Toyota has taken a chivalrous step with the launch of the upgraded model of truck-based 2013 Sequoia SUV, even as the number of vehicles become rarer with increasing preference of fuel economy every progressing model year. Buyers who are not keen for off-roading or towing capabilities are switching to crossovers and small utility vehicles. But if off-roading qualifies as a requirement, then the new Sequoia is perfectly set to work for such customers.
The basic revamps are attributed to comfort and safety while the 2013 Sequoia offers minor mechanical under the hood transformations which seek attention. Although the Sequoia may have the bones of Tundra, Toyota's big pickup, the ride is rather pleasing. The adaptive air suspension of the Platinum trim is meant to regulate comfort and riding pleasure. The 5.7L V8-engine's quenching thirst for continuous supply of fuels shall not be awarded for any earth-saving accomplishments, yet it shall ensure smooth motion, acceleration, and with ultra-premium luxury. While just buying the Sequoia for the sake of hauling numerous people, alternatives lie in smaller, higher on fuel economy and easier to maneuver, crossovers; whereas towing requirements are best served by the SUV.
The new Sequoia offers seating capabilities for 7 or 8 members depending upon model selection while providing three trim variants – SR5, Limited and Platinum – each rendering both manual and automatic drive options. The exteriors remain aesthetically unaltered for the most part. It offers aerodynamically friendly mirrors, wipers, and roof rack as previous models. In addition, the newer version has headlamp washers to ensure vision as bright and clear as possible. The Limited package brings along various new upgrades like power-retracing and glare resistant mirrors along with turn controls mounted on the mirror. An upgrade to the Platinum model features additional puddle lamps mounted on the mirror, and also mirror position memory. Sequoia also bundles along a set of front and rear parking sensors essential for proper placement of the behemoth.
The interiors are pretty much unchanged from the last year's model featuring 60/40 split reclining, cloth upholstery, flat fold third row for extended storage and leather wrapped steering. The Sequoia has 16 extra-large size cup holders on the SR5 and Limited models while the Platinum is laid with 18, which is pretty much a key factor for the choice of vehicle for a family nowadays. It can carry a cargo of up to 11ft with both rear seats folded flat and the total capacity in cubic-feet numbers out to be 120.1 offering mountains of space. The styling has been retained simple with color options of sand beige and graphite standards, along with option for black in SR5 and red rock in Platinum.
The new iForce engine provides 401 pound-feet of torque and 581 horsepower at 5600 rpm. This beast boasts a six speed automatic transmission that allows flexible torque control lock-up. This allows three overdrive gears in fourth, fifth and sixth gears each. The standard options are for rear wheel drive but Sequoia also allows multi-mode four wheel drive. The Sequoia is equipped to tow up to 7400lbs which carried over from last year.
At a base pricing of $40,930 Sequoia pays off to what is spent with a brilliant nimbleness offering independent rear suspension which allows itself to take on even the worst of roads. The highly powered engine is silent until the throttle is pushed hard!
With the oversized features, and engine, the owner will be someone who enjoys towing, power, and the ability to drive anywhere they please. Even better, you don't have to overpay like some of the other competitors such as Infiniti, or Mercedes-Benz.
