Used 2007 Toyota Sequoia

With the same exterior design it’s had since 2001, Sequoia is Toyota’s largest SUV. The Sequoia is capable of carrying up to eight passengers or 128 cubic-feet of cargo and is a true competitor to the industry leading twins from Chevrolet (the Tahoe and Suburban), the Ford Expedition and relative newcomers Dodge Durango and Nissan Armada. Toyota’s big SUV is not perfect though, ranking near the bottom of the pack in terms of horsepower and torque. Then again, concerns about shortcomings under the hood may be offset by the assured integrity of the Sequoia’s impressive resale value.

Modified for use in the Sequoia, the Lexus-derived 4.7-liter V8 provides plenty of low-end power, an all-important factor when towing and passing. The Sequoia’s V8 engine is rated at 273 horsepower and 314 pound-feet of torque, helping it attain a tow rating of 6500 pounds. On the open highway, the Sequoia feels stable and true, exhibiting only minor body sway when performing emergency-like maneuvers. Even though it was derived from the Tundra pickup truck platform, the Sequoia’s ride is as smooth and bump-free as any sedan’s.

The Sequoia’s cargo area is so big that, even with the third-row seat in place, you will still find a useable amount of storage space behind it. You’ll appreciate how Toyota wisely split the rear seat into a 50/50 configuration, allowing you to remove one or both seats without the aid of an Olympic power lifter. The third-row seat is mounted on its own slide rails, allowing it to be moved forward to create more storage space or backward to increase legroom.

Take the handsome and rugged front end off the Tundra pickup and graft on two more doors and a big glass-enclosed shell and you’ve got the Sequoia. Extra-long rear doors help third-row passengers exit and enter with a bit more grace, and the generous ground clearance and four-wheel drive ability allow the Sequoia to venture where no crossover SUV would dare to tread.

Roll-Down Back Window
A roll-down back window is unique in this class.

Rear-Seat DVD Player
A rear-seat DVD player flips down from the ceiling and can be viewed by both the second- and third-row occupants.

The Sequoia SR5 features a 4.7-liter V8 engine, driver- and front-passenger seat-mounted side airbags, two-row curtain airbags, traction control, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), dual zone front and rear defroster-linked automatic climate control, ten cup holders, rear defroster, power windows, power locks, auto-off headlight control, AM/FM stereo with cassette and CD, three 12-volt outlets, skid control, power mirrors, front captain’s chair seating, skid plate protection for the front suspension, fuel tank and transfer case, tilt wheel, 16-inch steel wheels and a rear window wiper.

Options include four-wheel drive, leather interior, alloy wheels, illuminated running boards, power glass moonroof, power seats, rear-seat DVD, fender flares, JBL audio, auto-dimming rearview mirror and a host of interior and exterior upgrades.

Though not the most powerful V8 in its class, the Lexus-derived 4.7-liter V8 is strong, smooth and quiet. This engine permits the Sequoia to serve duty as family hauler, but may not be able to meet the needs of those who need to tow loads over 6500 pounds.

4.7-liter V8
273 horsepower @ 5400 rpm
314 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/18 (2WD), 15/18 (4WD)