You are currently viewing our boards as a guest which gives you limited access to view most discussions and access our other features. By joining our free community you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members (PM), respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features. Registration is fast, simple and absolutely free so please, join our community today!
If you have any problems with the registration process or your account login, please contact contact us.
SequoiaGeneral discussion forum for the second generation 2008 and later Toyota Sequoia.
This is a discussion thread titled "2008 Toyota Sequoia interior....What a shame", within the Sequoia forum, part of the SUV Forums category.
I strongly Doubt The Land Cruiser platform would go anytime soon.Land cruiser 4wd has a lot to do with it's capability vs the Seq.
200 series platform won't be going anywhere anytime soon. Toyota 200 series SUV sales were at about 82% increase in sales for LC and about 125% increase in sales for LX570. They still sell in small numbers and will reach about 12000-15000 units this year. But 12000 units is still a lot of units no matter how you look at it how you look at it. Toyota will sell just as many 200 series SUVs this year as it did 10 years ago while the Sequioa will likely sell have as many Seq as they did when the Sequioa first rolled out.
As for Sequioa. Sequioa sales are already tanking with growth of 12% year over year after three months of sales. Prospective Sequioa owners are much more affected by high gas prices and high monthly payments. This Sequioa just does not get enough MPG to survive as a strong sales leader with minimal incentives. I believe one Toyota exec says sales for Sequioa are forcasted at about 62000 units this year. I think they are on pace for about 1/2 of that. Compared to the other north american SUVs' the Sequioa is a leader but I am not sure it will be the replacement for the 200 series.
Toyota Sequioa will lose more sales from an interior made with poor materials and a bad design than 200 series will lose from a lack of fold flat rear seats.
Quote:
Can we expect to see a platform on a Lexus it's very possible
Not a chance. The only Lexus made outside of Japan is the RX and I doubt Toyota will take any chances by ruining there rep by using the Seqouia/Sienna/Crewmax manufacturing facility to put together the LX interior.
__________________
2003 Salsa Red Pearl
Last edited by pagemaster; 03-10-2008 at 05:45 PM.
Those stares of envy go away and fade away soon believe me when I got my new 00 Tundra people looked now it's the next best thing sadly.
It's funny you guy call this a Luxury Suv who would have thought normal truck based suv's being called that. Sure it might have some feature but still very much rides like a harsh truck's offers poor Mpg and ride height is a tab bit high to some people (mainly older people).These SUV customers are a tuff group usually cater to Soccer mom's and large Mormon family yes i stated it too .Buyers expect the kitchen sink heated and massaging front seat's like the lexus Ls and what else might can I think of roof airbag next.Overall it's a Large piece of a glorified 35k (sr5) 55k(plat) heavy steal trim in my opinion.Yea I can buy anything I want in the Toyota Lineup too but after seeing this in person it just didn't add up on the asking price. I know the sr5 trim would be surely suited more on the average buyers for the Sequoia.Plat Buyers are mainly the eddie Baurer or Limited or gap types
My friend who work's at Toyota Torrance Corp office mentioned to me Toyota is trying to cater to a different group of buyers on this new trim levels beyond Limited Seq and there monitoring it's progress.Can we expect to see a platform on a Lexus it's very possible. I strongly Doubt The Land Cruiser platform would go anytime soon.Land cruiser 4wd has a lot to do with it's capability vs the Seq.I very much enjoyed reading these thread's from this group and I hope you all are happy with your purschases. I do have a question for the both of you what changes would you like to see in the future with this Model and trim line? I know in my opinion a Hybrid Seq would be great and I look forward to seeing a V8 Hybrid like in our Highlander 3.3 v6.
Erik
Tundra, I think the Sequoia is likely to be one of the few winners in the declining large SUV marketplace. Its also the one of the best handling and smoothest riding large SUVs. The QX, Navigator and Sequoia all have IRS which differentiates the handling significantly from the truck handling of your Tundra and that of other solid axle rear suspensions such as the LC, LX, Escalade, Denali and Suburban.
