EDMUNDS.COM 2004 TOYOTA SEQUOIA
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 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
A thoroughly capable full-size SUV that beats Ford and General Motors at their own game.
Pros
Refined drivetrain, surprisingly agile handling, versatile and comfortable interior, Toyota reputation for reliability.
Cons
Nondescript styling, comparatively low towing capacity.
What''s New for 2004
Power front seats and a rear air conditioner are now standard on the SR5 model, and the Limited now comes with a sunroof.
Overview
Introduction:
Toyota gained most of its following in America by selling small and economical cars. More recently, as its success has grown, the company''s selection of products has grown in both variety and size. The Sequoia sport-utility vehicle was introduced in 2001 as an alternative to the smaller 4Runner and the more lavish Land Cruiser. Built alongside the Tundra pickup in Toyota''s plant in Indiana, the full-size Sequoia is the largest sport-utility vehicle in the Toyota lineup. It also happens to be longer and wider than the Chevrolet Tahoe and about the same size as a Ford Expedition. Yep, this is definitely a big truck. It offers seating for eight, two- or four-wheel drive and a standard V8 engine. It also has plenty of standard and optional features, including a stability control system, seat-mounted side airbags and side-curtain airbags and a DVD-based rear entertainment system. As another bonus, the Sequoia is backed by Toyota''s long-standing reputation for reliability and durability. The main competitors to the Sequoia include the Chevy Tahoe and Suburban, Ford Expedition and Nissan Pathfinder Armada. All of these full-size SUVs have their merits, but if you end up with a Sequoia, you''ll be doing just fine, as it has an ultrarefined drivetrain, great ergonomics, impeccable build quality and the latest in high-tech safety features in one roomy and stylish package. It may not satisfy every full-size customer, but for the vast majority, the Sequoia is a tough act to beat.
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For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
There are only two trim levels, base SR5 and Limited. The SR5 is well equipped with features like power windows, seats, mirrors and locks; a CD and cassette audio system; cruise control; 16-inch wheels; automatic climate control; and rear air conditioning. Limited models come fully equipped with leather seating, a premium JBL audio system, power sunroof, a multifunction display, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, heated front seats, 17-inch alloy wheels and keyless entry. On both trucks you can also get an in-dash six-disc CD changer, a rear-seat DVD-based system and a rear load-leveling suspension.
Powertrains and Performance:
Under the hood rests a slightly modified version of the V8 from the Tundra pickup. Displacing 4.7 liters and rated at 240 horsepower and 315 pound-feet of torque, this engine lives up to Toyota''s tradition of smooth powertrains that deliver seamless power with minimal apparent effort. Despite the available torque, the Sequoia''s maximum towing capacity tops out at 6,500 pounds (6,200 on four-wheel-drive models) -- less than most of its heavier-duty competition. Fuel mileage is rated at 14 mpg city/17 highway.
Safety:
The Sequoia boasts both a standard Vehicle Skid Control (VSC) system and an active traction control system known as A-TRAC on four-wheel-drive models and simply TRAC on two-wheel-drive models. Four-wheel antilock disc brakes with EBD and panic assist are also standard. Optional are seat-mounted side airbags for front occupants and side curtain airbags for front and rear occupants. There are three-point belts for all seating positions, and all belts other than the driver''s are ALR/ELR equipped. The Sequoia received five out of five stars for driver and front passenger protection in government frontal impact testing.
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For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
Second-row passengers are given plenty of room, and the 60/40-split bench seat can be reclined, folded or tumbled completely forward. Although there''s significantly more third-row legroom than in the Tahoe''s hindquarters, the slightly narrower body of the Toyota makes three across too close for comfort. The removable 50/50-split bench in the third row does offer the ability to slide back to provide more passenger legroom or forward for additional cargo room behind the bench. Toyota lists maximum cargo capacity at 128.1 cubic feet. What the company doesn''t tell you is this measurement was taken with not only the third seat completely removed, but the second-row bench fully removed, as well. Although the second-row bench can be tumbled forward by releasing a few simple latches, it can''t be completely removed unless you actually unscrew the seat''s attachment bolts.
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For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
On city streets and dirt trails, the Sequoia handles itself well for a full-size SUV, providing both a smooth ride and easy maneuverability around turns. Engaging the four-wheel-drive system requires nothing more than pushing the big oval button on the dash marked "4WD." There''s still a floor-mounted lever for engaging the locking center differential and low-range gears in the transfer case, but for the majority of drivers that big button on the dash is all they''ll ever need.
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For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
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