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2009 Toyota Sequoia Review

Hauls eight people, tows 10,000 pounds.  by Staff, New Car Test Drive

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The Toyota Sequoia was completely redesigned and re-engineered for 2008, boasting impressive truck capabilities and the bold looks of the Toyota Tundra pickup. So the 2009 Sequoia cruises through that sweet spot, second year of production with only minimal change.

This second-generation Sequoia is bigger and more capable than the original, 2001-2007 version. Bigger than a Chevy Tahoe in almost every dimension, this latest Sequoia is the biggest SUV Toyota has ever made, and it has the most capability.

The Sequoia can transport eight people, plus cargo. Seating comfort for rear-row passengers was a design priority, so the more you carry full loads of people, the more the Sequoia becomes attractive. The interior is designed with generous seats, big armrests, and lots of storage for passengers, plus an optional entertainment system for long trips.

The Sequoia can be equipped to tow trailers of up to 10,000 pounds. Its optional 5.7-liter V8 makes more than 400 pound-feet of torque, while an available six-speed transmission allows for smooth cruising. Four-wheel-drive models offer credible off-highway driving capability, with easy shifting into and out of 4WD, good low range gearing, and lockable differential for better traction.

Toyota's comprehensive suite of electronic safety, stability and traction controls, the STAR system, is standard on all models, as are advanced airbag systems.

The Sequoia represents a state-of-the-art rendering of the modern sport utility vehicle. It's built to transport people and their gear, in comfort, across long distances on North American super-highways. It's all about getting people in and out easily, keeping them comfy, and making heavy loads secure and routine. It rides quietly, steers easily, and with three models, two drive trains, and a broad selection of options, the Sequoia can be configured in a variety of ways to meet specific wants, needs and price points.

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. It is built at Toyota's Princeton, Indiana, factory and shares many components with the Tundra pickup that is now built in San Antonio, Texas.

The 2009 Toyota Sequoia is packaged in three grades: SR5, Limited and Platinum. SR5 comes standard with a 276-hp 4.7-liter V8 mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. Limited and Platinum come standard with the 5.7-liter V8 and six-speed automatic. Eight-passenger seating is standard; Platinum seats seven. A flex-fuel version of the 5.7-liter engine that can run on E85 (85 percent ethanol) is available in most states.


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