These vehicles with truck suspension designs are destined for the ash heap of history as far as the American market is concerned. If gas goes to $4 gal and higher than I believe the only consumers of large SUVs will be those consumers that have a need for large tow capacities. Large luxury suvs will no longer be bought for appearances therefore Range Rovers, Cayennes, Land Cruisers, LX's will die an early death because they are primary sold for appearances that will no longer be considered desirable by the wealthy. (BTW, the 4wd capability of the LC is exactly the same as the Sequoia's and IMO neither is the best on the market since they both have open rear differentials. The LC's off-roading capability is a joke since you and I both know you're never going to see the typical American owner of LC going off-road. Heck, they're more interested in finding the shortest GPS path to the nearest car wash after a slight rainstorm than they are in finding a real off-road trail to get their $70K toy scratched up.)
The only real purpose for a large SUV will ultimately be for those families with a lifestyle need such as boating, camping, snowmobiling, horse riding competitions, motorcycling etc. where towing is a big part of the lifestyle. There will be a consolidation of the multitude of large SUVs down to a handful that can excel on the weekend in these towing abilities and deliver comfortable passenger hauling during the week.
IMO the last SUVs standing will likely be the Sequoia, and a redesigned version of the big GM triplets that incorporates an IRS. I do think there will be unibody x-over suvs that will meet some lifestyle needs however towing will not be one of their requirements. When the music stops.... and it will, I believe solid axle large suvs will be extinct and large suvs with low sales volumes will be right behind them. That will leave no chairs empty for the likes of the LC, LX, and possibly even the Escalade. I even think Nissan will re-evaluate their support for the Armada platform and Ford, given their financial situation, will re-evaluate their support for the Expedition if the volume falls precipitously.
The only players with enough resources to wait out the death of these other platforms are Toyota and GM. Just my opinion but once gas breaks $4/gal nationally we're going to be into an entirely new game where a much smaller volume of large suv purchases will be primarily driven by those with a real need that does not include "image" as the primary driver. Essentially we will have come full circle back to the days of the original Suburban of the 1930's that was sold for its utility to those that actually needed it vs those that want to "look" like they have a need for it.
The QX, and Sequoia all have IRS which differentiates the handling significantly from the truck handling of your Tundra and that of other solid axle rear suspensions such as the LC, LX, Escalade, Denali and Suburban
I am not too sure you know what you are really talking about here. The latest Motor Trend magazine just tested the Sequioa and Tahoe and others. While the Sequioa performed at .72g for lateral acceleration the Tahoe perform at .71g.
Quote:
Navigator
In fact. Motor trend reports that the Ford truck is at .68g
A couple years ago the Range Rover HSE and LX470 tied for .68g on the lateral skidpad.
Quote:
one of the best handling and smoothest riding large SUVs.
a few years back. Motor Trend tested a solid axle Sequioa with a .71g lateral skidpad whereas this latest test has the Sequioa at .72g. Not much better.
boating, camping, snowmobiling, horse riding competitions, motorcycling etc. where towing is a big part of the lifestyle.
All the requirements for a large crew cab 4x4 truck and not a Toyota Sequioa. With a full family/gear and a large trailer with two horses you could not pull it with a Sequioa.
I am not too sure you know what you are really talking about here. The latest Motor Trend magazine just tested the Sequioa and Tahoe and others. While the Sequioa performed at .72g for lateral acceleration the Tahoe perform at .71g.
In fact. Motor trend reports that the Ford truck is at .68g
A couple years ago the Range Rover HSE and LX470 tied for .68g on the lateral skidpad.
a few years back. Motor Trend tested a solid axle Sequioa with a .71g lateral skidpad whereas this latest test has the Sequioa at .72g. Not much better.
Page, looks like you're off the reservation again. At least you never give up. Lateral skidpads scores have nothing to do with passenger comfort. I suppose if you were planning to take a shot at the 24 LeMans it might make a difference, but we were talking about passenger comfort. An IRS will always win out as a more comfortable ride for passengers.
Why do you think every luxury suvs and passenger car has an IRS except for your beloved LC/LX platform? Couldn't be because Toyota is milking a old platform for every $ they can get before retiring it...nah couldn't be?
Want to take another shot and explaining to everyone why the LC/LX platform is the last 30 yr old design on the planet other than the GM twins that haven't upgraded their rear suspension? I can't wait to hear your next explanation.
