EmailBest 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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Best towing capacity among large SUVs
- Spacious, comfortable interior
- Flexible seating
- 10,000-pound towing capacity
- Powerful engines
- Luxury amenities
- Smooth, quiet ride
- Premium price
- Poor fuel economy
- Control layout
- Low handling limits
Toyota's largest SUV, the Sequoia, can tow more weight than any other SUV -- a maximum of 10,000 pounds. In 2008, the Sequoia was completely redesigned, but an excess of unsold vehicles at the beginning of the 2009 model year prompted Toyota to suspend production. Only a very limited number of 2009 models were built and sold, mostly to fleets. In mid-year, the Sequoia returned as a 2010 model, with more powerful and more efficient base V-8 engines, redesigned grille and taillights, a simplified options list and a higher level of standard equipment.
The standard 4.6-liter V-8 engine has an output of 310 horsepower, an increase of 34 horsepower over the previous base engine. More importantly, the fuel economy is up by two mpg to 14 mpg city and 19 mpg highway for the two-wheel-drive Toyota Sequoia, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Limited and Platinum models continue to be powered by the more powerful 5.7-liter V-8, rated at 381 horsepower. Both Sequoia engines are matched with a six-speed automatic transmission. Four-wheel-drive models with either engine achieve EPA estimates of only 13 mpg city and 18 mpg highway. The Toyota Sequoia SUV's 5.7-liter can be ordered as a flex-fuel engine, capable of running on E85 ethanol. Good luck finding an ethanol pump near you. In many regions, E85 pumps are scarce at best.
The Toyota Sequoia is slightly larger than the Chevrolet Tahoe (*Est. $36,965 to $51,400), but smaller than the Chevy Suburban (*Est. $40,370 to $53,460). The Sequoia has a significant advantage over both of these top competitors because its third-row seats folds flat into the floor, opening up a maximum of 121 cubic feet of cargo space. The cabin layout gets mixed reviews. Some critics like its open design, generous storage spaces and cupholders, while critics say the control layout could be improved. Many controls, including the navigation system and audio controls, are a long reach from the driver's seat, while others are partially blocked by the steering wheel.
Spacious interior, heavy handling
Reviews say the interior is spacious and comfortable, making the Sequoia an ideal vehicle for taking a road trip. But avoid curvy roads, warns ConsumerGuide.com: "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." But the powerful engines' quick acceleration and four-wheel independent suspension's smooth ride help to make the driving experience quite pleasant for cruising, according to Edmunds.com.
The 4WD Sequoia performs well off road, thanks to its truck-based frame, low-range gearing and available lockable differential, although its sheer size makes it cumbersome on trails, some reviewers point out. Also, "with exposed running boards and little skidplate protection under the body," the Sequoia is not as well prepared for off-road challenges as the Toyota Land Cruiser (*Est. $64,755), according to Jerry Garrett of The New York Times.
Edmunds.com says, "The 2010 Sequoia is our top pick among full-size SUVs," but they add, "buyers who don't require its massive towing capacity would do well to consider a large crossover." They recommend the GMC Acadia (*Est. $31,890 to $40,490) (or other GM crossovers built on the same platform), the Ford Flex (*Est. $28,495 to $42,010) or the Mazda CX-9 (*Est. $29,820 to $35,205). Editors say the crossovers "offer competitive passenger and cargo space with lower price tags, and they handle better and get superior fuel economy to boot."
Research sources
We looked at reviews of 2008, 2009 and 2010 Sequoia models, as the driving characteristics are similar for each year. The best descriptive review comes from Edmunds.com with a good summary of the changes for 2010 and highlights of the significant features and driving behavior of the Sequoia. ConsumerGuide.com also gives plenty of useful behind-the-wheel information in its evaluation of the recommended Sequoia. The New York Times gives an interesting perspective in its road-test review, and Kelley Blue Book gives information about potential resale values. Motor Trend compares four 2008 large SUVs, and chooses the Sequoia as the best. Additional valuable behind-the-wheel impressions are found at NewCarTestDrive.com, ConsumerReports.org and TheCarConnection.com.
Our Sources
1. Edmunds.com
In this comprehensive summary review of the 2010 Toyota Sequoia, editors praise its "class-leading refinement, versatility and user-friendly features." In testing, a 4WD Sequoia equipped with the 5.7-liter V-8 goes from zero to 60 mph in only 6.7 seconds. Editors warn that "well-equipped versions are pricey."
Review: 2010 Toyota Sequoia Review, Editors of Edmunds.com
The New York Times' Jerry Garrett explains some of the difficulties Toyota (and other automakers) are having selling full-size SUVs in today's market. He tests a Sequoia equipped with a 5.7-liter engine, and says he "struggled to hit the low end" of the EPA fuel-economy estimates.
Review: Larger Than Life, Back for an Encore, Jerry Garrett, Jan. 29, 2009
ConsumerGuide.com gives the Toyota Sequoia a Recommended rating rather than its top Best Buy honor. Editors say the Sequoia "holds its own against most rivals in every measure except dashboard convenience and cargo space behind the 3rd-row seat."
Review: 2010 Toyota Sequoia: Road Test, Editors of ConsumerGuide.com
4. Motor TrendDetails/Subscribe
While dated, this article compares four large four-wheel-drive SUVs priced around or under $50,000. The Toyota Sequoia is the winner of this test and is praised for its excellent performance and comfortable interior. Although the 2010 Sequoia has numerous revisions, it has the same powertrain as the 2008 Sequoia Limited test vehicle. Second place goes to the Nissan Armada.
Review: Comparison: 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe vs. 2008 Ford Expedition vs. 2008 Nissan Armada vs. 2008 Toyota Sequoia, Ron Kiino, April 1, 2008
5. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe
Editors of ConsumerReports.org have a good summary review of the Toyota Sequoia, including a road-test evaluation along with reliability history as compiled in large owner surveys. You must be a subscriber to read this report.
Review: Review: 2010 Toyota Sequoia, Editors of ConsumerReports.org, Not Dated
KBB.com gives the Sequoia its Recommended endorsement, commenting that it "was designed with long road trips in mind." Editors add, "when it comes to residuals, the Sequoia has proven to hold its resale value better than any other large SUV."
Review: 2010 Toyota Sequoia Review, Editors of Kelley Blue Book
This lengthy review gives useful driving impressions, but the information about the various trim levels is already dated as the standard equipment and options for the 2010 model have changed somewhat. Test driver John Stewart says, "Seating is designed for long days of driving, with a comfortable, unusually wide driver's seat with power lumbar support."
Review: 2009 Toyota Sequoia: Hauls Eight People, Tows 10,000 Pounds, John Stewart
TheCarConnection.com bases its review on research into third-party reviews as well as the writer's own test drive of the Toyota Sequoia. Editor Marty Padgett says the interior "was designed for large Americans, and the available room is tremendous." He points out that "the Sequoia's height and sheer size, paired with tough outward visibility, make it cumbersome to maneuver."
Review: 2009 Toyota Sequoia Bottom Line, Marty Padgett
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