2008 Sequoia - Cargo room lacking

[vzczc]

Sure it's still a big cargo area. What I found when I checked one out was a smaller cargo area compared to the 2007. Remember the 2007 had removeable seats, so once you did that, you had a nice large area. I moved my snowblower inside my Sequoia to the dealer and back. I don't think I would do that (in a 2008) knowing the seats were right below the machine. I may not fit either. Fold flat seats don't vanish entirely. They take up space, and it's space thay can't be used for cargo. This the 3rd row seats installed, the 2008 cargo room looks pretty tiny.
I have a family of 3 and have no use for an 8 passenger vehicle except maybe once a year, so if a model without a 3rd row seat was available, that would be my choice.

Not trying to sound like I'm whining, but I an trying to describe the differences.

[srock]

I agree 100%. Compared to the old landcruiser I traded the height of the opening is greatly diminished and I ocassionally haul heavier or messy items I don't want to put on folded seats. The floor height is also a higher reach. I like it when the second row folds forward and the second row is removed. For me that would be a great option.

[NoVaT]

It's clear, in all the reviews I read before buying, that the '08 has less cargo capacity than the '07. The '08 has a 121 cu. ft. cargo capacity and the '07 has 128 cu. ft. I much prefer to be able to fold them away then have to stow them in my garage. I'll eat the 7 cu. ft. of cargo space. Don't buy one if you gotta have the extra 7 cu. ft. of space and really enjoy carrying your seats in and out of your garage.

[Heatwave3]

Originally Posted by NoVaT

It's clear, in all the reviews I read before buying, that the '08 has less cargo capacity than the '07. The '08 has a 121 cu. ft. cargo capacity and the '07 has 128 cu. ft. I much prefer to be able to fold them away then have to stow them in my garage. I'll eat the 7 cu. ft. of cargo space. Don't buy one if you gotta have the extra 7 cu. ft. of space and really enjoy carrying your seats in and out of your garage.

I have to agree. The fact that the Sequoia's 3rd row folds conveniently into the floor at the touch of a button is one of the key reasons I sold my Denali XL and bought a Plat Seq. Lugging that 100lb 3rd row seat in and out of the vehicle gets old fast. Not to mention the risk of scratching the vehicle once its being moved to storage in the garage.

I traded down in space from the Denali XL's storage of 137cu ft to the Sequoia's 121. Easy decision since neither the 2nd or 3rd rows in the Denali XL folds flat and only the 3rd can be dragged out. What's the point of more space if its too inconvenient to use?

[pagemaster]

Fold flat seats don't vanish entirely. They take up space, and it's space thay can't be used for cargo. This the 3rd row seats installed, the 2008 cargo room looks pretty tiny.
I have a family of 3 and have no use for an 8 passenger vehicle except maybe once a year, so if a model without a 3rd row seat was available, that would be my choice.

I am not sure how they measured rear hatch but yes it does seem a bit smaller. What is not too impressive is the medicore payload capacity. Yes it does have fold flat seats and the ability to haul 8 people but with a 1250lb capacity...that is not too impressive. I am pretty sure that could be atributed to the rear idependant suspension not being a strong as a solid axle. .

The new Sequioa was designed to move people first, trailer second and large heavy objects third.

[Heatwave3]

The new Sequioa was designed to move people first, trailer second and large heavy objects third.

I definitely agree with the order listed. That being said, there are no SUVs that have a higher tow rating than a 2wd SR-5 Sequoia and no 4wd vehicle that has a higher tow rating than a 4wd SR-5 Sequoia. And that includes the tow ratings for 3/4 ton SUVs like the 2500 Yukon XL and Suburban.

[pagemaster]

That being said, there are no SUVs that have a higher tow rating than a 2wd SR-5 Sequoia and no 4wd vehicle that has a higher tow rating than a 4wd SR-5 Sequoia.

You are right about 10,000lbs but almost nobody (there are some silly Americans who will try) will be purchasing that model and towing that much with a family on board. The 10,000 lb towing capacity is all marketing. It would be impressive if the Platinum model could tow 10,000lbs but it can't. Looking at Toyota's website..they have cleverly covered up the fact that 19mpg hwy was achieved with no tow package (and 4.3.1 gearing) yet Toyota advertises an available tow capacity of 10,000lbs yet you have to select tow package. Then throw in a very mediocre payload capacity and you have vehicle that has been design to look very good on paper in regards to high tow numbers but in all honesty you really cant do much with it unless its just the driver.

In all honesty, the Sequioa will be right at home towing around 6000lbs...from most reviews I have seen is Toyota supply a trailer of about 6000 lbs. I have no doubt that the Toyota Sequioa will pull a trailer very well....I just don't expect it towing a large trailer, with a large family on baord like some of the the ads that they have...but a lot of folks are made to think that the Sequioa can.

