2019 Toyota Sequoia: The Family Vehicle Ready for Everything
11/01/2018
Toyota
Only the toughest SUVs need apply for the job of family vehicle, because truth is not every full-size SUV is up to the challenge. That's where Toyota Sequoia enters. Much like the massive redwood trees for which it is named, Sequoia stands tall in the full-size SUV segment thanks to its spacious cabin, versatile cargo options, powerful engine and capable chassis. Whether loaded with passengers and gear for the ball game, pulling a boat out to the family lake house, or just making a run to the local market, Sequoia is always at the ready for the most demanding households.
For Families on the Go!
The 2019 Sequoia offers it all: roominess, luxury, off-road skillfulness, towing capability, and style. Choose from SR5, TRD Sport, Limited and Platinum in two-wheel or four-wheel drive. There's a combination to fit any need.
Sequoia offers ample comfort and room in all three seating rows. The independent rear suspension makes for the Sequoia's smooth ride and plays a large part in allowing for the third row's roominess, which offers adult-size legroom (35.1 in.). Second-row legroom is full-size sedan-like at 40.9 inches. Even with its capaciousness, the Sequoia immediately gives the impression of driving "smaller than it is" thanks to its supple ride and 38.1-ft. turning diameter.
Powerful V8 Ready to Roll
Sequoia offers maximum strength power from its dual-overhead cam 5.7-liter i-FORCE V8, which produces 381 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 401 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,600 rpm. Dual independent Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) and an Acoustic Control Induction System (ACIS) ensure ample torque can be accessible across the engine's entire speed range. This powerhouse requires only regular-grade gasoline and is paired with a 6-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission.
Customers looking to tow will make use of the big V8's ability to produce 90 percent of peak torque at a low 2,200 rpm. This sort of low-end grunt makes pulling trailers no-sweat work for the Sequoia. Compliant with the SAE J2807 towing standard, the Sequoia can tow up to 7,400 lbs., depending on model grade and equipment. The Sequoia's standard tow hitch is integrated into the frame as a single unit for added strength and durability. Tow/Haul mode modifies shift points for optimal towing performance, while standard Trailer Sway Control uses the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) to help counteract handling forces that can lead to trailer sway.
A standard rearview camera helps when parking or positioning a trailer. The backup camera is displayed on the 6.1-inch high-resolution touchscreen display.
Rooted in Strength
The Sequoia's body-on-frame construction provides a stable, comfortable foundation for towing, off-pavement driving, and everyday commuting. Four-wheel independent suspension yields outstanding bump absorption on-road and excellent wheel articulation off-road.
The Sequoia Platinum grade steps into luxury territory with its load-leveling rear air suspension and Adaptive Variable Suspension, an electronic damper control system that offers driver-selectable settings for Comfort, Normal, and Sport. The rear air spring suspension helps maintain appropriate ride height and chassis attitude when carrying heavy loads or towing.
The available Multi-Mode 4WD system is one of the most versatile in any large SUV on the market. A lockable TORSEN(R) limited-slip center differential apportions torque to the front and rear wheels, and a two-speed transfer case provides a low range for tackling steep off-road trails with confidence. Low range is accessible on the fly via a rotary knob, while the center differential locks at the push of a button.
Reigning in the Sequoia's momentum are 13.9-inch ventilated front disc brakes, which utilize four-piston brake calipers, while 13.6-inch ventilated disc brakes are utilized in the rear. The Sequoia SR5 comes equipped with 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with 275/65 R18 tires; Limited and Platinum grades have 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with 275/55 R20 111H tires. The Platinum's wheels feature a distinctive diamond-cut finish.
Four Featured Trims
The Sequoia SR5 sets the stage as one of the best-equipped vehicles in its class. The long roster of standard amenities includes LED headlights, DRLs and fog lights; front and rear sonar parking assist; tilt/telescoping steering wheel with integrated audio and Bluetooth hands-free phone controls; engine immobilizer with alarm; tri-zone automatic climate control with separate rear-seat controls; power tilt/slide moonroof; towing package; 8-way power driver's seat; fog lamps; roof rack; running boards and more.
The TRD Sport grade, first offered in 2018, offers unique styling cues that include a metallic black grille surround and mirror caps, 20-inch black sport wheels, Black satin finish TRD Sport badging, and available 7-passenger black leather-trimmed seats with contrast stitching. Sport-tuned Bilstein shock absorbers are found front and rear, and TRD front and rear anti-sway bars also enhance road handling. Additional interior upgrades include a TRD shift knob, floor mats and sill protectors.
