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Introduction

2009 Toyota Sequoia

The Toyota Sequoia was completely redesigned and re-engineered for 2008, boasting impressive truck capabilities and the bold looks of the Toyota Tundra pickup. So the 2009 Sequoia cruises through that sweet spot, second year of production with only minimal change.

This second-generation Sequoia is bigger and more capable than the original, 2001-2007 version. Bigger than a Chevy Tahoe in almost every dimension, this latest Sequoia is the biggest SUV Toyota has ever made, and it has the most capability.

The Sequoia can transport eight people, plus cargo. Seating comfort for rear-row passengers was a design priority, so the more you carry full loads of people, the more the Sequoia becomes attractive. The interior is designed with generous seats, big armrests, and lots of storage for passengers, plus an optional entertainment system for long trips.

The Sequoia can be equipped to tow trailers of up to 10,000 pounds. Its optional 5.7-liter V8 makes more than 400 pound-feet of torque, while an available six-speed transmission allows for smooth cruising. Four-wheel-drive models offer credible off-highway driving capability, with easy shifting into and out of 4WD, good low range gearing, and lockable differential for better traction.

Toyota's comprehensive suite of electronic safety, stability and traction controls, the STAR system, is standard on all models, as are advanced airbag systems.

The Sequoia represents a state-of-the-art rendering of the modern sport utility vehicle. It's built to transport people and their gear, in comfort, across long distances on North American super-highways. It's all about getting people in and out easily, keeping them comfy, and making heavy loads secure and routine. It rides quietly, steers easily, and with three models, two drive trains, and a broad selection of options, the Sequoia can be configured in a variety of ways to meet specific wants, needs and price points.

The Sequoia differs from the premium Land Cruiser in that the Sequoia is larger, can carry and tow more and is designed specifically for North America. The Land Cruiser is designed to address upscale luxury car buyers in global markets. The Sequoia is more about practical utility and comfort. It is built at Toyota's Princeton, Indiana, factory and shares many components with the Tundra pickup that is now built in San Antonio, Texas.

The 2009 Toyota Sequoia is packaged in three grades: SR5, Limited and Platinum. SR5 comes standard with a 276-hp 4.7-liter V8 mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. Limited and Platinum come standard with the 5.7-liter V8 and six-speed automatic. Eight-passenger seating is standard; Platinum seats seven. A flex-fuel version of the 5.7-liter engine that can run on E85 (85 percent ethanol) is available in most states.

Model Lineup

Sequoia SR5 ($34,150) is the entry grade and it comes standard with tri-zone air conditioning; power windows, locks, and back window; keyless entry; an eight-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system with a plug for iPod compatibility; tilt steering; cruise control; spare tire; and mud guards. SR5 is also available with 4WD ($37,375). The bigger, 5.7-liter V8 is optional ($1,125) with either 2WD or 4WD. A Sport Appearance Package upgrades the second row to bucket seats (reducing total seating to seven) and adds a power-adjustable driver's seat, 20-inch alloy wheels with a unique finish, color-keyed sport grille, rear spoiler, fog lamps, and a black fabric interior.

Sequoia Limited ($45,225) comes standard with the 5.7-liter V8 and adds heated, leather trimmed seats; upgrades the driver's seat to 10-way adjustable; and adds leather trim to the steering wheel, seats, and gearshift knob. The rear 60/40 third row seat is power operated. The dash is upgraded with brighter Optitron gauges and a multi-information display, and a 14-speaker JBL Synthesis audio system includes Bluetooth capability. Outside, the Limited adds a roof rack, fog lamps, running boards and parking sonar system. Limited is available with four-wheel drive ($48,450).

Platinum grade ($52,375) comes with 20-inch alloy wheels, a rear load-leveling suspension, and a memory feature for the power seats, which are heated and air conditioned in the front. Second-row seats are heated buckets, converting the interior to seven-passenger capacity, and a navigation system with backup camera is standard. Exterior features include a power back door, sunroof, and headlamp cleaner. Platinum is available with four-wheel drive ($55,600).

SR5 options include touch-screen navigation with JBL Premium audio, four-CD player, Bluetooth and reversing camera ($2,980); JBL audio with Bluetooth ($1,430); front and rear parking sonar ($500); load leveling suspension ($650): running boards ($385); fog lamps ($110); roof rack ($220); rear spoiler ($100); leather seats ($3,100); a towing package ($660) that includes a receiver hitch, auxiliary transmission cooler, seven-pin wire connector, heavy-duty alternator, and a 4.30:1 gear ratio; and a package combining the sunroof and roof rack ($1,030). Limited buyers can upgrade to 20-inch alloy wheels ($920), bucket seats for the second row (no charge), sunroof ($810), navigation ($1,650), and a power back door ($400). Exclusive to Platinum is dynamic laser cruise control ($600).

Options for all models include a rear seat entertainment system with DVD player and rear audio controls ($1,670); daytime running lights with on/off feature ($40); and a cold weather kit ($100-230) that includes a windshield wiper de-icer, headlamp cleaner, and larger battery.

Toyota's Star safety system comes standard on all models and includes advanced frontal airbags, seat-mounted side-impact airbags for the front row, side-curtain airbags with rollover sensor, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), traction control, and ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist.

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