The interior is conspicuously wide. With a body longer and wider than the previous model (or a current Chevrolet Tahoe), more legroom and shoulder room becomes available for people and cargo.

The dash is simple and focused, with two central gauges, speedometer and tachometer, flanked by fuel, temperature and voltage gauges. Bright rings accent the instrumentation.

A very large rectangular shifter dominates the metallic center strip area, and behind it is a wide central console designed to hold 12 CDs or four DVD cases. Our test unit had an agreeable Sand Beige interior. Gray is another standard color, and a new interior design scheme, Red Rock/Black is only available with the Platinum grade.

The four-spoke steering wheel contains controls for AC, Bluetooth-capable phones and audio functions. The steering column tilts and telescopes; our test unit had a powered memory feature.

Switches and dials are used to control windows and HVAC system. The HVAC system is designed to define and maintain three different climate zones, two in the front, and one in the back. We think Toyota does a good job when it comes to switch feel and operational consistency when it comes to dials and other touchpoints.

Two overhead compartments are suitable for sunglasses, and the control strip has sunroof controls. An electrochromic rear view mirror is standard except on SR5, and the mirror contains built-in garage door opener buttons operating on three different frequencies.

The sun visors are huge, and they slide on their hangers, providing effective shade for driver and passenger all day long. On the A-pillar are hefty grab handles, with grips big enough to support body weight as you swing into the seat.

The interior is notable for thoughtful features that increase utility, such as a compass, map light, automatic up-and-down jam protection for front power windows, and back door power window.

The Sequoia is especially designed to make the third-row passenger seats more comfortable, and more useful, more like real seating for adults. To that end, the third row seats have almost as much leg room as the second-row seats, and have adjustability features rarely seen in eight-passenger SUVs. For those who often make use of the third row, the Sequoia's standard interior layout is better than many SUVs we've seen, in which the third-row seats constitute emergency seating for smaller people only. Then again, those who do not need eight-passenger capacity can configure the Sequoia with Captain's chairs in the second row, which shifts the priority to second-row passenger comfort.

If you smoke, the Sequoia does not discriminate. One of the very few SUVs with a retractable rear hatch window (4Runner is the other) the Sequoia offers flow-through ventilation that smokers particularly appreciate, along with a closed, removable ashtray that is dish-washable, and a cigarette lighter up front.

Last but not least, the new Sequoia has ample cargo room behind the third row, and even more if you fold it down. When the seat is folded flat, large baggage or cargo can be loaded without removing the seat. It is a well-organized cargo area, even having tow hooks that can hang grocery bags. There is an optional power full-flat mechanism for the third row seat that becomes standard in Limited models.