All the requirements for a large crew cab 4x4 truck and not a Toyota Sequioa. With a full family/gear and a large trailer with two horses you could not pull it with a Sequioa.
You do know the new 2008 Sequoia now comes with a 5.7L engine (same one from the Tundra line)? Please tell me you do.
Page, looks like you're off the reservation again. At least you never give up. Lateral skidpads scores have nothing to do with passenger comfort. I suppose if you were planning to take a shot at the 24 LeMans it might make a difference, but we were talking about passenger comfort. An IRS will always win out as a more comfortable ride for passengers.
Why do you think every luxury suvs and passenger car has an IRS except for your beloved LC/LX platform? Couldn't be because Toyota is milking a old platform for every $ they can get before retiring it...nah couldn't be?
Want to take another shot and explaining to everyone why the LC/LX platform is the last 30 yr old design on the planet other than the GM twins that haven't upgraded their rear suspension? I can't wait to hear your next explanation.
Maybe because it's a nice smooth ride that idealy only the Seq provides on gen one and gen two . Wile the Lc is nice the ride is stiff to say the least. Having a friend with a 04 LC i can't say it's as nice ride comfort wise as the Seq that cost 20k less.
I'm with Heat on this one
__________________
T3 Grill, Line X extra front Bumper coating
Last edited by Tundrav8yamaha; 03-11-2008 at 07:35 PM.
Well, having a IRS makes no difference in handling as the first gen Seq was just as good on the skidpad as the current.
Quote:
An IRS will always win out as a more comfortable ride for passengers.
As for ride. Ride is subjective. I for one cannot stand the ride of the LX470 or Lx570 ride and I hate the ride of the 100 series Landcruiser made for MY 06-07. Those models had the AHC suspension modulated by hydraulics.
As for ride of the new Sequioa Platinum. Not at all a fan. 1st gen Sequioa is pretty good. I have yet to drive the Sequioa Limited 4x4...but I will soon.
Quote:
comfortable ride for passengers.
One feature that makes the Sequioa Platinum a more comfortable ride is the 2nd and third row manual sunshades. This feature helps out a lot. I still think Toyota made a mistake by not offering dual hvac for the 2nd row seats. At least they could of made this feature an option for the split row seats of the platinum.
As for third row. Yes the third row will be more comfortable in the Sequioa but I would never need the feature as I wish there was a delete option so I could have a lower load floor and a split hatch. As for 200 series they should have a delete option for third row as well.
I will gladly trade third row fold flat seats and IRS for a much nicer interior which the Sequioa lacks compared to Ford, Nissan.
Well, having a IRS makes no difference in handling as the first gen Seq was just as good on the skidpad as the current.
I think you're missing the simple fact that manufacturers do very expensive handling tests for passenger comfort. And clearly IRS costs alot more to design and build. Given these 2 simple facts its relatively easy to conclude that manufacturers would not have evolved their SUVs to independent rear suspensions unless there was a significant benefit to the passengers and owners of SUVs. Every SUV on the planet, including every luxury brand has redesigned their SUVs to incorporate an IRS. The only exception being the GM Suburban and Tahoe platforms and the Toyota LC/LX & 4runner platforms.
Both of these SUVs platforms are based on multi-decade old rear suspension designs. There is no good reason for these vehicles to have solid axle rears given their typical duty .....other than the manufacturer's of these designs "milking" the platform before a redesign or dropping it.
The only platform that may warrant the continuation of a solid rear axle and leaf spring suspension is the 2500 series Surburban where heavy payloads may be worth the trade-off of passenger comfort for a handful of customers. There is no way this trade-off can be justified in a $70K LC or a $75K LX since the buyer's of these vehicles are rarely loading the relatively small interior of these vehicles anywhere near their payload limits in general luxury duty.
An IRS is not just a better design because its my opinion, but because almost every manufacturer of SUVs on earth has improved their suspensions designs with IRS. Its my opinion that GM will redesign their platforms soon (or risk huge sales volume loss in the future on this one feature alone) and that Toyota will find no need for redesigning the LC as it is destined for a non-American marketplace where the benefits of IRS are less valued by overseas LC consumers. The 4runner will likely see an IRS design in the not too distant future just to stay competitive with the Pathfinder. The LX will simply fade away to be replaced with a higher end version of the IRS-based Sequoia platform.
