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2009 Toyota Sequoia Full Review
Date Published: 10/30/08
Also in the 2009 Toyota Sequoia Review:
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Toyota Sequoia Full Review
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2009 Toyota Sequoia
Sneak Peek
The 2009 Toyota Sequoia is largely unchanged following its 2008 redesign. Sequoia is based on the chassis of Toyota's large Tundra pickup truck. It shares Tundra's powertrains but gets an independent rear suspension. SR5 and Limited models are available, along with the top-line Platinum. SR5 and Limited come with a 276-hp 4.7-liter V8 and a 5-speed automatic transmission. Optional on those and standard on Platinum is a 381-hp 5.7-liter V8. It uses a 6-speed automatic. All Sequoias come with rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive that can be left engaged on dry pavement and includes low-range gearing for off-road use. Maximum towing capacity is 10,000 lb. For 2009, 4WD Sequoias with the 5.7 V8 can be equipped to run on gasoline or E85 ethanol-blended fuel. Seating for eight is standard on SR5 and Limited. Replacing the 2nd-row bench with two bucket seats and a console creates seating for seven that's standard on Platinum and optional on Limited. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags that cover all seating rows, and front side airbags. Standard are a tilt and telescopic steering column and three-zone climate control. Standard or optional depending on model are a power-folding 3rd-row seat, adjustable air suspension, navigation and DVD entertainment systems, rearview camera, and adaptive cruise control.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Large SUVs are traditionally workhorse seven-plus passenger wagons with brawny truck-type chassis, ample towing ability, lots of cargo space, and generally poor fuel economy. These vehicles offer towing and payload ratings similar to large pickup trucks.
Our Best Buys include the Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, GMC Yukon, and Ford Expedition. We have no Recommended picks in this class for 2009.
Our Best Buys include the Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, GMC Yukon, and Ford Expedition. We have no Recommended picks in this class for 2009.
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2009 Toyota Sequoia Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Passenger and cargo room | Fuel economy |
| Build quality | Instruments/controls |
| Trailer-towing capability | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
No Sequoias with the 4.7-liter V8 have been made available for testing. There's plenty of power from any speed with the 5.7-liter V8, but the transmission's reluctance to downshift can complicate passing and merging maneuvers.
| 4WD Limited | 4WD Platinum | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 5.8 |
No Sequoias with the 4.7-liter V8 have been made available for testing. There's plenty of power from any speed with the 5.7-liter V8, but the transmission's reluctance to downshift can complicate passing and merging maneuvers.
Fuel Economy
In Consumer Guide testing, 4WD Sequoias with the 5.7-liter V8 averaged 14.0 mpg in city/highway use and 16.1 mpg in mostly highway driving. Both figures are surprisingly good given the 5.7 V8's power and lack of a fuel-saving cylinder-deactivation feature. All models use regular-grade gas. Models with 4WD and the 5.7 V8 can be equipped to run on E85 ethanol.
| 4WD Limited | 4WD Platinum | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 2.7 |
In Consumer Guide testing, 4WD Sequoias with the 5.7-liter V8 averaged 14.0 mpg in city/highway use and 16.1 mpg in mostly highway driving. Both figures are surprisingly good given the 5.7 V8's power and lack of a fuel-saving cylinder-deactivation feature. All models use regular-grade gas. Models with 4WD and the 5.7 V8 can be equipped to run on E85 ethanol.
Ride Quality
A long wheelbase and lots of weight subdue most every bump. The available 20-inch tires don't degrade ride quality much compared to the 18s. The available adjustable suspension is controlled by a dashboard switch and has three settings. Sequoia is prone to unpleasant wavy-pavement wallowing with base suspension, and with adjustable suspension in either mode other than "sport."
| 4WD Limited | 4WD Platinum | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 6.6 |
A long wheelbase and lots of weight subdue most every bump. The available 20-inch tires don't degrade ride quality much compared to the 18s. The available adjustable suspension is controlled by a dashboard switch and has three settings. Sequoia is prone to unpleasant wavy-pavement wallowing with base suspension, and with adjustable suspension in either mode other than "sport."
