Best Reviewed
Large SUVs
- Best value large SUV 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe *Est. $36965
- Top-rated luxury SUV 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class *Est. $58200
- Best towing capacity among large SUVs 2010 Toyota Sequoia *Est. $38530
- Best fuel efficiency among full-size SUVs 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid *Est. $50455
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- Easy to drive
- Large, comfortable cabin
- Rides and handles well
- Optional 5.7-liter V-8 engine is quick
- Good for towing or hauling
- Rivals more premium SUVs for refinement
- Gauges hard to see
- Audio and navigation controls awkward
- Not very fun to drive
- Ride can be unpleasant on rough roads
Reviewers say the easy-to-drive, roomy and comfortable Toyota Sequoia rivals more expensive luxury SUVs for refinement. The Sequoia has three rows of seats and can carry eight passengers, and an independent rear suspension means more space for the aforementioned third row. Edmunds.com describes the interior design as a "triumph of ergonomics," and praises the 16 cup holders and other thoughtful touches. They are less happy with the audio and navigation controls, however, claiming that they're very difficult to reach while driving. All-new for 2008, the Sequoia is Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine's "Best in Class" and "Best New SUV" for 2008. Edmunds.com feels the big Toyota may be the most useful large SUV. Among American cars, the Chevrolet Tahoe *Est. $35,530 to $46,540 competes with the Sequoia. The Tahoe gets slightly better fuel economy, though its third-row seat is more cramped.
The Sequoia's base 4.7-liter V-8 is described as adequate by reviewers, but most Sequoias are equipped with an optional 5.7-liter V-8 that's rated at 381 horsepower. Reviews readily praise the larger engine, which allows for brisk acceleration and towing capacity of up to 10,000 pounds. The Toyota Sequoia is available with either rear- or four-wheel-drive vehicle, and four-wheel-drive models have a locking center differential for added traction. In a comparison test of large four-wheel-drive SUVs under snowy conditions, the Sequoia performed well.
Edmunds.com has the most detailed review of the 2008 Toyota Sequoia, and Consumer Reports magazine reviews it with a focus on reliability and safety features. Motor Trend magazine includes the Toyota in a comparison test, while at Kiplinger's, the Sequoia is named "Best in Class, Large SUVs" and "Best New SUV" for 2008. Automotive.com, ConsumerGuide.com, and Car and Driver magazine also contribute reviews.
Our Sources
1. Edmunds.com
Edmunds.com praises the Toyota Sequoia's large interior, as well as the way this large SUV rides, handles and accelerates when equipped with the optional 5.7-liter V-8. Upscale models can get expensive, however, and controls for the audio and navigation system are hard to reach.
Review: 2008 Toyota Sequoia Review, Editors of Edmunds.com
2. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe
Consumer Reports tests the Toyota Sequoia, focusing mainly on reliability, ride quality, handling and safety. Consumer Reports is unique in that it rates predicted reliability based on its annual subscriber survey.
Review: Toyota Sequoia Review, Editors of Consumer Reports
3. Motor TrendDetails/Subscribe
The Sequoia wins this comparison test of large four-wheel-drive SUVs. Editors praise the Sequoia's six-speed automatic transmission, center locking differential and 10,000-pound tow rating.
Review: Comparison: 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe vs. 2008 Ford Expedition vs. 2008 Nissan Armada vs. 2008 Toyota Sequoia, Ron Kiino
Automotive.com praises the Toyota Sequoia's powerful 5.7-liter engine option and the thoughtful touches found in the Sequoia's roomy, comfortable interior. Editors say the six-speed transmission shifts smoothly, and they feel that four-wheel-drive models perform well during off-road driving.
Review: 2008 Toyota Sequoia Review, Editors of Automotive.com
Consumer Guide praises the Toyota Sequoia's overall refinement, optional 5.7-liter V-8 and ample interior space, but it complains that its six-speed transmission is slow to downshift and that some of the gauges are hard to see.
Review: 2008 Toyota Sequoia, Editors of ConsumerGuide.com, Sept. 16, 2008
6. Car and DriverDetails/Subscribe
Car and Driver finds the four-wheel-drive platinum edition Sequoia tested to accelerate and stop well. They praise the ample interior space and third-row seat. But they complain that the ride was "downright jiggly" on rough roads.
Review: 2008 Toyota Sequoia Platinum 4WD - Short Take Road Test, Steven Cole Smith, Nov. 2007
7. Kiplinger.comDetails/Subscribe
The Kiplinger's annual auto issue factors service costs, fuel efficiency, resale value and insurance costs into its ultimate ratings. Among truck-based SUVs, the Toyota Sequoia is awarded "Best in Class" and "Best New SUV" for 2008. The Sequoia's powerful engine wins praise.
Review: The Best Cars for 2008, Mark Solheim and Jessica Anderson, Mar. 2008
8. Car and DriverDetails/Subscribe
Car and Driver praises the Toyota Sequoia for its ample interior space, and editors feel the engine has plenty of power. Editors criticize the chassis, saying it doesn't deal well with rough road conditions, and they complain that the Sequoia is not very fun to drive.
Review: 2008 Toyota Sequoia, Editors of Car and Driver
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