The Sequoia Limited adds functionality and convenience with a power rear liftgate with sliding window, power folding and reclining 60/40 split third-row seat and 20-inch alloy wheels. The Limited also ups comfort by way of heated front leather-trimmed seats, with a 10-way adjustable power driver's seat and 4-way power front passenger seat, second- and third-row retractable sunshades and a leather-trimmed steering wheel for the driver.
Topping the range is the Sequoia Platinum grade that incorporates the luxuriousness of perforated leather seating surfaces throughout with front seats that are heated and ventilated. A 12-way power adjustable driver's seat is also featured, as well as rear load-leveling air suspension, a power seat memory package and second-row heated seats. Additional technology on this top-line model includes a Blu-ray rear seat entertainment (RSE) system with a 9-inch LCD screen, separate rear seat audio system and dual wireless headphones. (The RSE is available for the Limited grade as an option.)
No Shortage of Room
The Sequoia is a quiet, comfortable space for the family to spend time on the road. The overall design and exterior features have been shaped to minimize wind noise, which helps keep the cabin serene.
Side-view mirrors on the Limited grade are power-retractable and auto-dimming and have built-in turn-signal lamps. The Platinum grade's mirrors up the ante with puddle lamps, position memory and reverse-linked tilt functions.
Wide-opening rear doors ease passenger ingress/egress and child seat installation. When folding the second- and third-row seats flat, the Sequoia can swallow up to 120.1 cubic feet of whatever needs carrying - even objects up to 11 feet long, provided the maximum weight is not exceeded. Extra-large cup/bottle holders outnumber passengers two to one, and the Platinum grade adds two more for good measure.
The versatile 40/20/40 split second-row bench-type seat allows a variety of combinations, augmented by a seat-slide adjustment range of 5.9 inches. The middle row folds flat and there's a one-touch easy-slide feature to make it easy for passengers to enter the third row. In place of the standard center bench-style seat, luxurious second-row captain seats are available for a 7-seat cabin.
The third-row seat, which is fully hospitable for adult humans (no kidding!), is split 60/40 and can recline. The third row also easily folds flat, a task made even more convenient by the available power tilting and folding feature. The rear liftgate features a power rear window that features auto up/down, jam protection and defogger, and the huge cargo area is equipped with handy hooks for grocery bags.
Multimedia Connectivity
For 2019, every grade of Sequoia features Optitron gauges and a 4.2-inch TFT Multi-Information Display screen for the driver. The SR5 grade's standard 8-speaker Entune Audio Plus with Connected Navigation system (Scout GPS Link) uses the customer's smartphone to provide navigation functionality through the head unit. The system combines a high resolution 6.1-inch touch-screen display, AM/FM/HD Radio, CD player, auxiliary port, USB 2.0 port, SiriusXM Satellite Radio with 3-month All-Access Trial, hands-free phone capability, and music streaming via Bluetooth wireless technology.
The Limited grade's Entune Premium Audio with Integrated Navigation and App Suite includes a 6.1-in. high-resolution touch-screen with split-screen display, AM/FM cache radio, HD Radio, CD player, 14 JBL GreenEdge speakers including subwoofer amplifier, auxiliary port, USB 2.0 port with iPod connectivity and control, advanced voice recognition, hands-free phone capability, phone book access and music streaming via Bluetooth wireless technology, Siri Eyes Free, HD Radio Predictive Traffic and Doppler Weather overlay, and SiriusXM Satellite Radio with 3-month All Access trial.
Standard Safety Systems
Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) is standard on every Sequoia grade. This advanced active safety suite bundles the Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection and Automatic Braking, Lane Departure Alert with Sway Warning System, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with full stop technology and Automatic High Beams. Sequoia gets even more safety with Standard Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
The 2019 Sequoia is equipped with Toyota's STAR Safety System, which includes: Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Traction Control (TRAC), and Smart Stop Technology (SST) brake override. On 4WD models, TRAC is replaced by A-TRAC (Active-Traction Control). All models have a direct tire pressure monitoring system.
The Sequoia is equipped with a dual-stage, advanced front air bag system, seat-mounted side airbags for the driver and front passenger, roll-sensing side curtain airbags for all three seating rows, plus driver and front passenger knee airbags.
Limited Warranty
Toyota's 36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover powertrain for 60,000 miles and corrosion with no mileage limitation. Toyota dealers have complete details on the limited warranty. The Sequoia also comes standard with ToyotaCare, a complimentary plan covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance and 24-hour roadside assistance for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first.