Steering/Handling/Braking
In any Sequoia, fast turns result in marked body lean. Combined with steering that's too light and indirect, it takes the fun out of twisty roads. Still, straight-line stability is confident, and Sequoia is composed in most every routine maneuver, with the bonus of a usefully tight turning radius and outstanding brake control.
| 4WD Limited | 4WD Platinum | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 3.8 |
In any Sequoia, fast turns result in marked body lean. Combined with steering that's too light and indirect, it takes the fun out of twisty roads. Still, straight-line stability is confident, and Sequoia is composed in most every routine maneuver, with the bonus of a usefully tight turning radius and outstanding brake control.
Quietness
Overall refinement rivals premium-class SUVs. The 5.7-liter V8 roars intrusively in rapid acceleration, but noise from road and wind is very well managed. Conversation between the 1st and 3rd rows is no imposition at highway speeds.
| 4WD Limited | 4WD Platinum | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 6.6 |
Overall refinement rivals premium-class SUVs. The 5.7-liter V8 roars intrusively in rapid acceleration, but noise from road and wind is very well managed. Conversation between the 1st and 3rd rows is no imposition at highway speeds.
Controls
Sequoia shares its dashboard design with the Tundra and so suffers the same shortfalls of secondary gauges partially blocked from the driver's view by the steering-wheel rim. But Sequoia adds a plethora of controls to govern its many added features, such as the air suspension and rear climate system. Sequoia's main controls are large and clearly marked, but many of these smaller buttons are not conveniently placed or identified. Many controls reside too far to the passenger side of the console, a long stretch from the driver's seat. The navigation screen washes out in some sunlight conditions.
| 4WD Limited | 4WD Platinum | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 6.5 |
Sequoia shares its dashboard design with the Tundra and so suffers the same shortfalls of secondary gauges partially blocked from the driver's view by the steering-wheel rim. But Sequoia adds a plethora of controls to govern its many added features, such as the air suspension and rear climate system. Sequoia's main controls are large and clearly marked, but many of these smaller buttons are not conveniently placed or identified. Many controls reside too far to the passenger side of the console, a long stretch from the driver's seat. The navigation screen washes out in some sunlight conditions.
Details
A dashboard of hollow-sounding plastic panels and a cut-rate feel to some of the main controls are at odds with Sequoia's otherwise solid build quality.
| 4WD Limited | 4WD Platinum | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 6.1 |
A dashboard of hollow-sounding plastic panels and a cut-rate feel to some of the main controls are at odds with Sequoia's otherwise solid build quality.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Only adequate six-footer head clearance, but legroom is bountiful and the seats are roomy, comfortable, and supportive. High ground clearance strains getting in and out; the available running-board steps are too narrow to be of much help. Visibility is commanding to the front and sides, but it's poor to the rear in close quarters; we recommend the available rearview camera, which also proves useful when backing up to a trailer hitch.
| 4WD Limited | 4WD Platinum | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 9 |
Only adequate six-footer head clearance, but legroom is bountiful and the seats are roomy, comfortable, and supportive. High ground clearance strains getting in and out; the available running-board steps are too narrow to be of much help. Visibility is commanding to the front and sides, but it's poor to the rear in close quarters; we recommend the available rearview camera, which also proves useful when backing up to a trailer hitch.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Three adults fit in the 2nd row with shoulders lightly touching. All have good legroom thanks to a nearly flat floor, and only the middle rider will feel uncomfortable pressure points from a seatback section that doubles as a fold-down armrest. The 2nd-row buckets have class-leading support and size, and like the bench, slide fore and aft. The bench's center section slides further forward for easier parental reach to a child seat. (Sequoia has mounting points for four child seats.)
