2008 Toyota Sequoia

Longer, wider, and taller than the last-generation Sequoia, the new Toyota gets a sliding-type seat adjuster, helping to ease access to the third-row.

Like the Tundra, the Sequoia is vastly improved and should grab a larger share of its shrinking segment. The Tundra's aluminum 5.7-liter V-8 is optional on SR5 and Limited and standard on the new Lexus-like Platinum. The old 4.7 iron block remains the base engine until a new smaller V-8 derivative of the 5.7 is ready.

The Sequoia's resemblance to the Tundra pickup is intentional--from the B-pillar forward, the Sequoia is a Tundra. Donor parts include a control-arm front suspension, an optional 5.7-liter V-8, and a six-speed automatic. Exclusive to the Sequoia are a stouter, fully boxed frame, an independent rear suspension with optional air-spring load leveling, and available variable damping. A stretched wheelbase and rear doors that open wider improve access to the back seats and increase leg and shoulder room. Cargo capacity actually suffers a bit, in part because the third row can no longer be jettisoned. To compensate, both benches and the front passenger seat fold flat.

The Toyota Sequoia garnished top honors as the best car and best SUV/crossover in the third annual 2008 Motorist Choice Awards held by IntelliChoice.com and AutoPacific.

The all-new 2008 Toyota Sequoia has been described as the most useful, refined and easiest-to-drive full-size SUV ever built.

Due to intelligent packaging and Toyota's usual dose of overengineering, the Sequoia's tidy exterior dimensions don't translate to tight interior quarters.

Like all SUVs in the Toyota lineup, Sequoia comes standard with the Star Safety System, which includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC on 2WD models) or Active-Traction Control (A-TRAC on 4WD models), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA). Sequoia's collision safety performance is enhanced by driver and front passenger seat-mounted side and three-row roll-sensing side curtain airbags.

"Like Tundra, Sequoia is vastly improved and should grab a larger share of its shrinking segment."

"Sequoia's collision safety performance is enhanced by driver and passenger seat-mounted side- and side- curtain airbags that are included as standard equipment; and roll-sensing side curtain airbags that extend from the front seat to the third-row seat."

This is the biggest SUV Toyota has ever made, and it has the most capability.

Bigger than a Chevy Tahoe in almost every dimension, and about 450 pounds heavier, the Sequoia still manages relatively good efficiency and fuel economy for a vehicle of this size.

The new Sequoia represents a state-of-the-art rendering of the modern sport utility vehicle.

The Sequoia differs from the premium Land Cruiser in that the Sequoia is larger, can carry and tow more and is designed specifically for North America. The Land Cruiser is designed to address upscale luxury car buyers in global markets. The Sequoia is more about practical utility and comfort.

Compared to the Chevy Tahoe, the new Sequoia is longer and wider with a longer wheelbase. It's actually designed to look tall and oversized, so as to project strength from a distance.

The Toyota Sequoia cabin is built for passenger comfort, with generous legroom and headroom.

Driving the 2008 Toyota Sequoia is like sitting in your den, watching the world go by. It may be big, but it's not tiring to operate as the day goes on.

No doubt about it, the Sequoia is at home on the biggest of North American roads.

In daily use round town, the Sequoia will seem big to those not accustomed to maneuvering full-size domestic iron.

The all-new 2008 Toyota Sequoia is built in America to satisfy North American conditions: big roads, big loads, and wide open spaces. There is ample power in reserve for towing and hauling, and a roomy, comfy interior.