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SequoiaGeneral discussion forum for the second generation 2008 and later Toyota Sequoia.
This is a discussion thread titled "My new SR-5... 5 days into ownership...", within the Sequoia forum, part of the SUV Forums category.
I have owned a previous Sequoia for the last 5 years. After 170k great miles, even with these high gas prices, it was time for a new car. I looked the new Honda Pilot, and the new Sequoia. I know you can't compare these directly, but they both did fit my need, so I had it narrowed down to these two SUV's. I have to admit, I wanted the Pilot, just due to the cost savings, and the better gas milage. I know its not as powerful, and much smaller, but I felt like it just made sense, mostly due to the fuel and 6k initial savings. I have a new Acura MDX, and love it, the Pilot is very similar, and a very impressive car, but my wife drives it, and wanted the Sequoia, she just didn't think the Pilot would be enough room for us.
I have to say, I thus far, I am not blown away by this car. Not a car that is $44k. I realize that might not be a lot of money for a car these days, but its a ton of money to me. There are so many features this car lacks for a car of this price range. I can't believe there is no fuel range gauge on a SR-5, its an option I guess. I was suprised to see stardard headlights when we drove the car a few nights ago, I figured it would have had Xeon like the Acura. Then i was getting gas, and dissappointed to see the gas door is manual. The old sequoia was not. I realize this might not be a big deal, but with gas at $4 a gallon, stealing gas, will soon become a reality. I know I can buy a locking gas cap, but that seems like such a PITA. I've also noticed, how when you dim the interior lights, some of the dash lights dim, but not all. I also find it somewhat hard to read the gauges during the daytime. They are so deep, and dimly lit, I find them hard to read at times of bright sunlight. I was excited about the 3rd row folding into the floor, but in many respects it does not exaclty fold flat at all. In fact, I would almost bet money, that the interior heigth of the cargo area, is less than my old Seq. So basically all they do now, is fold down, but steal cargo space, the floor is not near as flat, or as low as it was previously. Now today, driving home, I was testing the new JBL stereo, I had it cranked up to about 50's volume wise, and the subwoofer started cutting in and out???
I think Toyota did an amazing job with this car in so many ways. The old one needed way more power, and they fixed that. I love the exterior, but it just seems like Toyota did cut many features out and cut many corners this time around. I just wonder if the quality is there, like it was in the past. The entire dash and interior layout just reminds me of a domestic car. If I didn't know better, I'd think I was in a GM Suv. I paid invoice, and got 0.0 for 60 months, so I got a hell of a deal, but I really hope I made the right decision on this choice, right now, I'm really wishing my wife would have gone for the Pilot.
Thoughts, comments? Are you other owners in love with your choice? Or would some of you gone a different direction if you had to do it over again?
the sequoia has an anti siphon fuel tank. 44k is that what you paid or msrp? With rebates you should have been in the mid 34 to 38 range depending on the options.
I paid 50 for a platinum msrp 58k No rebates ( rebates werent avail for the plat)
Here my honest and unbiased opinion based on your observations:
What people need to realize when buying this vehicle is that their money is being sunk primarily into the Powertrain & Drivetrain.
Comparing a Pilot touring for $40K (or an MDX for $45K) to an SR5 Sequoia for $40K is comparing apples to oranges. There is just no comparison in the powertrain/drivetrain and construction of either of these vehicles. The Sequoia is a body-on-frame vehicle with real hauling capability and the Pilot/MDX are unibody (i.e car like) chassis vehicles. Even the Pilot and MDX, and Odyssey for that matter, apply different philosophies to the same basic layout – the MDX is more drive focused with an emphasis on Sport, the Pilot is more utilitarian focused, with an emphasis on economy and interior space, a byproduct of its smart packaging, and the Odyssey is about maximum utility. My personal view is that the packaging of the new pilot has somewhat compromised its outward appearance – take, for example, how upright the C pillar is.
