Let's talk OFF-ROAD

[mike552]

One of the very first things I noticed when purchasing my 2008 Sequoia was the independent rear suspension. As a former 4Runner owner, and as someone who occasionally drives a Chevy Silverado for work errands, I thought "What's this about?"

As I began reading into the methodology of Toyota's design and why they decided to introduce such a major modification to the Sequoia, I understood the enormous benefits of this change. Straight-line stability in my Sequoia is clearly evident and for such a big vehicle it still boggles my mind at how easy it is to drive. Almost effortless. Another benefit of the independent suspension (as most of you already know) is the room that it creates for a "real" third-row. The difference between my 2004 4Runner and the Sequoia is night and day, and my in-laws will probably be the first to attest to that.

Given all of these benefits, however, it is only natural to expect some reduction in performance in other uses. One thing that I noticed about the current Land Cruisers, for example, is that they have retained their solid rear axle. The 4runners have as well. Both of these vehicles have a documented lineage of off-road capabilities. This leaves me to wonder "Can the Sequoia stack up?"

In the few months that I've (happily) owned my Sequoia, I have not had an opportunity to take it off the tarmac other than some occasional country roads that consisted of nothing more than mud and glorified puddles. In this respect, the vehicle handled beautifully but I would have been disappointed if the result was less than stellar. So this begs the question, what is the limit of the Sequoia's suspension, and is it anything more than what its street-like handling would suggest? Is there some hidden prowl behind the sheet metal?

Please share your off-road experiences. Thanks!

[Theohiomike]

Its to big for serious off road but does well on the flat stuff

[Jowett Engineering]

How far off road do you want to go? A few mods would make a big difference. Four Wheeler seemed pleased with their test vehicle... have a read, and note what they write on page 2. 2009 Four Wheeler Of The Year - Four Wheeler Magazine

In general IRS (and IFS for that matter) can lack the required articulation for tougher trails, but does excell in other areas. As Theohiomike wrote, the size of the vehicle also limits it, and New England trails tend to unfriendly to larger vehicles... don't tell my Tundra!

[epwhitfield]

We have a Polaris Ranger for off roading - when my wife isn't around. otherwise our '04 sequoia with true 4wd will go places where we only see old trucks with lifters and mud tires. Not bad for a family car

[High4]

I have been on trails in the Smoky Mtns to reach isolated parts of streams to trout fish....mud, returning in a downpour, large holes, fairly steep inclines, etc....with no problems. Plan to run on some 4wd restricted beaches just for enjoyment. Also will be adding Camburg coilovers, rear Bilstien HD shocks, and 33" tires. Nothing that would be noticable to most folks but will make these mild to moderate off-road trips a little more secure. I agree with epwhitfield, "not bad for a family car".

[Jowett Engineering]

The Seqouia would really benefit from the KDSS sway bars... too bad it's not made for the IRS.... Hmmmmm.

[High4]

No kidding.
I considered a used '08 Cruiser but with the type of on and off road traveling I (and we) do it just was just too expensive and not as comfortable. So, will just beef up the Sequoia a bit and it will fit our needs quite nicely.