[Heatwave3]

Originally Posted by pagemaster

You are right about 10,000lbs but almost nobody (there are some silly Americans who will try) will be purchasing that model and towing that much with a family on board. The 10,000 lb towing capacity is all marketing. It would be impressive if the Platinum model could tow 10,000lbs but it can't. Looking at Toyota's website..they have cleverly covered up the fact that 19mpg hwy was achieved with no tow package (and 4.3.1 gearing) yet Toyota advertises an available tow capacity of 10,000lbs yet you have to select tow package. Then throw in a very mediocre payload capacity and you have vehicle that has been design to look very good on paper in regards to high tow numbers but in all honesty you really cant do much with it unless its just the driver.

In all honesty, the Sequioa will be right at home towing around 6000lbs...from most reviews I have seen is Toyota supply a trailer of about 6000 lbs. I have no doubt that the Toyota Sequioa will pull a trailer very well....I just don't expect it towing a large trailer, with a large family on baord like some of the the ads that they have...but a lot of folks are made to think that the Sequioa can.

Yeah right like there's no "silly canadians" ......give-up the national attack on Americans, its unbecoming of a resident of our 51st state.

Like the "all-knowing Pagemaster" has exclusive rights on on how much can be towed with a Sequoia and Toyota is clueless when it come to tow ratings. Give us a break. With all the liability lawsuits out there and the conservative nature of Toyota's lawyers (just look at how the Nav unit is restricted) I suspect they would have only given the tow ratings that are on the Sequoia if in reality it was capable of much more. You're somewhat clueless if you think they would take the risk of marketing a tow rating that could cause harm to their customers. Not gonna happen in our litigous American society.

I for one, will be towing a boat of about 7500-8000lbs which I anticipate the Plat Sequ will handle as well or better than my Denali XL. I'll know within 50 miles of towing which is better and will gladly report back with my real world experience.

[pagemaster]

Originally Posted by Heatwave3

Yeah right like there's no "silly canadians" ......give-up the national attack on Americans, its unbecoming of a resident of our 51st state.
.

That was said because us Canadians don't have the sr5 2wd 5.7 capable 10,000 lbs. Thats all. Nothing to do with American vs Canadian.

[Robert_Laurali]

This past weekend I used the towing abilities of my 2wd sr5 that I bought it for.

When deciding on a SUV for the wife we concluded that my 2001 supercrew F150 with rated 9000lbs towing was getting a little tied and if we could get a SUV for her that I could use to tow with about every other month, then that would be great. Well we got our Seq about 2 weeks after they hit the market in So cali. They werent even advertised ANYWHERE yet. We walked into the Toy dealer with her telling me "I will not buy a truck no matter how much it tows" because I was telling her that the Tundra is a monster on paper.

Well they had just gotten the Seq in and had the one in our price range with nice options, including tow package. What a nice ride and it took all of about 2 hours for her to make up her mind this was it and we were driving away in it.

Ok enough of the story.

On monday I bought a dual axle car hauler weighing in at just over 1200lbs. Went home and loaded my Jeep buggy that estimated weight is at about 4500-5000lbs (see picture, may look small but those are 40" tires to give you a idea as to size there), on that trailer while it was connected to the Seq.

After having that trailer with my jeep on it and hoping I guessed at tongue weight right, I loaded 1/2cord of firewood on front and rear of the trailer under the jeep, as well as 3 ice chest full, 2-5 gallon full gas jugs, about 200-300lbs of extra parts and a med sized tool box about 200lbs, all on tne trailer. Total weight of the trailer and contents prolly around, 7500-8000lbs. Oh and also connected my prodigy brake controller.

On thusday I left on a 200 mile ea way trip to the desert. On the way there I could barely tell it was even there. MPG average 11.9.

On sun the winds were gusting at around 45-60mph where we were and on the way home (Salton city thru palm springs back to Orange County), so we packed up and got outa dodge. On the way home is was a little different drive even with about 750-1000lbs less due to all the ice chest emptied and wood gone etc. luckily my Jeep is mostly tube and very heavy down low. but I did notice a good amount of swaying! but it towed very easy still.

After this whole trip, the first and only so far, I am Very happy we did the Seq. It drove Significantly better with this much weight in tow then my 01 Ford did with just 5500lbs behind it! And we were extreamly comfortable doing so. Oh on the way back though with all that wind the MPH did go down to 10.5ish avg.

I felt that Toyota's rating of 10000lbs was high on paper, till I used it this past weekend. I dont think I would tow more then I just did with it on any regular basis, but if a buddy wanted to throw a few dirt bikes on my trailer also for a trip, I would not shy away from it.