Used 2013 Toyota Sequoia

We’d all like to drive fuel-efficient cars such as the Toyota Prius, but sometimes the reality of what needs to fit inside those cars is far greater than the desire to be green. For those with big families and big hauling needs, Toyota offers another option, one that may not be as green as the Prius but is every bit as dependable. It’s the 2013 Toyota Sequoia SUV, an 8-passenger giant with a standard V8 engine, available 4-wheel drive (4WD) and a 7,400-pound tow rating. Designed to challenge the likes of the Chevy Suburban, Nissan Armada and Ford Expedition, the Sequoia may not be tops in towing or fuel economy, but it does offer the most horsepower in its class.

The 2013 Toyota Sequoia SUV is most appreciated when asked to haul numerous passengers and their belongings over vast distances. The available air-spring suspension delivers a ride as smooth and enjoyable as in some luxury sedans, and a healthy slathering of sound-deadening material throughout the Sequoia’s cabin keeps exterior wind and road noise to a minimum. Don’t get us wrong, the Sequoia for 2013 is still a large and heavy SUV, but its independent rear suspension and precise power steering make the 6,000-pound hulk quite easy to command. Aids such as the available proximity-warning system and rearview video camera help diminish the difficulty encountered when attempting to park or maneuver such a large vehicle. And, we should point out that while the Sequoia is able to successfully tackle gravel roads, wet and slippery boat ramps and steep snow-covered driveways, it is not a serious off-roader.

Where some SUVs have a 3rd-row seat that is best suited only for children, the 2013 Toyota Sequoia offers adult-sized seating in all three rows. The Sequoia’s 2nd-row bench seat features three independently movable sections that travel fore and aft, as well as fold flat. For those who don’t require a bench seat, Captain’s-chair-style seats are available, as is a power-folding 3rd-row seat. Access to the 3rd-row seat is made simpler by wide and long rear doors and the sliding 2nd-row seats. Stylistically, the Toyota Sequoia’s interior may leave you bit underwhelmed, with plastic parts that feel a bit hard and the absence of rich wood trim.

The 2013 Toyota Sequoia is not only the longest SUV Toyota makes, it’s the widest and the tallest, too. Because the Sequoia’s front and rear axles are pushed as far from each other as engineers could manage, the Sequoia looks much longer than it really is. The expanded wheelbase is the primary reason for the Sequoia’s roomy interior, not to mention its admirable stability at highway speeds. The Sequoia’s short front and rear overhangs give the big SUV plenty of leeway when approaching steep angles, like those encountered when off-road adventuring or serving duty on a sharply raked boat ramp.

PLENTIFUL REAR-PASSENGER ROOM
The Toyota Sequoia for 2013 provides expansive passenger room in the two rear rows, thanks to its redesigned independent rear suspension, long wheelbase and wide track. Fore-and-aft sliding 2nd-row seats allow maximization of rear legroom, and the rear doors open wide for easy access.

ENTUNE MULTIMEDIA AUDIO
With Entune you can leverage your smartphone to provide such services as Pandora, MovieTickets.com or iHeartRadio, as well as real-time info on traffic, weather, gasoline prices and sports.

The 2013 Toyota Sequoia SUV’s standard safety features include anti-lock brakes and electronic traction and stability control. Larger disc brakes all around and the brake-assist system help to minimize emergency stopping distances. The Sequoia has eight airbags, including full-length side-curtain head protection and front-row knee protection. The Sequoia SR5 comes with standard 18-inch wheels. A powerful, 3-zone climate control system helps keep all passengers comfortable. Sliding, 40/20/40-split 2nd-row seats maximize rear-passenger legroom, and the rear bench seats fold forward to create a large, flat cargo area. The steering column has both tilt and fore-and-aft adjustments.

All three trim levels of the 2013 Toyota Sequoia SUV – SR5, Limited and Platinum – are available with either rear-drive or 4-wheel drive. The optional air-spring rear suspension automatically adjusts to changing cargo, passenger and trailer weight, and contributes to a smoother ride when the vehicle is unloaded. The Limited trim offers only three standalone options: navigation with Entune audio, 7-passenger seating (2nd-row captain’s chairs), and a rear-seat entertainment system that includes a Blu-Ray player and 9-inch LCD display, plus a 115-volt AC outlet. The sonar-based proximity warning system reduces strain when parking and backing out, and the satellite navigation system also includes a rearview video camera. The Platinum trim comes fully loaded.

The 2013 Toyota Sequoia is powered by 381-horsepower 5.7-liter V8 that produces 401 lb-ft of torque, which helps the Sequoia tow trailers up to 7,400 pounds. This engine is connected to a 6-speed automatic transmission, which employs a very low 1st gear for strong acceleration and two overdrive gears for better fuel economy.

5.7-liter V8
381 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
401 lb-ft of torque @ 3,600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 13/18 mpg (rear-wheel drive), 13/17 mpg (4WD), 9/13 mpg (E85, 4WD)