2008 Toyota Sequioa 4x4 Limted test drive….What a…

[pagemaster]

2008 Toyota Sequioa 4x4 Limted test drive….What a…

Was picking a centre HVAC part for the Toyota Truck this afternoon and while I was waiting for the parts guy to find the part a dealer friend of mine said lets go for a test drive in a new Toyota Sequioa. While I was hoping for a complete test drive of a platinum (I have rode in it just briefly before) I instead was giving the keys to 2008 Limited 4x4 model AHC but without the TMES. With that being said, many know my fondness for Land Cruiser so I thought it was a great opportunity to test the regular suspension with that of the Land Cruiser. I will leave the test drive of the TMES suspension Sequioa to compare with that of the Lexus LX570 as the Sequioa TMES is actually using the 100 series electronic modulated suspension which debuted on Toyota Land Cruisers and Lx470 in 1998.

Overall I felt I was comparing the Sequioa more to the LX570 that to the Land Cruiser after the test drive but I went thinking of the Land Cruiser in mind.

Very nice sized vehicle, the vehicle felt a lot smaller that I expected when driving the vehicle, however there is a lot of vehicle to live with. Overall interior space felt just about right for this size of SUV.

Power was very impressive however you don’t forget that this vehicle is 6000lbs as there is lot of vehicle to move. It feels that nothing wants to stop this engine from going faster. Engine noise is a lot louder than I expected as there is no engine hood cover or extra engine compartment seals.

Overall ride comfort from the Limited was good but I expected a little smoother of a ride from the independent rear suspension. Perhaps this will be corrected with the platinum model. I did notice that while you do feel dips and ruts in the road, then feel a lot better in the rear than the did with the 1st generation solid axle Sequioa. Nothing to make one change there purchase decision…I actually don’t mind a firmer ride.

Over train tracks was good and ride on the highway was very nice. The Sequioa feels like a vehicle that would be easy to drive across country or for very long distances. I did notice that the rear passenger right window shade resonates with ever bump on the road…when not in the up position the noise disappeared.

Brakes were solid (I was expecting that) and steering was perfect for around town and highway. The turning radius was impressive at 39 feet…not sure if it the same variable gear steering from the 200 series.

Ok folks with the ride out of the way…a second look inside.

I had an extended chance to go over the features and seating position for a lot longer once I was back at the dealer. Overall the front dash of the Sequioa is a ergonomic nightmare and the driver seats needs a bit more seat cushion articulation at the back…the centre gauges need to go, radio needs to get closer to the driver and the use of premium materials would be nice….overall it is hard to see the small fonts of the hvac info with sunglasses on.

Where Sequioa went wrong up front….it gets so much better in the back.

Overall there is no bad seating position in this vehicle. Second row and third row seating comfort is outstanding especially for the third row. I was particularly impressed with the third row recline function and impressive shoulder room for third row outboard occupants. Having privacy blinds makes the rear a pleasant place to be especially with the overhead dvd option.

Heating and cooling in the back was impressive. I believe like the 200 series…the Sequioa has two compressors not a 100% on that. Fan speed of the blower for second and third row seating is very good. I did notice that the front had 7 blower speed. I thought it was four speed, good job Toyota.

Because the third row seating is so impressive on the Sequioa…it leads to one criticism of the third row which is minor but important…I will get to that near the end.

Overall a very well done SUV for Toyota, it has space, room, seating capacity, towing capacity, power, decent amount of features, decent ride etc…while I do think Toyota missed the mark on the front dash and materials up front it leads me to where my main problem of this vehicle is. Toyota is not a 100% sure if they want the Toyota tough truck workhorse feel up front or the well suited people mover which they have in the back. IMO they have both going on here.

I think Toyota is afraid to move the Sequioa into the up scale luxury segment which will compete with Infiniti, Cadillac, Lincoln etc. I doubt Toyota will create a Lexus model for the Sequioa as the only Lexus built outside of Japan is the RX350 which is a world market SUV and front what I understand. The LX is 100% Japanese parts sourced SUV

I noticed a number of things about this Toyota which need to be address. First off is the horrible front dash….with that being said, because Toyota did such a great job of the second and third row seats…I would like to see a third row climate control zone for just the third row. I was sitting back there and the AC was on and I would like my own controls because I didn’t want to get up. Second, a little more seat articulation for the drivers seats and full power passenger seat. Third I really would like to see Toyota incorporate the 200 series nav/climate/radio into one solid unit. The Sequioa is not a terrible set up but I think the 200 series is a much better way of going. Lastly, the rear hatch button is out of place, it should be on the edge of the hatch.


With these upgrades I think Toyota can compete head on with Cadillac, Infiniti, Lincoln etc.
Make no mistake about it…this is a very well engineered vehicle which is not out to replace the Lexus LX570 and Land Cruiser buyers…The Sequioa and 200 series really are different vehicles for different types of buyers, family sizes, different needs and different wants. The Sequioa does what is supposed to do very well.

Before I conclude this is the best full size suv on the market for hauling families, friends etc…

now can I please get some front seat anchor covers…..the rear of the Sequioa has them and it’s pretty damn good back there.

Overall ****1/2 (out of *****)

Nice touches. Toyota added a HVAC temp control on the steering wheel. Front map lights don’t click when you push the button. You can power fold and open the third row seats from the second row or rear. Window shades are a nice touch. Finally I have actually grow very fond of the door pulls of the FJ, Tundra, Sequioa and Land Cruiser…they actually are push handles as well.



If someone can post my photos. It would be much appreciated..my photo upload does not work.

[dupont1]

I that you, Pagemaster? That's a pretty glowing review! I guess seeing is believing.