But it's hardly a duel anymore. As the first of the new challengers, Toyota crashed the party in 2001 with the Sequoia just as it had done in the full-size truck scene with the Tundra a year earlier. Those who recognize the same face on both aren't seeing double: ahead of the driver's seat, Tundra and Sequoia are identical. Same V8, hidden beneath the same body parts, assembled by the same Indianians.
Like the Tundra, the Sequoia entered the field - and remains - at the bottom, in a way. The Tundra is often called the "seven-eighths full-size truck," and however true that is, it's just as true for the Sequoia when speaking of SUVs. It's in the lower half of the group in external dimensions and wheelbase. Its V8, at 4.7 liters, is one of the smallest, and unlike all the others, it has no optional step-up engine. On the other hand, its 240 horsepower isn't the weakest (especially considering the Sequoia's relatively light weight) and it's responsible for best overall fuel economy: 16 MPG.
These numbers will undergo some revisions for 2005. No doubt tired of being the slow poke, Toyota is adding its VVTi valve timing to the engine, raising horsepower to 282 while giving the automatic a fifth gear. Other 2005 changes include upgrading the 4WD system from a locking center differential to a torque-sensing Torsen limited-slip unit, and adding an optional air suspension.
Torque won't change from the current 315 pounds-feet, which inevitably puts a glass ceiling on towing capacity: 6,500 for 2WD models, 6,200 for 4WD models. That's still enough to tow a pretty hefty boat, though. The Sequoia's payload actually stands above the Tahoe and Expedition, ranging from 1,495 pounds (4WD Limited) to 1,725 (2WD SR5).
The list of what the Limited model adds to the $32,165 SR5 is a long one: leather, power driver seat, steering wheel radio controls, heated front seats, heated mirrors, keyless entry, power sunroof, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, trip computer, universal garage-door opener, illuminated visor mirrors, JBL sound system, automatic headlights, running boards, roof rack, fog lights, towing hitch, 7-pin wiring harness, and 17-inch alloy wheels. Lots of stuff commands lots of bucks: the Limited adds $9,275 to the bottom line.
What sets the Sequoia apart? It has the quietest ride, the most refined interior, and it's the only one with proven reliability. Sound familiar for a Toyota? It may not be the fastest, but its smooth, acclaimed engine has Lexus roots. Knowing the qualities the designers chose to emphasize with the Sequoia, think of it as the SUV Lexus might have gladly accepted as one of its own.
|