Toyota Sequoia from USA

Before you fall in love with the sheer luxury and power of the Toyota Sequoia from the USA you need to note that it is currently only available as an import car in the United Kingdom.

Toyota Sequoia pictured above.

Power and Space

If it’s power and interior space you are looking for in a seven seater then the new Toyota Sequoia has it all. The SR5 model not only packs in 310 horsepower courtesy of a 4.6-litre V8 engine, it also seats eight people comfortably (while the platinum model is for seven people). Therefore Toyota has stuck with the 4.6-litre engine it introduced in place of the 4.7-litre V8 which was standard in the 2009 version. There is also a choice of 2WD or 4WD so the options here are excellent.

Trailer Sway Control

This has often been a first choice for large families that tow a trailer and the good news is that the 2012 edition features a new trailer sway control for added safety. Another excellent safety feature on the new model that again considers the bulk of the vehicle and will be important for a 7-seater driver is the blind spot monitor on the platinum edition. The fact that Toyota has strived to again improve the latest version of the Sequoia shows the extent to which this already high performing vehicle continues to evolve. As ever, the towing hitch is fully integrated into the frame of the Sequoia and there is a whopping amount of torque generated which means this 7-seater can do the heavy lifting.

Safety

And other features that have made the Toyota Sequoia a favourite remain. These include ABS with electronic brake force distribution, vehicle stability control and dual stage advanced front airbag system and roll-sensing side airbags that cover all three rows of seats. These are yet more features that puts this vehicle out in front in its class when it comes to keeping its passengers as safe as possible.

Toyota Sequoia boot space pictured above.

Limited Models

The SR5, the Platinum and Limited versions of the Sequoia offer differences aside from the number of passengers that can be seated. For a start, the interior colours are different. The Platinum offers a choice of a red rock interior to go with the graphite and sand beige available in the other two models.

The Limited grade has improved visibility features including power retraction on the mirrors and automatic glare resistance. Plus the rear seat gets a DVD with separate audio controls, a DVD navigation system that includes a camera backup and 4-disc CD stereo. The SR5 has an exterior upgrade sport appearance package that makes it look sleeker.

Minivan Territory

These are the main differences between the different models and of course there is a considerable list of options on each to allow you to configure that perfect 7-seater. This is the great thing about this new Toyota Sequoia range. Built on a solid, powerful foundation, this vehicle offers options that even allow you to go beyond 7 seats on the SR5 model to produce a vehicle that is stretching the normal limits of an SUV and moving into minivan territory.

As a result, the Sequoia is at the upper limits of this category on engine size and capacity which makes it a serious contender for those that need to get that little but extra from an SUV.

As stated above the only way to get your paws on one of these lovely beasts is to either live in the United States or to get one imported. Prices in the USA vary from $40,000 (about £25,000).

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