The only platform that may warrant the continuation of a solid rear axle and leaf spring suspension is the 2500 series Surburban where heavy payloads may be worth the trade-off of passenger comfort for a handful of customers
There a lot of owners of 100 series Suv's that modify and use there Suvs for off roading. There are a lot of enthusiast forums demostrating this. And the 100 series is the vehicle of choice in tougher climates hands down. Especially hot weather. In these types of environment I would take the 200 series . I honestly don't see and have seen many Sequioa owners doing to this. Especially enthusiast forums etc with Sequioa yet there are more Sequioas in the USA than 100 series LC. I know there are many 100 series owners that have never taking their Suv off road but I notice there a lot of more dedicated off road forums, forum members and magazines demonstrating the Land Cruiser abilities than there are Sequioa owners.
For the American market, the average middle class family is not what Toyota is selling the LC to. I have no doubt that if the average middle class family was looking for a full size SUV, with a average designed interior, terrible ergonomics that uses inferior materials, that can seat 7, haul the dog, hit the big interstate and stop at the camp yard than the Sequioa is the vehicle of choice... I have never said otherwise. Or if one needs to tow 10,000lbs by themselves the Sequioa can do it...and better especially because of the cost difference.
As for the Landcruiser. Just because Toyota has a full size SUV with an IRS does not mean the LC will die anytime soon. Yes sales will eventually determine what happens to the 200 series but sales are up 100 percet compared to 12% for Sequioa. LX570 has an 8 day on the lot sales time right now.. Not too bad for a SUV with an solid rear. Sequioa is not even close to that. I nor you really don't know how many Toyota Land Cruiser ever hit off road but I am sure Toyota Corp know the real number. Now if all important passenger family comfort is a priority I am sure most 200 series owners will have a luxury car to get them to the movies or grocery store which I doubt Sequioa owners will claim. Yet Toyota corp will likely know the stats.
Quote:
but because almost every manufacturer of SUVs on earth has improved their suspensions designs with IRS.
Wrong! The 2008 Toyota Sequioa handles no better than a 1st generation Sequioa. Furthermore, the Range Rover with an IRS has a very poor .67 skidpad compared to the .71 5 link 1st gen Sequioa design. Also, the Range Rover went IRS but did not add a 3rd row seat.
For the Sequioa. A IRS was must to keep sales. For 200 series a solid axle was a must to keep sales. Going IRS on LC would of been a big mistake as many owners dont care about ride quality as much as they are happy with a firmer ride. Hence, AHC was deleted after 06-07 MY
__________________
2003 Salsa Red Pearl
Last edited by pagemaster; 03-11-2008 at 11:43 PM.
For the American market, the average middle class family is not what Toyota is selling the LC to. I have no doubt that if the average middle class family was looking for a full size SUV, with a average designed interior, terrible ergonomics that uses inferior materials, that can seat 7, haul the dog, hit the big interstate and stop at the camp yard than the Sequioa is the vehicle of choice... I have never said otherwise. Or if one needs to tow 10,000lbs by themselves the Sequioa can do it...and better especially because of the cost difference.
Nicely said (if not abit facetious). Your description is exactly why the LC will have limited use in the US and ultimately be destined for a ROW market. You just described why the Sequoia is far better suited for the US market even if your intent was to be demeaning of the American consumer. Not surprising to hear such frustration of a Canadian living in the shadow of America....just unbecoming.
Quote:
Wrong! The 2008 Toyota Sequioa handles no better than a 1st generation Sequioa. Furthermore, the Range Rover with an IRS has a very poor .67 skidpad compared to the .71 5 link 1st gen Sequioa design. Also, the Range Rover went IRS but did not add a 3rd row seat.
Page, Page, Page...you seem abit confused again. Skidpad performance is a wonderful tool for measuring the performance of a Vette compared to a Turbo Carrera. Its rather irrelevant to the discussion of handling in an SUV where the comfort of the passenger under varying loads and road conditions is the measurement of success. Using this criteria, an IRS is simply better for passengers (as any auto engineer will confirm for you) and unfortunately you won't get it until the LC is displaced in the US marketplace.
Quote:
For the Sequioa. A IRS was must to keep sales.