Third-row comfort is adult-adequate, as is room with the 2nd row less than halfway back. However, adults still ride more knees-up than in the Ford Expedition, but are far less cramped than in a Chevrolet Suburban or its General Motors cousins. Sequoia's 2nd-row seats spring forward in one motion to create an unusually wide portal to the 3rd row. Enormous door openings aid entry and exit, but step-in height is still lofty.
| 4WD Limited | 4WD Platinum | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 7.8 |
Three adults fit in the 2nd row with shoulders lightly touching. All have good legroom thanks to a nearly flat floor, and only the middle rider will feel uncomfortable pressure points from a seatback section that doubles as a fold-down armrest. The 2nd-row buckets have class-leading support and size, and like the bench, slide fore and aft. The bench's center section slides further forward for easier parental reach to a child seat. (Sequoia has mounting points for four child seats.)
Third-row comfort is adult-adequate, as is room with the 2nd row less than halfway back. However, adults still ride more knees-up than in the Ford Expedition, but are far less cramped than in a Chevrolet Suburban or its General Motors cousins. Sequoia's 2nd-row seats spring forward in one motion to create an unusually wide portal to the 3rd row. Enormous door openings aid entry and exit, but step-in height is still lofty.
Cargo Room
Sequoia is more than 1 foot shorter than a Suburban or Expedition, so cargo room behind the 3rd row is relatively limited; four rolling luggage bags set upright about max it out. But there's a full-width bin below the rear floor section, and the 2nd and 3rd rows fold even with the floor to create a long, flat expanse. The cabin is rife with cupholders, bins, pouches, and pockets.
| 4WD Limited | 4WD Platinum | Class Average |
| 10 | 10 | 9.7 |
Sequoia is more than 1 foot shorter than a Suburban or Expedition, so cargo room behind the 3rd row is relatively limited; four rolling luggage bags set upright about max it out. But there's a full-width bin below the rear floor section, and the 2nd and 3rd rows fold even with the floor to create a long, flat expanse. The cabin is rife with cupholders, bins, pouches, and pockets.
Value within Class
This Recommended large SUV holds its own against most rivals in every measure except dashboard convenience and cargo space behind the 3rd-row seat. Those demerits are softened somewhat by an otherwise inviting cabin and an overall size that makes close-quarters maneuvering easier than with most in this class.
| 4WD Limited | 4WD Platinum | Class Average |
| 8 | 7 | 8 |
This Recommended large SUV holds its own against most rivals in every measure except dashboard convenience and cargo space behind the 3rd-row seat. Those demerits are softened somewhat by an otherwise inviting cabin and an overall size that makes close-quarters maneuvering easier than with most in this class.
Total Score
| 4WD Limited | 4WD Platinum | Class Average |
| 68 | 67 | 72.6 |
Scores for all Large Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 62 | |
| Average Score | 72 | |
| High Score | 79 |
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2009 Toyota Sequoia Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 04/29/2008
Coming soon.
Please check back for more information and Consumer Guide's full review.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Optional Equipment
No factory options.
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2009 Toyota Sequoia Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Toyota Sequoia 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 122.0 |
| Overall Length, in. | 205.1 |
| Overall Width, in. | 79.9 |
| Overall Height, in. | 74.6 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 5920 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 120.1 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | 1340 |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 26.4 |
| Seating Capacity | 8 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.7 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.5 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 39.4 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 36.4 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc V8 | dohc V8 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 4.7 /285 | 5.7 /344 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 276 @ 5400 | 381 @ 5600 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 314 @ 3400 | 401 @ 3600 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
||
| 5-speed automatic | 13/16 | --/-- |
| 6-speed automatic | --/-- | 13/18 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Toyota Sequoia 4-door wagon |
| 4WD Rollover | 4 |
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
| Rollover Resistance | 4 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | 5/60,000 | 8-years/100,000-miles on hybrid components. |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 5/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | None/-- | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
USA
Drivewheels:
4-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive
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Also in the 2009 Toyota Sequoia Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Toyota Sequoia Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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