DriveTech

2006 Toyota Sequoia LTD 4X4 is a true surprise

While at Toyota Carlsbad, I realized I had never tested the Sequoia. What's the Sequoia? It's roomier than the Land Cruiser and the Four Runner. In fact, this family hauler is designed specifically with us in mind. And, after my test drive, I can attest that it fits all my requirements. Because it's based on the Tundra platform, it starts out with a successful Toyota vehicle.

When I picked out my test vehicle I looked for the rig with the most goodies and I found it in this LTD 4X4. Normally the Sequoia bases out at around $32,000 but my test vehicle hit closer to $52,000. That may seem like a lot of money for a seven passenger 4X4, but it's a Toyota and nothing holds its value like a Toyota. This could be your last purchase for a while. Toyota is a vehicle that hangs around for years. My Toyota 4X4 is a 1987 with 297,000 miles on it, while my wife's '82 Supra has 325,000 on it - and both are running strong and looking good!

The Sequoia starts off with a 4.7-liter dual overhead camshaft V8 that incorporates VVT-i technology. It gets a horsepower rating of 273 at 5,400 rpm and torque comes in at 314 pound foot at 3,400 rpm (which allows you to tow up to 6,200 pounds at a comfortable freeway speed). Backed by a five-speed, electronically controlled automatic transmission, it gets 15 miles per gallon in the city and 17 MPG on the open road. That's not bad for a vehicle that hits the scales at 6,700 pounds.

The Sequoia's exterior styling is smooth and flowing. My test Sequoia was painted "artic frost pearl" (white) with tan interior and upgraded leather. The options Toyota Carlsbad ordered on this Sequoia scream creature comforts, from the seating and the sound system to the navigation. The sound system is from JBL and includes an AM/FM/CD in-dash player with eight well-placed speakers.

The kiddies or rear occupants can enjoy a roof DVD player with wireless headphones. The front and second row seats are bucket seats and the second row gets its own center console. It just takes the flip of a lever and you're into the third row, which is capable of reclining or comes out if you need more hauling space. I found each row of seating to be very comfortable, even for my six-foot chassis, plus it's all wrapped in optional leather.

There's a lot of beautiful wood trim inside, which gives this Sequoia a touch of class. You could take it from the garden shop to the opera. This Sequoia came with a standard sunroof, which was nice, and had a cover to stop the rays if you choose. There's front and rear A/C to keep everyone happy and the rear seat occupants can control their own A/C. Even though it fits seven passengers, there are 10 cup holders. Are we that thirsty? Maybe!
The Sequoia rides on air suspension along with a rugged frame and shock package that gives it the ability to go off-road. But it also has the comfort to ride down the freeway as if you're on a newly paved road. I really enjoyed the ride, acceleration onto the freeway and the superb stopping in the event of a panic situation (a dog ran out in front of me).

The safety features of the Sequoia are typical Toyota, including dual front air bags, vehicle stability control along with traction control all standard, ABS with brake assist, three-point seatbelts at all seating positions, crumple zones around the occupants and safety beams in the doors. Driver and front passenger seat-mounted side airbags are optional, along with first and second row side curtain airbags.

I only found two negatives with the Sequoia - its limited towing capacity (compared to its competition) and the huge fuel tank capacity. But I like filling more than less often. It makes me feel as if gas doesn't cost as much as it really does.

Stop by Toyota Carlsbad in Car Country Carlsbad and put the Sequoia on your list. There's a great selection of new Sequoias that should fit your needs if you're looking for a full-sized SUV. Don't forget, when it comes to customer service, no one does it better than Toyota!

Next week, I'll review a Ford from Heller Ford in the Escondido Auto Park.