- Olga Kokorina
- Translated by Olga Apetenok
- Ru Fr He Ar
Toyota Sequoia SUV. For those who love giant vehicles
The Toyota Sequoia is a full-size SUV based on the Tundra pickup. The model is made at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana in Princeton, Indiana. Introduced in 2000, the Sequoia is named after one of the tallest trees in the world, with individual sequoias reaching a height of over 110 m! And this SUV is a real giant even for the United States, a country inhabited by people who love giant vehicles. In addition, the Sequoia is the first Japanese vehicle in the full-size SUV segment, which is popular in North America. At the same time, the Sequoia is between the mid-size 4Runner and the luxury Land Cruiser within Toyota hierarchy. But it is the largest Toyota SUV. It is successfully sold in Canada, Costa Rica and the USA. We will be happy to tell you why so many people love it.
In April 2021, Toyota announced its plans to move the Sequoia production to Texas in 2022. The Indiana plant will be dedicated to the production of new two 8-seater passenger SUVs equipped with electric motors.
The first generation
It was produced from 2000 to 2007. Development started in the 90s and the result was presented at the 2000 North American International Auto Show. The first Sequoia was designed by chief engineer Kaoru Hosegawa and was supposed to compete with the Ford Expedition SUV. In 2001, the Japanese SUV was nominated for the North American Truck of the Year Award. The Sequoia shared its engine, dashboard, bodywork and chassis with the Tundra, with the exception of the rear disc brakes and the more complex multi-link rear suspension. The Sequoia SUV was slightly longer than the Land Cruiser, larger than the Chevrolet Tahoe, and close in size to the Ford Expedition. The vehicle received a V8 engine certified as an ultra-low emission unit.
The first Sequoia was produced in two trim levels: SR5 and Limited, both in all-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive versions. Vehicle stability control was standard. In 2004, the Toyota Sequoia was restyled. The restyled vehicle featured a slightly modified exterior and a new VVT-i engine, which was combined with a 5-speed automatic transmission instead of the previous 4-speed one. The all-wheel drive models received a new Torsen center differential, with 40% of the power going to the front axle and 60% to the rear during normal driving or with 53% of the power going to the front axle or up to 71% to the rear when slipping.
The second generation
It was produced for 10 years from 2010 to 2017, after which it was restyled and continued its life. It is not yet known whether there will be a third generation. But there is encouraging news: the Tundra received a new generation at the end of 2021, and the Sequoia may not be forgotten either. The second Toyota Sequoia was unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November 2007. The model is again based on the Tundra pickup, but has some differences. Thus, the rear double-wishbone independent suspension provides more traveling comfort, and the center differential on all-wheel drive models can be locked. There is also a 5.7-liter V8 3UR-FE engine (381 hp), mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. The new Sequoia was produced in three modifications, but the base engine was a 4.7 liter 2UZ-FE engine with 276 hp from the previous generation.
The interior of the second generation Toyota Sequoia looks similar to that of the Tundra. The basic equipment includes a keyless entry system, whereas such elements as a navigation system, rear-view camera, rear seat entertainment system, JBL sound system with 14 speakers, heated and ventilated front seats and second-row heated seats are optional. The top-end Platinum version is initially equipped with all of the above, but it also gets a rear air suspension that can be lowered for easier loading and active cruise control. The vehicle is designed for seven or eight passengers (seven for the Platinum), and the third-row seats are equipped with an electric folding mechanism.
2017 restyling
The entry-level version of the 2017/2018 Toyota Sequoia features a set of Toyota Safety Sense safety systems (adaptive cruise control, automatic braking systems, lane keeping assist and high beam automatic switching). Clearly, everyone can decide for themselves whether such a list of equipment is sufficient or not. Plus, the restyled vehicle features LED headlights.
Moreover, the manufacturer has launched a new TRD Sport version (TRD stands for an old studio of the company, Toyota Racing Development). This version can hardly be called sporty, but nevertheless it has received a powerful 5.7-liter i-Force V8 engine (386 hp) and can be rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The suspension has acquired Bilstein shock absorbers and new anti-roll bars. Exterior decor includes original alloy wheels and other details of no practical use.
TRD Pro special version
In February 2019, the manufacturer introduced a special off-road version to meet the demand existing in the USA. The Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro has almost nothing to do with the TRD Sport version, starting with the suspension: it features new springs and progressive amplitude-dependent dampers from Fox Racing Shox. Their performance is commendable due to the good traveling comfort and outstanding energy capacity. However, the TRD Pro comes with the same large 5.7-liters V8 engine (386 hp), which is complemented by a 6-speed automatic transmission. The new Toyota Sequoia off-road model has an all-wheel drive system (permanent) with a Torsen center differential and a reducing gear.
The exterior of the TRD Pro stands out with its original 18-inch wheels, a different radiator grille bearing Toyota logo and a roof rack. If you kneel in front of an SUV, you can see the engine protection. The interior is decorated with the words ‘TRD Pro’. Moreover, there are such useful elements as waterproof mats and such a pleasant bonus as an improved media system enabling the use of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
