2010 TOYOTA SEQUOIA Review

Overview

The 2010 Toyota Sequoia is a 4-door, up to 8-passenger sport-utility vehicle available in SR5, Limited and Platinum trims. It has the power and performance of a full-size SUV to carry people and their materials with more power and fuel-efficiency with the new 4.6L engine. Sequoia, available in 2WD and 4WD configurations, now comes with a much higher level of popular standard features and safety enhancements.

Powertrain And Performance

An all-new 4.6-litre i-FORCE V8 engine rated at 310 hp and 327 lb ft of torque is standard on Sequoia SR5 grades. This new engine delivers 34 additional horsepower (310 hp) with a an EPA fuel efficiency rating of 14 mpg/city and 19 mpg/highway, providing up to two more miles per gallon on the highway for 4X2 models when compared to the previous 4.7-litre i-FORCE V8. Sequoia's powerful 5.7-litre i-FORCE V8 engine that pumps out a massive 381 hp and 401 lb ft of torque remains standard on all Limited and Platinum grades. A 6-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with intelligence (ECT-i); sequential shift mode and uphill/downhill shift logic and TOW/HAUL mode is standard on both engines. The cargo volume behind front/middle/rear seats is 120.1/66.6/18.9 cubic feet. When properly equipped, the Sequoia can pull 10,000 pounds.

Build And Styling

Multi-reflector halogen headlamps with auto-off feature, chrome grille, 18-, 20-inch aluminum alloy wheels, High Solar-Energy Absorbing (HSEA) tinted glass and a power tilt/slide moonroof with sunshade are among the standard exterior features. Three new exterior colors include Sandy Beach Metallic, Spruce Mica and Blizzard Pearl. The Sequoia can seat up to eight passengers in its three rows of seats, which can be covered in either fabric or leather. The standard audio has been upgraded to include Bluetooth, satellite radio capability and MP3 interface with an auxiliary audio jack and USB port for 2010. Three-zone front and rear defroster-linked CFC-free automatic climate control, power windows and doors locks, tilt/telescopic steering wheel, cruise control, 8-passenger cloth-trimmed front bucket seats, 8-way power-adjustable driver's and 4-way manual adjustable passenger seat are standard. The SR5 and Platinum models become mono-spec and the Limited grade offers only three stand alone options (navigation system, rear-seat entertainment and seven-passenger seating).

Safety Features

Star Safety System which includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist is standard on all models. Driver and front passenger knee airbags have been added as standard equipment on all Sequoia models for enhanced safety. Front, rear parking sensors and backup camera are available. The other standard safety features include Daytime Running Lights (DRL), LATCH and 3-point seatbelts in all seating positions.