2005 Toyota Sequoia Review

Specifications

More Power, Luxury and Safety

While wheeling Toyotas lavish full-size SUV out of the cramped quarters of the modern warehouse serving as the base for Toyotas press fleet, I found it difficult to comprehend that the big rig was a Toyota product.

At 3.0 inches longer in length than the commodious Dodge Durango, the 203.9 inch-long Sequoia drastically out-sizes anything my mind can perceive as made by an Asian automaker. But while this ample SUV is part of a Japanese family, it is built in Americas heartland of Indiana, for North American consumption.

The Sequoia emerged in 2001 as a vehicle intended to fill the gap between the midsize 4Runner and king of the outback, the Land Cruiser. Based on the Tundra truck platform, the Sequoia has benefited from incremental improvements during its five-year lifespan.

Model year 2005 bestows greater power, luxury and safety upon the highly capable, wonderfully comfortable off-roader. Wending my way over some of the rougher roads en route home, I realized just how solid the Sequoia chassis is, and how rigid its body structure is. Despite its enormity, the Sequoia is vault-tight over all road surfaces. I didnt detect a hint of body flex, shudder or reverberation when encountering potholes or severely damaged pavement. Rattles, squeaks and groans, not uncommon in this class of vehicle, have been banished from the passenger compartment - and I like that tremendously.

Toyota achieved the high level of structural integrity by using reinforced body-on-frame construction, underpinned at the front by an independent coil-spring, double-wishbone suspension setup, bolstered by low-pressure, gas-filled shock absorbers and a stabilizer bar. The rear of my test unit soaked up road degradation with a self-leveling air-suspension system, which is how all Sequoia Limited models are equipped. Base models ride on steel coil springs instead of air, but otherwise, the design is the same, with a live axle, gas filled shock absorbers and a stabilizer bar.

Throughout my test period, I was quite smitten with the smooth, well-controlled ride of the Sequoia. However, the pleasing comfort level impinges upon the handling dynamics of the hefty rig, which weighs in at 5,320 pounds in Limited trim. In hard cornering and braking, the vehicles mass becomes evident but never unruly. All things considered, I wouldnt change a thing in favor of improved handling performance if it compromised the Sequoias splendid ride quality. Perhaps its an age thing, but I want my rack of bones jarred less and less these days, and judging by the Sequoias intended market, I may not be alone.

With its powerful four-wheel antilock disc brakes, acquiring maximum braking performance was not difficult. Unfortunately, the momentum carried by the trucks significant mass resulted in emergency stopping distances that felt on the long side to me. Nonetheless, brake modulation is linear and predictable, while pedal effort is just how I prefer it, on the firm side.

Residing to the right of the sizable brake pedal is the drive-by-wire throttle, which is connected to the only powerplant Toyota bolts into the Sequoia, a 32-valve, 4.7-liter (285 cu in) V8. This petro-dynamo is capable of effortlessly discharging 282-horsepower at 5,400 rpm and 325 pound-feet of torque at 3,400 rpm. Thats an increase of 42 horsepower and 10 pound-feet of torque over last years version.

Toyotas intelligent variable valve timing assists in generating the extra power, which thrusts the 2005 Sequoia from 0 to 60 mph in just 7.9 seconds, a healthy improvement over the 9.4 seconds needed in 2004. With its newfound fortification, the Sequoia is a competent highway performer, passing slower traffic with ease and climbing hills with little struggle.

The engines greater potency hasnt diminished its exceptionally high level of refinement. Its polished operation meets luxury car standards, although perhaps slightly more audibly so than in Toyotas Lexus GX 470 and LX 470 SUVs. This years stronger engine is affixed to a wonderfully smooth, five-speed automatic transmission featuring an overdrive cancel switch, as well as a transmission cooler for long, reliable service under severe conditions.

When those conditions include the need for maximum traction, Toyotas Multi-Mode four-wheel drive technology permits shifting on the fly from rear-wheel drive to 4WD. When the vehicle is stationary, a low-range set of gears can be engaged with the push of a dash-mounted button. The central differential connecting the front and rear axle is also electronically controlled and can be locked or unlocked depending upon off-road needs.

There is little doubt that Toyota has intended the Sequoia to live up to the Land Cruisers legendary reputation for off-road performance. As such, it has engineered in 10.6 inches of ground clearance and equipped the vehicle with its Active Traction Control (A-TRAC) and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) technologies. Working closely with the antilock brake system and the electronic engine control module (ECM), A-TRAC uses sensors and actuators to apply braking and restore traction to a slipping wheel while the ECM modulates engine power to eliminate the propensity to overwhelm the remaining drive wheels. This system is automatically deactivated when the 4WD low-range setting is selected.

Toyota hasnt overlooked safety for 2005. The Sequoia offers dual front airbags in addition to optional front seat side airbags and curtain shield airbags with rollover sensing as standard equipment. Ironically all of these features are standard to our northern neighbors in Canada, which is unfortunate because frailties inherent in the human body are similar both north and south of the 49th, so why not make airbag availability similar? That said, Toyota has equipped the Sequoia with three-point seatbelts in all seating positions, including the trio in row three, regardless of which side of the line it is sent.

With its fold-flat, split bench rear seat, the Sequoia is capable of accommodating eight adults. Leg and headroom in all but the rearmost of the three rows is very generous and conducive to a lengthy duration on the road, but stuffing three adults back there might get somebody arrested for unintentional molestation. The aft seat is best left to the offspring if at all possible.

The Limited trim level replaces the second row bench with a pair of captains chairs, separated by a removable center console - definitely a nice and very functional touch. All-in-all, the cabin of the Sequoia is faultlessly assembled, using high quality materials. The dash layout and design, on the other hand, could use some updating when compared with the recent triumphs from Ford and DaimlerChrysler. The small LED screen used in the Sequoia to display climate settings is nearly impossible to read through sunglasses, plus the associated buttons are on the small size for my congenital clumsiness.

Climate control whining aside, my tester was loaded with the full range of Sequoia luxury and convenience amenities, including a premium JBL audio system with six-disc in-dash CD and a roof-mounted, rear-seat DVD entertainment system with wireless headphones. Cowhide upholstery covered the heated front seats and a multi-zone climate-control system delivered heat or air conditioning throughout the vehicle.

The large exterior mirrors folded snuggly against the door with the twist of a dial and the memory system ensured that they, along with the drivers seat, returned to the desired settings. For those pointing the Sequoias nose toward uncharted hinterland or simply hoping to negotiate unfamiliar urbanity, the optional GPS-based navigation system is highly recommended.

Even in base form, the Sequoia is a well-stocked larder with prodigious off-road potential. This is a vehicle sure to please whether following an endless ribbon of pavement or ascending a long-abandoned logging road. It swaths its occupants in comfort and security, quiet and serenity.

Where some of that elation may turn to rust, though, is at the pumps. The Sequoias V8 is a thirsty devil; rated at 14.8 mpg in the city and 18.9 mpg on the highway, it may become economically unforgiving as fuel prices increase.

Although it may gouge the pocketbook more than some other mid-to-large size SUVs to buy and operate, when combined with Toyotas stellar reputation for reliability and strong resale value, the 2005 Sequoia is a definite safe bet for purchasers seeking a highly capable, premium SUV. My time behind the wheel convinced me of that.