Leaving the MDX aside, the only comparison between the ’08 Pilot and ’08 Sequoia is when comparing interior space for passenger hauling.
The other problem you are running into is that your SR5 is the lowest trim and therefore, naturally, lacks all the bells and whistles. I have the Platinum and a lot of the things you point out (gauge visibility, Distance range) are not issues, then again, I paid a pretty penny for it as well.....and believe me, I too am one of those people that works hard for every dollar I have.
All of the above being said, I don’t consider the ’08 Sequoia to be perfect. I do think there has been some skimping on the part of Toyota when it comes to the interior. Having the higher trim levels, does help alleviate some of the issues, but certainly, does not eliminate them.
* I think the gas lid is excusable in any vehicle, let alone one that costs $35K - $55K.
* I also think HID should have been an option, at least on the limited and Platinum. Heck, if you feel bad about not having an HID option on the Sequoia, to think that Lexus doesn’t offer HID as an option on the $80K LX570 is ludicrous.
* The dash layout is, shall we say, acceptable. A few strategically placed wood trim accents from the factory would help a lot.
* The NAV screen is small for a vehicle of this size and reach is an issue.
* The plastics on the dash and door panels should have been softened.
I also think there is room for improvement on the exterior.
* I personally think the front of the vehicle has too strong a look that is exacerbated by the chrome grille. The thickness of the grille should have been reduced and a body colored grille should have been option for further “softening” (this available on the tundra).
All of the above being said, I go back to my original point, your money is being spent on the powertrain and drivetrain (especially at the SR5 level). I still continue to believe that the 5.7L engine is fantastic – I’ve said it before in several posts – the power and refinement is superb. The 6-speed tranny compliments the engine perfectly. Both of these together provide a smooth and serene driving experience, one that is akin to a luxury sedan and not a body-on-frame SUV.
In my particular situation, my wife has wanted a full sized SUV for a long long time. Operative word here being “want”. The ’08 Sequoia was a not a “need” and probably like yourself, we could have done fine with a Pilot – I am city-based guy with no hauling needs. Additionally, the look of the new Pilot turned me off completely which helped with decisioning. I could not get over the bug-eye look and the center grill.
I personally believe that every vehicle has some form of compromises. Its choosing the one that meets your particular need with the fewest compromises within your budget that drives the final decisioning.
Here my honest and unbiased opinion based on your observations:
What people need to realize when buying this vehicle is that their money is being sunk primarily into the Powertrain & Drivetrain.
Comparing a Pilot touring for $40K (or an MDX for $45K) to an SR5 Sequoia for $40K is comparing apples to oranges. There is just no comparison in the powertrain/drivetrain and construction of either of these vehicles. The Sequoia is a body-on-frame vehicle with real hauling capability and the Pilot/MDX are unibody (i.e car like) chassis vehicles. Even the Pilot and MDX, and Odyssey for that matter, apply different philosophies to the same basic layout – the MDX is more drive focused with an emphasis on Sport, the Pilot is more utilitarian focused, with an emphasis on economy and interior space, a byproduct of its smart packaging, and the Odyssey is about maximum utility. My personal view is that the packaging of the new pilot has somewhat compromised its outward appearance – take, for example, how upright the C pillar is.
Leaving the MDX aside, the only comparison between the ’08 Pilot and ’08 Sequoia is when comparing interior space for passenger hauling.
The other problem you are running into is that your SR5 is the lowest trim and therefore, naturally, lacks all the bells and whistles. I have the Platinum and a lot of the things you point out (gauge visibility, Distance range) are not issues, then again, I paid a pretty penny for it as well.....and believe me, I too am one of those people that works hard for every dollar I have.
All of the above being said, I don’t consider the ’08 Sequoia to be perfect. I do think there has been some skimping on the part of Toyota when it comes to the interior. Having the higher trim levels, does help alleviate some of the issues, but certainly, does not eliminate them.
