2005 Toyota Sequoia Driving Impressions
Piloting the Toyota Sequoia on the open road is a pleasure. We love the powerful V8 engine. It's a marvel of a smoothness and efficiency, with an ultra-low (ULEV) emissions rating. The transmission, too, was impressively smooth, responsive and seamless in operation. With such a long wheelbase and significant overall heft, the Sequoia delivers a comfortable ride on all types of roads, even with its heavy-duty, truck-style solid rear axle.
Sequoia weighs in at a substantial 5300 pounds, and it needs all of the V8's horsepower and 315 pounds-feet of acceleration producing torque. Get-up-and-go is better than adequate in all circumstances, and the Sequoia will cruise comfortably at speeds much higher than the state troopers advise. Yet if towing is a priority, Sequoia comes up just a little short. Its engine has more power and torque than the standard V8 in either the Ford Expedition or Chevy Tahoe, but both of those big SUVs offer more powerful engines optional. Nissan's new Pathfinder Armada tops the class with its standard engine. As a result, all three competitors are rated for heavier towing loads than the Sequoia (a maximum 6200 pounds with four-wheel drive).
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