The second generation Toyota Sequoia has been in the market
since 2008. But with constant improvements this Toyota remains one of the best
large size SUV s in the market.
Since it
is based on the Tundra truck, we know that the power train is strong and
reliable. The 2021 Sequoia line includes the SR5,
Nightshade Edition, TRD Sport, TRD Pro, Limited, and Platinum grades. The
off-road ready TRD Pro makes Multi-Mode 4WD standard while the other Sequoia
models offer this versatile system as an option over standard two-wheel drive.
While
it remains as a body-on-frame chassis and powered by the 5.7 Liter i-Force V8 ,
depending on the package you choose you can have a very capable off roader or a
large family hwy cruiser. With 8 seats
it can take the whole family pretty much anywhere you want to go.
The
latest Sequoia TRD Pro comes standard with Multi-Mode 4WD and a chassis
fortified with Fox aluminum-bodied internal bypass shocks, beefier roll bars,
and special wheels and tires. It comes exclusively
as a 7-seat model, the Sequoia TRD Pro features middle-row captain’s chairs and
a three-across third-row seat with 60/40 split backs that also recline. I took
it to a trail in Mojave and it climb rocky hills without effort.
On
the other side , the Nightshade Edition gives off a custom vibe with darkened
chrome grille, lower grille surround, body side moldings, black mirror caps, black
door handles, and 20-inch black split-spoke alloy wheels . I like the Midnight
Black Metallic exterior paint best as it gives the Sequoia a great look. And
off course the interior is in black leather too.
And
yes there is a base model with rear wheel drive and 8 seats that can last you
20 years with oil changes alone.
All
Toyota vehicles come with some version of the Toyota Safety Sense-P which I think
is one of the best today. This SUV also
has very good ratings with the Insurance Institute, meaning that is one of the
safest vehicles on the road.
The
pricing starts at $50,000 and with all the luxury or 4x4 accessories can quickly
get to $66,000. Overall I like it. But a
vehicle that has over ten years since it was introduced will suffer a bit on the integration of
technology. Toyota has done a very good job updating it , but it needs a new
look to be on par with the other large SUV's available today. Other than
starting to look dated, the Sequoia is a reliable and capable SUV.