2003 Toyota Sequoia: Road Test
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2003 Toyota Sequoia ▼
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- MSRP: $31,625 -$44,220
- Invoice: $28,145 -$39,134
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Our road test for the 2003 Toyota Sequoia includes a full evaluation of the 2003 Toyota Sequoia from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 Toyota Sequoia, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 Toyota Sequoia help you decide if a 2003 Toyota Sequoia is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| SR5 2WD | Limited 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4.1 |
Test 4WD Limited did 0-60 mph in a class-competitive 9.5 sec, but high weight blunts midrange passing punch. Silky V8 well-matched to smooth transmission.
FUEL ECONOMY
| SR5 2WD | Limited 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | 2 |
Test 2WD SR5 averaged 14.3 mpg, 4WD Limiteds 10.4-13.3 in city/suburban commuting. Most owners will do no better overall, though a third 4WD Limited managed 15.9 mpg with more highway test miles. Toyota recommends regular-grade fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| SR5 2WD | Limited 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 4.8 |
Long wheelbase contributes to a mostly easy ride, and suspension copes well with really rough stuff. But small imperfections sometimes register with surprising clarity through the seats, and there's marked jiggle on washboard freeways.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| SR5 2WD | Limited 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3.1 |
Typical big truck. Stable enough in hard cornering, despite marked body lean. But a chore to maneuver on twisty roads and when parking; a large turning radius doesn't help. Simulated emergency stops are short and true, but brake-pedal action is spongy.
QUIETNESS
| SR5 2WD | Limited 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5.4 |
One of the more refined big truck-based SUVs, with little engine noise, reasonably low coarse-surface tire drone, and only modest wind rush--for a blocky wagon.
CONTROLS
| SR5 2WD | Limited 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6.6 |
Simple, large, handy, clearly labeled. Wide cabin makes centrally located climate and audio controls a fair stretch for the driver, and we don't like the foot-pedal parking brake. Interior decor isn't that fancy, but materials and workmanship are pleasing.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| SR5 2WD | Limited 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 8.6 |
Only adequate 6-footer head clearance, but leg room is bountiful. Comfortable seats have long cushions. High ground clearance forces big steps for even long-legged occupants getting in or out, so available running boards more helpful than usual. Visibility commanding to front and sides, but poor to rear in close quarters.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| SR5 2WD | Limited 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 8.3 |
Three adults have as much space in the 2nd row as in front, but entry/exit again awkward. Third-row best accommodates only two preteens or toddlers, and they must crawl past the fold-forward 2nd-row seats to get in or out.
CARGO ROOM
| SR5 2WD | Limited 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 9 |
Not expansive behind 3rd seat for a vehicle this large, but ample volume with seat folded or removed, still more with 2nd-row seat stowed. Liftgate's handy power window lowers via remote keyfob, but raises only by using the keylock or an inside switch. Cabin has lots of bins and pockets--and 10 cupholders.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| SR5 2WD | Limited 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 8 | 6.9 |
Sequoia suffers all the usual big-SUV vices, but is a strong competitor that merits serious consideration as a refined, well-equipped Toyota. Still, rivals match it in many ways while typically towing more than Sequoia's 6500-lb maximum. They carry bigger price discounts, too.
Total Score
| SR5 2WD | Limited 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 58 | 58 | 58.8 |
Total Score: 58
Scores for all Large Sport-utility Vehicles
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