TOYOTA SEQUOIA is.............?!

The Toyota Sequoia is a full-size SUV produced by Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana in Princeton, Indiana. It is derived from the Toyota Tundra pickup truck but differs in its use of an independent rear suspension. It is priced between the mid-size 4Runner and the full-size Land Cruiser.

The Sequoia is the largest SUV currently sold under the Toyota name. Both the Sequoia and Land Cruiser seat eight passengers, however the Sequoia is slightly larger than the Land Cruiser, with partially larger leg room for the third row, and more cargo space behind the third row. Another difference is that the Sequoia is available in 2WD and its 4WD system is not the permanent 4WD system like the one featured on the Land Cruiser. Lastly the Land Cruiser is more luxurious and upmarket, being the basis for the Lexus LX. As of 2011, the Sequoia is sold exclusively in the United States, Bolivia, Canada, Chile, Mexico, Puerto Rico and the Middle East.

The Sequoia was originally shown in car shows in 1999 and 2000, with full production starting in late 2000 as a 2001 model. Engine, driveline, and some sheetmetal components are shared with the Tundra, and shares the same basic chassis, with the exception of rear disc brakes and a more sophisticated multi-link live axle rear suspension. The Sequoia was nominated for the North American Truck of the Year award for 2001. The Sequoia is slightly longer than the Land Cruiser, however, it is barely noticeable. At introduction it was larger than the Chevrolet Tahoe in most dimensions and similar in size to the Ford Expedition; its V8 engine was certified as Ultra Low Emission Vehicle. Frame assemblies and driveshafts are produced by Dana Corporation.

The Sequoia comes in two trim levels; SR5 and Limited. The SR5 starts at $32,820 while the more expensive Limited starts at $41,855. It is sold in both two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive versions. Vehicle Stability Control was standard on all models.^[1]

It received a mid-cycle update and minor cosmetic updates for 2005 and gained a more powerful engine equipped with VVT-i, as well as a 5-speed automatic transmission, replacing the previous 4-speed, LED-backlit gauges and an in-glass antenna replaces the previous power mast.

Towing Capacity for the 2005 model year:

• 2WD: 6,500 lb (2,948 kg)
• 4WD: 6,200 lb (2,812 kg)