* I think the gas lid is excusable in any vehicle, let alone one that costs $35K - $55K.
* I also think HID should have been an option, at least on the limited and Platinum. Heck, if you feel bad about not having an HID option on the Sequoia, to think that Lexus doesn’t offer HID as an option on the $80K LX570 is ludicrous.
* The dash layout is, shall we say, acceptable. A few strategically placed wood trim accents from the factory would help a lot.
* The NAV screen is small for a vehicle of this size and reach is an issue.
* The plastics on the dash and door panels should have been softened.
I also think there is room for improvement on the exterior.
* I personally think the front of the vehicle has too strong a look that is exacerbated by the chrome grille. The thickness of the grille should have been reduced and a body colored grille should have been option for further “softening” (this available on the tundra).
All of the above being said, I go back to my original point, your money is being spent on the powertrain and drivetrain (especially at the SR5 level). I still continue to believe that the 5.7L engine is fantastic – I’ve said it before in several posts – the power and refinement is superb. The 6-speed tranny compliments the engine perfectly. Both of these together provide a smooth and serene driving experience, one that is akin to a luxury sedan and not a body-on-frame SUV.
In my particular situation, my wife has wanted a full sized SUV for a long long time. Operative word here being “want”. The ’08 Sequoia was a not a “need” and probably like yourself, we could have done fine with a Pilot – I am city-based guy with no hauling needs. Additionally, the look of the new Pilot turned me off completely which helped with decisioning. I could not get over the bug-eye look and the center grill.
I personally believe that every vehicle has some form of compromises. Its choosing the one that meets your particular need with the fewest compromises within your budget that drives the final decisioning.
Vern...nice summary. I agree with you're entire assessment. If you have any towing needs the must-have vehicle is the Sequoia. If there's no need for towing you might be better off in a Pilot/MDX/Highlander.
I also think they should have offerred HIDs in the Platinum at the very least. And whats up with no rain-sensing wipers. My wife's 4 yr old Avalon has them so there's no excuse to not include them with the fully loaded Platinum.
And would it really have killed the development budget to include a light behind the folding mirror switch for night time operation...come on. For crying out loud they could have at least made the switch function after the key has been removed. Better yet, make them automatic when the ignition is turned off the mirrors auto fold and unfold when the key is reinserted. Not a very bright design for a high end vehicle designed by the supposed design experts of the auto industry.
I truly believe that all the things mentioned will gradually be addressed during the lifecycle of the vehicle. Unfortunately, us first year buyers won't see the fruits of these improvements.
The dash, or at least the materials, will likely be improved during the routine mid cycle refresh. The platinum will probably see the nicer gunmetal finished wheels over time. The HID issue I'm not sure of - its clear that Toyota has willfully taken a stance on this. The sync-ing of the folder mirrors with the ignition could very well be another fine tuning point (I know they fold automatically in sync with the key on the LS430).
i recently bought a limited to replace our 05 lease seq. i test drove a navigator, denali, infinity q56, expedition, highlander, mb gl. did not drive the new pilot. it is in a different class. not nearly as big or heavy. the only 2 issues i have is the reduced cargo due to the independent sus and fold flat seats and interior plastics up front. i am more than willing to give that up for the power down 3rd seat and much improved ride/drive of the new suspension. drove several 2x. in terms of driveline refinement and power there is no comparison. this truck seems to be built very well from that standpoint - it weighs in at near 6000lb so i dont think toyota skimped on the mechanicals/frame. i also dont think they skimped on the interior posterior to the dash and drivers doors. the seats were the best of the bunch to us (my wife was involed). with the front seat almost all the way back i had more than enough legroom in the middle seat. basically toyota moved the 3rd row back to give more legroom to the middle and 3rd row but took away some space behind the 3rd row. the middle seats also adjust forward and back which is very useful. and the 3rd row reclines. the only other vehicle we felt came close in comfort for all 3 rows were the fords. middle seat comfort was by far the best for me in the seq. the dash and quaility of plastics around the driver is what i felt was skimped on. i am tall, but for a normal height person the ergonomics to the radio is poor; however, the ergonomics of the drivers seat is actually the biggest reason i bought it. the infinately variable tilt/telescope steering wheel and drivers position to me was by far the best in the seq. i can put the seat way back and bring the steering wheel close enough to keep my arms bent/comfortable on long trips. in the gm and fords the steering wheel was too far way. the seat also fit me by far the best - power extension bottom. also the brake and gas ped are close enough and at the same position that it is very easy to go back and forth without lifting my foot. in terms of driving it felt more like a unibody than a body on frame. the mb gl was the only other vehicle that drove as well (at 20g more). it does not come with bucket middle seats so my 5 yr old could not get to his seat in the 3rd row without touching the middle seats (carseats).