Now let me guess... exactly why do you think the Sequoia needed an IRS to keep its sales? Can't wait to hear you twist in the wind on this comment.
Quote:
For 200 series a solid axle was a must to keep sales. Going IRS on LC would of been a big mistake as many owners dont care about ride quality as much as they are happy with a firmer ride.
You're probably right, unfortunately there's only about 6 people in the US buying a new LC/LX to go off-roading that don't care about whether they or their passengers are comfortable during the 99.999999999999% of the time they aren't off-roading. I think the people that fit the demographic you're describing are actually called "Jeep customers". The LC isn't likely to get an IRS so long as there's overseas customers willing to overpay for 30 yr old technology. Its just not likely to result in strong sales of a solid axle vehicle in the US.
whether they or their passengers are comfortable during the 99.999999999999% of the time they aren't off-roading. I think the people that fit the demographic you're describing are actually called "Jeep customers".
Again. Passenger comfort is subjective. I will never need a third row but I do need a well designed second row that can two people. I would rather purchase a vehicle with superior interior materials, much better ergonomics, a worlds first dual hvac for second row (why should first row only get that), tow seperate air conditioning compressors, power sliding second row seats and three levels of seat heating. The only feature I wish the 200 series had that the Sequioa has is the manual sunshades.
Quote:
You just described why the Sequoia is far better suited for the US market even if your intent was to be demeaning of the American consumer.
The Sequioa is far better suited to the AVERAGE middle class United States customer than the LC is. Most middle class can't step into the price range as a LC customer can. Sadly, the Sequioa is not in the same league as the RR, Audi, LX. As for the QX56...powertrain yes but interior quality is no better mid level Dodge. sure platinum competes with the QX.
Quote:
their passengers are comfortable during the 99.999999999999% of the time they aren't off-roading
And most large SUVS with a third row seats never uses the third row. I have seen so many Sequioas driving around with just the driver and passenger. I don't think I have seen a full size SUV with 7 passengers loaded to the max. '
Quote:
if your intent was to be demeaning of the American consumer
Not at all. But I did LMAO when you tried to pass off the Sequioa Platinum as luxury vehicle. The Sequioa is a full size large SUV, LC is premium full size SUV and a LX570 is a luxury SUV.
Actually, its quite scientific. Manufacturers conduct the research and make the changes that best suit the market they are selling into. That's the basis for the development of the more expensive IRS in the Sequoia....passenger comfort....unless you live in a world where businesses like Toyota throw away money on R&D that doesn't result in an improved product vs the previous generation.
Quote:
Sadly, the Sequioa is not in the same league as the RR, Audi, LX. As for the QX56...powertrain yes but interior quality is no better mid level Dodge. sure platinum competes with the QX.
Actually, I would argue that the RR, Audi and LX are not in the same league as the Sequoia. These are vehicles without a future customer base. The products are generally bought by folks that could just as easily have been in a 740 or MB E or S-class. When the luster of SUVs as a "luxury" vehicle no longer is perceived as PC, these vehicles will die off quickly. The SUVs that remain will be those that meet the needs of owners that actually use their SUVs capabilities instead of seeking the appearance that they use them.
Quote:
And most large SUVS with a third row seats never uses the third row. I have seen so many Sequioas driving around with just the driver and passenger. I don't think I have seen a full size SUV with 7 passengers loaded to the max.
During the week on the work commute...yes. Unless you are at the boat ramp, campground or soccer field with the kids, you have no clue how these vehicles are used on the weekend. I suspect you don't fit the profile for any of these uses otherwise you might have a better appreciation for why SUVs are uniquely popular in the American marketplace.
Quote:
Not at all. But I did LMAO when you tried to pass off the Sequioa Platinum as luxury vehicle. The Sequioa is a full size large SUV, LC is premium full size SUV and a LX570 is a luxury SUV.
The Sequoia is a nicely appointed vehicle that is well designed for its intended uses with plenty of luxuries that matter to pamper its owner. The LC is a dying breed in the US market based on an old suspension platform sold at an overpriced sticker to Safari wannabe's. Most of these folks would be better off in an Audi, BMW or MB wagon. The LX is simply a "really" overpriced anachronism.
