Used 2015 Toyota Sequoia

Toyota’s 2015 Sequoia full-size SUV provides all the space and ability expected in a vehicle of such massive stature with the added benefit of strong resale values and proven reliability. On the flip side, the Sequoia’s 7,400-pound tow rating pales when compared to the 9,200-pound rating for the Ford Expedition, and the Sequoia doesn’t offer as much cargo room or horsepower as a Chevy Suburban. The Sequoia also falls near the bottom of the pack when it comes to fuel economy. If you can live without having bragging rights in every category, however, the Sequoia’s excellent fit and finish, well-appointed interior and rugged outer skin should be enough to leave no doubt this is the right full-size family SUV for you.

While no full-size SUV rides or drives like a car-based crossover SUV, the 2015 Toyota Sequoia comes pretty darn close. The ride is smooth, controlled and stable and the Platinum trim’s air-spring suspension puts anything with coil springs to shame. At highway speeds, we found the Sequoia’s interior to be well insulated from outside noise, even in the 3rd-row seat. Toyota equips the Sequoia with an independent rear suspension that helps it corner and maneuver with surprising agility. The steering feel is also commendable, with good feedback and just the right amount of resistance for the power assist. An available proximity-warning system and rearview camera help when trying to fit the big Sequoia into a small parking spot, and the Platinum’s Blind Spot Monitor is a feature we think should be standard on every trim.

The 2015 Toyota Sequoia is a true 8-seater, with a 3rd-row seat that really will accommodate adults and is easily reached, thanks to big rear doors and sliding 2nd-row seats. The 3-passenger 2nd-row bench seat allows individual sections to slide fore-and-aft and also fold flat. Noteworthy options include captain’s chairs for the second row and a power-folding feature for the third row. Basically, the Sequoia’s interior will swap around into any configuration needed. The design is somewhat bland and a couple notches below sinfully luxurious but, as would be expected of a Toyota, the assembly detail is without fault.

In all its majestic glory the Sequoia for 2015 is the longest, widest and tallest full-size SUV Toyota builds and, with its long wheelbase, it appears even longer. But that long wheelbase pays dividends – it enhances interior room, improves ride quality, contributes to directional stability and, with the resultant short overhangs, gives extra clearance when approaching steep angles. The Sequoia’s appearance is fairly innocuous and can’t be accused of standing out in a crowd, but it’s clean, functional and certainly not unattractive.

PROVEN RUGGED DURABILITY
When you’re plunking down this much cash, you want to know your return on investment quotient is going to be as high as possible. Toyota’s Sequoia for 2015 has a proven track record, strong resale values and rugged construction, something every kid-hauling vehicle needs to have.

ENTUNE MULTIMEDIA AUDIO
Toyota’s Entune audio choices are some of the most intuitive and easy-to-use infotainment systems in the biz. With the Entune App Suite, you can use a smartphone to access and stream Pandora, MovieTickets.com or iHeartRadio as well as real-time information regarding sports, weather, gas prices and traffic alerts.

There are three trim levels for Toyota’s 2015 Sequoia SUV: SR5, Limited and Platinum. Standard equipment on the SR5 includes integrated fog lights, power tilt/slide moonroof, roof rack, 3-zone automatic climate control, leather-trimmed tilt/telescoping steering wheel with Bluetooth hands-free telephone controls, 8-way driver’s and 4-way front passenger’s seats, 18-inch alloy wheels, all the expected power and convenience features and Entune Audio Plus. The Limited adds a power liftgate, 20-inch wheels, leather seating, Optitron instruments and Entune Premium Audio. The Platinum adds perforated leather seating, Dynamic laser cruise control, Adaptive Variable Suspension, air suspension and Entune Premium JBL Audio.

All three of the Sequoia’s trim levels – SR5, Limited and Platinum – are available with either rear-wheel drive (RWD) or 4-wheel drive (4WD). Options for the SR5 include a Sport Appearance Package, with 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, and a Premium Package, with leather-trimmed seating, power-reclining fold-flat 3rd-row seat and auto-dimming rearview mirror with rearview camera monitor, and the Entune Premium Audio with Navigation and App Suite. Optional on the Limited is a rear-seat Blu-ray entertainment system with 9-inch display and 7-passenger seating with 2nd-row captain’s chairs. The only option for the Platinum is Blizzard Pearl exterior color.

One of the best features offered in Toyota’s full-size Sequoia SUV for 2015 is its strong and quiet 5.7-liter V8 engine, with 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque. It’s unobtrusively reassuring and is equal to any task the Sequoia may be asked to accomplish. It’s matched to a 6-speed automatic transmission that includes a low first gear for getting a heavy load moving and two overdrive gears that help enhance fuel economy and reduce noise at highway speeds. Taken together, the engine and transmission contribute to the Sequoia’s towing capacity of 7,400 pounds.

5.7-liter V8
381 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
401 lb-ft of torque @ 3,600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 13/17 mpg (RWD), 13/17 mpg (4WD), 9/12 mpg (E85, 4WD)