Undoubtedly forgotten by many, the Toyota Sequoia has become by force of circumstance an extra in its segment dominated by American players. The full-size SUV has remained frozen in time since 2008, receiving minor changes to its offering. The Japanese brand has decided to start anew for 2022 with a much more contemporary positioning.
Posted at 5:45 p.m.
The biggest highlight of this unveiling is under the long front hood. Its 3.4L twin-turbo V6, shared with the Tundra pickup, uses an electric motor to reduce its thirst mainly in urban contexts, which was really lacking with the big 5.7L V8 of the previous generation.
This configuration also makes it possible to compensate for the response time of the turbochargers at low rpm. The power obtained is also higher than that of the previous vintage, estimated at 437 hp and 583 lb-ft tamed by a 10-speed automatic transmission. Toyota did not reveal the consumption data, but we should expect them to oscillate around 11 L/100 km to ensure its competitiveness.
Still a pickup truck chassis
To ensure its sturdiness and thus enhance its towing capacity, this Sequoia still rests on a platform separating the chassis from the body, which is also borrowed from the Tundra. This allows it to tow a total load of up to 4080 kg. An optional air rear suspension is offered to adjust the trim of the SUV when towing a trailer.
As for the interior configuration, it is obviously completely redesigned, integrating the latest generation of Toyota’s infotainment system. The three rows of seats are still present. A vehicle designed, therefore, essentially to tow and to embark several passengers in exchange for an extremely imposing footprint.
On sale next summer.