quite brighten the gauges enough for me. This feature is also part of the Tundra, and while it wouldn't stop me from buying either vehicle, I would like Toyota to reconsider the deep wells that they decided were suitable for gauges.

But as I said earlier, I like this truck, I think Toyota has a hit on their hands if they can get people into the showroom and out on a test drive.