so in summary - i think they skimped on the interior materials of the dash and doors to allow for an extremely capable drivetrain and brakes. actually, this vehicle is faster than needed. i paid invoice with zero interest for 60 months so it came in with the expedition as the least expensive of the bunch. i would have picked it regardless of price. hopefully the first year issues were worked out with the tundra as it has almost the same drivetrain. if you want every electric gizmo avail buy the infinity or navigator. if you want the best drivetrain/brakes and handling buy the seq for 8g less.
I had an 03 Expedition that I've been driving for 5 years before trading it for the Sequoia. We had been shopping around for a new large size SUV and we were considering a Nissan Armada besides the Sequoia. The price on the Nissan was much more affordable but after reading up reviews on it, I decided that it wasn't worth my money. What the Sequoia lacks in cargo capacity, it more than makes up for in everything else. The drive of the 5.7L compared to my old 5.4L is noticeably better. The handling is super sweet. I can fit 3 car seats in the
2nd row and still utilize the 3rd row for passengers. I had to remove the middle seat in the 2nd row for the Expedition due to the fact that the access to the 3rd row required you to have to fold down the damn seats. Really inconvenient.
I have riden in a Pilot before and I'm not impressed at all by it. Everything about it seems smaller and tighter. For having 3 kids, we carry a lot of stuff and I just don't think that a Pilot will be able to accomodate my needs. Plus, I've had bad luck with Honda so I'm not doing business with them for awhile.
Since your wife is the primary driver of the Sequoia, she would know better on what she would like to have for comfort and convenience. The Sequoia is the compromised for my hubby since he really wanted to have a Tundra CrewMax. I would have gone for it except for the fact that I would need to have a tonneau cover in order to keep strollers and other stuff covered from the elements. Along with the fact that grocery shopping with having the truck bed to carry the stuff just doesn't seem ideal when I've got 3 kids too.
Overall, my husband and I are both happy that we went for the Sequoia. We are getting ready to take it for it's first road trip this weekend so we'll see how that goes.
I have owned a previous Sequoia for the last 5 years. After 170k great miles, even with these high gas prices, it was time for a new car. I looked the new Honda Pilot, and the new Sequoia. I know you can't compare these directly, but they both did fit my need, so I had it narrowed down to these two SUV's. I have to admit, I wanted the Pilot, just due to the cost savings, and the better gas milage. I know its not as powerful, and much smaller, but I felt like it just made sense, mostly due to the fuel and 6k initial savings. I have a new Acura MDX, and love it, the Pilot is very similar, and a very impressive car, but my wife drives it, and wanted the Sequoia, she just didn't think the Pilot would be enough room for us.
