2008 Toyota Sequoia

OVERVIEW

Market research for the all-new Toyota Sequoia included an Internet questionnaire to determine how sport utility owners use their vehicles. So there must be an awful lot of such people transporting items 11 feet in length, because that’s how much this new vehicle can swallow.

The Sequoia has a towing capacity of as much as 10,000 pounds and an optional air suspension package with variable settings. Although it won’t be seen in the same “green” light as other Toyota products, the company has at least been gracious enough to make the 5.7-liter version ULEV-II compliant.

This big new V-8 is mated to an also-new six-speed automatic transmission. Or buyers may choose the 4.7-liter V-8, carried over from the outgoing model, that’s hooked up to a five-speed slushbox. For a big machine, its 19-foot turning radius is impressive, the tightest in its class. An all-new interior has three rows of seats plus the usual options for DVD players, etc.

UNDER THE HOOD

4.7-liter V-8
276 horsepower at 5,400 rpm
314 pound-feet of torque at 3,400 rpm
Fuel economy: 14/17 mpg (2WD), 13/16 mpg (4WD)

5.7-liter V-8
381 horsepower at 5,600 rpm
401pound-feet of torque at 3,600 rpm
Fuel economy: 14/19mpg (2WD), 13/18mpg (4WD)

WHEN?

To be announced

HOW MUCH?

To be announced
(For ballpark purposes, the 2007 model starts at $33,160.)

OUR TAKE

The Sequoia is as much part of the American landscape as the tree it’s named after. For those who absolutely must have a full-size SUV that’s absolutely reliable, this would be an obvious choice. And the 5.7-liter version appears to have no gas penalty compared with the 4.7.