Unless you are at the boat ramp, campground or soccer field with the kids, you have no clue how these vehicles are used on the weekend. I suspect you don't fit the profile for any of these uses otherwise you might have a better appreciation for why SUVs are uniquely popular in the American marketplace.
I have been to the boat yard many times. In my business I am lucky to around the water a lot in the summer. I have never seen one Toyota Sequioa hitched to a boat and I work near the shores of Lake Ontario, Erie, Muskoka Lakes, Superior, Muskoka lakes etc in the summer as well as close to some family and horse ranching areas. While I have never seen a Lx470 hauling a boat I had seen a couple LX470 with a small horse trailer. Most serious boat owners will haul with a full size HD crew cab pick up. The 10,000 lb towing of the Sequioa is actually artifical as you need to be alone in the rig to usually haul that much.
As for campgrounds, I have seen a few Sequioa and pretty much everything else at the grounds so big deal. Never seen a Sequioa with more than 4 people in it.
Quote:
The Sequoia is a nicely appointed vehicle that is well designed for its intended uses with plenty of luxuries that matter to pamper its owner.
Thank you for admiting that it is NOT a luxury vehicle but in fact a blue collar SUV with some leather and a few extra features that are considered an upgrade. The Corolla has a push button start (which the Sequioa needs), leather interior, dual HVAC and heated seats....does that make it a luxury car.
Quote:
well designed for its intended uses
The deeply recessed guages were a huge error on Toyota's part which will be correct on the mid cycle refresh. Also, the Navs system is from yesterday's vehicles and really is not integrated with the HVAC. Large door opening are great but really a bad idea in a cramped parking lot. Big mistake on the 2nd row split captains chairs. That is one of the biggest gimmicks in SUV history.
__________________
2003 Salsa Red Pearl
Last edited by pagemaster; 03-12-2008 at 08:00 PM.
I have been to the boat yard many times. In my business I am lucky to around the water a lot in the summer. I have never seen one Toyota Sequioa hitched to a boat and I work near the shores of Lake Ontario, Erie, Muskoka Lakes, Superior, Muskoka lakes etc in the summer as well as close to some family and horse ranching areas. While I have never seen a Lx470 hauling a boat I had seen a couple LX470 with a small horse trailer. Most serious boat owners will haul with a full size HD crew cab pick up. The 10,000 lb towing of the Sequioa is actually artifical as you need to be alone in the rig to usually haul that much.
In other words you've never towed a boat, never towed a horse trailer, never hauled a part of a team to a soccer match. Just because you pass a vehicle towing a trailer on the highway it hardly qualifies you as having personal experience in towing or hauling kids around on the weekend. Obviously these experiences would be new in your personal environment. Is an SUV really the right vehicle for you?
Quote:
As for campgrounds, I have seen a few Sequioa and pretty much everything else at the grounds so big deal. Never seen a Sequioa with more than 4 people in it.
As I said, unless you've towed a camper to a campground you really have no idea what you're talking about when it comes to towing a camper.
Quote:
Thank you for admiting that it is NOT a luxury vehicle but in fact a blue collar SUV with some leather and a few extra features that are considered an upgrade. The Corolla has a push button start (which the Sequioa needs), leather interior, dual HVAC and heated seats....does that make it a luxury car.
Actually I never said the Sequoia was a luxury vehicle. In fact IMO there is no such thing as a luxury suv. Its an oxymoron specifically designed to separate gullible folks from their money. I don't view the LX, RR, Cayenne or LC as luxury vehicles eith
Re: 2008 Toyota Sequoia interior....What a shame
. 
.Buyers expect the kitchen sink heated and massaging front seat's like the lexus Ls and what else might can I think of roof airbag next.Overall it's a Large piece of a glorified 35k (sr5) 55k(plat) heavy steal trim in my opinion.Yea I can buy anything I want in the Toyota Lineup too but after seeing this in person it just didn't add up on the asking price. I know the sr5 trim would be surely suited more on the average buyers for the Sequoia.Plat Buyers are mainly the eddie Baurer or Limited or gap types
Re: 2008 Toyota Sequoia interior....What a shame
. Wile the Lc is nice the ride is stiff to say the least. Having a friend with a 04 LC i can't say it's as nice ride comfort wise as the Seq that cost 20k less.