I have to say, I thus far, I am not blown away by this car. Not a car that is $44k. I realize that might not be a lot of money for a car these days, but its a ton of money to me. There are so many features this car lacks for a car of this price range. I can't believe there is no fuel range gauge on a SR-5, its an option I guess. I was suprised to see stardard headlights when we drove the car a few nights ago, I figured it would have had Xeon like the Acura. Then i was getting gas, and dissappointed to see the gas door is manual. The old sequoia was not. I realize this might not be a big deal, but with gas at $4 a gallon, stealing gas, will soon become a reality. I know I can buy a locking gas cap, but that seems like such a PITA. I've also noticed, how when you dim the interior lights, some of the dash lights dim, but not all. I also find it somewhat hard to read the gauges during the daytime. They are so deep, and dimly lit, I find them hard to read at times of bright sunlight. I was excited about the 3rd row folding into the floor, but in many respects it does not exaclty fold flat at all. In fact, I would almost bet money, that the interior heigth of the cargo area, is less than my old Seq. So basically all they do now, is fold down, but steal cargo space, the floor is not near as flat, or as low as it was previously. Now today, driving home, I was testing the new JBL stereo, I had it cranked up to about 50's volume wise, and the subwoofer started cutting in and out???
I think Toyota did an amazing job with this car in so many ways. The old one needed way more power, and they fixed that. I love the exterior, but it just seems like Toyota did cut many features out and cut many corners this time around. I just wonder if the quality is there, like it was in the past. The entire dash and interior layout just reminds me of a domestic car. If I didn't know better, I'd think I was in a GM Suv. I paid invoice, and got 0.0 for 60 months, so I got a hell of a deal, but I really hope I made the right decision on this choice, right now, I'm really wishing my wife would have gone for the Pilot.
Thoughts, comments? Are you other owners in love with your choice? Or would some of you gone a different direction if you had to do it over again?
From what you're saying, it's as if you bought a vehicle without.
1. Knowing what options were included.
2. Never driven it before buying, given your utter surprise at some very key points. It's as if you bought the car blindfolded and when you actually took the blindfolds off, you were surprised at a plethora of things that are more than adequately documented on the internet and at the dealer.
3. Hadn't adequately assessed your needs, given that you had your list down to 2 totally different vehicles which serve totally different market segments.
I have a Plat 4x4 and absolutely love it. I researched it for months, read reviews, asked dealers and owners of previous Sequoias. I am more than happy for having paid close to 70000$ with tax, because I knew what to expect.
No malice intended, but next time you buy a vehicle, do your homework. You could have easily bought another vehicle if you had and still posted all of the Sequoia's shortcomings in any forum of your choice.
Life is too short to learn from one's own mistakes. Consider this a lesson in life and next time you buy a vehicle, you'll be better informed and happier with your choice.
I got my SR5 4x4 with all options except navi and dvd two weeks ago.
Toyota has always had inferior interiors. But I actually like the way mine is. I am not going to be towing with my dash. I am a Honda guy but the Pilot on ly tows 4500 lbs? So we went with the sequoia.
It has independent rear suspension so I dont understand how it has less room in the third row.
Only on the internet do you get to hear a whine about a gas cap!
Bottomline is that the Sequoia is the best SUV/truck ever!
The previous winner was the Ford Excursion Diesel. discontinued of course.
After almost 10 years of driving Honda Odysseys, we were ready for a change. So last week we drove home a new cassis pearl plat. 4X4 with every option except laser cruise. Paid 46.2 K OTD (not including tax and tag)
I drove Pilot, Highlander, MDX and wasn't impressed. Drove GL320 and was impressed but Mercedes dealers didn't want to deal. Drove the Sequoia and was blown away. Especially when I found out the deal I could get on one. It's a beast and I love it.
The Conv Pkg helps a ton with the interior by adding burlwood trim to the dash and doors. The only thing I would add is keyless go like the GL320 has an option.
Took a 500 mile trip this weekend. Drove 80 most of the way... averaged 15.8mpg going, then I sought out non ethanol gas station and filled up. Averaged 17.5 coming home. Same route, no wind, same elevation, A/C on both ways. This ethanol crap has got to go!
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My new SR-5... 5 days into ownership...
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