When it comes to large body utility
vehicles, Toyota rules the roost. The
Sequoia is currently the largest SUV being manufactured by Toyota. First
launched in 2000, this vehicle is based on the earlier Tundra and shared much
of the Tundra's parts bin, such as engine, body panels, chassis and interiors.
When it was first introduced, it was actually longer than the best-selling Land
Cruiser and was fitted with an ultra-low emission V8 engine, providing more
than adequate grunt.
Revamped in 2008, the Sequoia was upgraded by Toyota
with independent rear suspension with double wishbone suspension, unlike the
vehicles developed under the IMV platform, which use semi-independent rear
suspension. The difference, owing more to the sporty nature of the vehicle,
allows it to traverse rough terrain with ease. The current electronically
modulated air suspension in the Platinum model allows the driver to adjust the
ride height to optimize vehicular control.
The trusty V8 engine offers loads of grunt
with over 300 horsepower to deal with mountainous roads and the combination of
a six-speed gearbox ensures that it can easily maintain a quiet power delivery
that is ideal for long hauls on the highway.
Always Room for More
Inside, the truck-sized interior can
easily accommodate eight passengers in comfort and the second row of seats can
slide and recline. There is even a version where the second row seats are
captain’s chairs, which offer more comfort but reduce the overall number of
passengers to seven. The boot offers 18.9 cubic feet of storage and with the
third row of seats folded, this increases to 66.6 cubic feet. If you fold the
second row of seats as well, cargo space jumps to the best-in-class 120.1 cubic
feet.
Standard interior equipment on the latest
versions includes Bluetooth, USB port, eight-speaker stereo sound that can be
upgraded to a 14 speaker JBL system, a six-inch touch screen for infotainment
and a Blu-Ray rear seat entertainment console. Driving comfort is taken care of
by precise steering, front and rear parking sensors and blind spot monitoring.
Passengers are treated to a number of storage spaces for small items and the
front glove compartment is a dual-level space while the second row has a center
console featuring extra storage space, cup holders and heated seat controls.
If you are still not satisfied, there is a
handy roof rack with cross bars. Feel like towing a trailer? Well, the Sequoia from Toyota is
rated for a 7,500 lb towing capacity with a nifty feature that controls trailer
sway by applying braking pressure on individual wheels to maintain control over
the trailer in gusty winds.
Clearly, this is a vehicle that can handle
everything that is thrown at it as well as anything that you might want to
throw in it. The caravan like interior offers enough comfort and room to make
it the king of road as far as SUVs are
concerned.
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