2008 Toyota Sequoia

2008 Toyota Sequoia lives up to its name

Wed, Jan 23rd 2008

The giant Sequoia tree grows in central and southern California and features a trunk so wide that can grow to be 35 feet in diameter.

After driving the redesigned Toyota Sequoia for a week, one can certainly understand the reasoning behind the name. This is one, giant sport utility vehicle.

But in spite of its added size and power, Toyota reports that the all-new Sequoia is more efficient and environmentally friendly than the previous model. In fact, this week’s tester averaged around 14 miles per gallon and is rated as Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle-II (ULEV-II), meaning it is 50 percent cleaner than the average new car.

And everyone knows that dogs love trees, so it’s no surprise that the Sequoia is a great DogCar. Its wide open cargo area, fold-flat seats and tall tailgate make it easy to arrange crates and canines to fit any configuration. A power tailgate and rear seats that fold flat at the push of a button are truly welcome conveniences when you find yourself dodging raindrops while dashing in and out of stores on your daily rounds.

Carpeted flaps on the backs of the second row seats flip down easily to cover any gaps in the floor, keeping paws safely away from any interior potholes that might be found in other vehicles. There also are several anchor hooks in the cargo area for safely securing crates.

The Sequoia is sterling when it comes to people pampering. The Platinum Edition version I drove featured heated and cooling seats for driver and front passenger, as well as additional bun warmers for those in the second row.

In spite of its added bulk, driving the Sequoia is an effortless endeavor. The powerful V8 engine provides quick response when needed and the brakes are very effective for quick stopping. For freeway driving, the adaptive cruise control automatically maintains a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, and resets when the traffic moves away.

While the Sequoia satisfies all the requirements to make a great DogCar, the cost and economy still gives one pause (as opposed to paws). With a base price of more than $55,000 for the Platinum 4X4, this big brute is clearly meant for those with big budgets to match.

- - Keith Turner

Carguy Comments: The full-size Toyota Sequoia has been redesigned for 2008 and is available in three grades: the SR5, Limited and the Platinum. The SR5 and Limited grades feature a 4.7-liter V8 engine that produces 273 horsepower while the Limited version has a 5.7-liter V8 that pumps out 381 horsepower. The Sequoia’s cargo area measures 89 inches in length, 51 inches wide and 35 inches tall in the rear. Cargo capacity is 120 cubic feet behind the front row.

-- Keith Turner, The Family Car

2008 Toyota Sequoia: The big just got bigger

Barking Lot Banter: The 2008 Toyota Sequoia has been totally redesigned to add size, comfort and power to the already monster-sized SUV. Everything about this DogCar is big, including the price.