Description Of The Car

2006 Toyota Sequoia Review

Pros: Attractive styling; feels like youre driving a luxury car (uncommon in an SUV), high quality seats and features; excellent safety and reliability ratings;

I have driven just about every SUV, but this is the first one Ive loved and bought (versus leased). All the others left much to be desired, and started falling apart after 2 years. My gas mileage is better than it was in the Explorer or Durango.

Cons: Mileage, that`s the only con on this ride so far.



Great vehicle - this SUV has plenty of room - got the SR5 fully loaded. saved $$ off the limited, but got all the limited gadgets without the upgraded cost. Great DVD - great sound system - and very comfortable leather seating. Ride is very smooth, but very responsive. Highly recommend this vehicle. Last vehicle was a 4-runner and this upgrade in size and comfort was well worth the extra money.



New for 2006

The 2006 Toyota Sequoia continues with only minor changes after receiving a more powerful engine, styling updates, and new safety features for 2005. The optional SR5 Sport Package that was added for 2005 now includes second-row cloth bucket seats and a second-row center console. Two new colors are available: Timberland Mica and Salsa Red Pearl.

Interior Design and Special Features

Most Toyota Sequoia models seat eight, though opting for the Limited models luxury package drops capacity to seven. Second-row passengers are given plenty of room, and the 60/40-split bench seat can be reclined, folded or tumbled completely forward. Although theres significantly more third-row legroom than in the Tahoe, the Toyotas narrower body makes three across too close for comfort. Additionally, the Expedition and Armada offer even more leg- and shoulder room, along with the convenience of a fold-flat seat design. Toyota lists maximum cargo capacity at 128.1 cubic feet, but thats with the second-row seats unbolted from the floor (using hand tools). With the second-row seats in use, capacity measures 65.3 cubes.

Safety

The 2006 Toyota Sequoia comes standard with stability and traction control, as well as four-wheel antilock disc brakes with EBD and panic assist. Optional are seat-mounted side airbags for front occupants and side curtain airbags for first- and second-row occupants. Besides providing added protection in side impacts, these airbags will also deploy in the event of a rollover. The Sequoia received five out of five stars for driver and front-passenger protection in government frontal-impact testing.

Powertrains and Performance

Under the hood is a slightly modified version of the V8 from the Tundra pickup. Displacing 4.7 liters and rated at 273 horsepower and 314 pound-feet of torque, this engine lives up to Toyotas tradition of smooth powertrains that deliver seamless power with minimal apparent effort. Despite the available torque, the Sequoias maximum towing capacity tops out at 6,500 pounds (6,200 on four-wheel-drive models), less than most of its heavier-duty competition.

Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options

The Toyota Sequoia is available in two trim levels, base SR5 and Limited, with either two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. The SR5 is well equipped with features like 16-inch wheels; power windows, seats, mirrors and locks; a CD and cassette audio system; cruise control; and automatic climate control. Limited models come fully equipped with leather seating, a premium JBL audio system, power sunroof, a multifunction display, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, heated front seats, 17-inch alloy wheels and keyless entry. On both trucks, you can also order options like an in-dash six-disc CD changer, a navigation system, a rear-seat DVD-based entertainment system and a rear load-leveling suspension. A sport package with tubular running boards, a skid plate, load-leveling suspension and various other extras is available on the SR5, while Limited buyers can get a luxury package with second-row bucket seats, electroluminescent gauges, upgraded wood trim and seat memory.

This is no Land Cruiser

Sure, Toyota has sold the Land Cruiser in the States since the late 1950s.

But the pricey, more than $53,000, full-time, four-wheel-drive Land Cruiser has tallied sales of less than 18,500 annually in recent years while Fords Expedition, with a starting manufacturers suggested retail price, including destination charge, of more than $30,000, racked up more than 213,000 sales in each of the last two years. Chevys Tahoe, with a starting MSRP, including destination charge, of more than $25,600, nabbed another 122,000-plus buyers yearly.

Toyota expects sales of the Sequoia—which has a starting price of more than $31,500 for a two-wheel-drive model and is sold in both two- and four-wheel-drive—to total nearly four times the Land Cruiser sales of calendar 2000.

Driving Impressions

Whether on city streets or dirt trails, the 2006 Toyota Sequoia handles well for a full-size SUV, providing both a smooth ride and easy maneuverability around turns. Those hoping for explosive V8 power will be disappointed, but the Sequoia offers fully adequate acceleration and an overall refined demeanor that family buyers will find appealing.

2006 Toyota Sequoia Summary

The 2006 Toyota Sequoia is a 4-door, up to 8-passenger sport-utility, available in 4 trims, ranging from the SR5 4X2 to the Limited 4X4.

Upon introduction, the SR5 4X2 is equipped with a standard 4.7-liter, V8, 273-horsepower engine that achieves 15-mpg in the city and 18-mpg on the highway. The Limited 4X4 is equipped with a standard 4.7-liter, V8, 273-horsepower engine that achieves 15-mpg in the city and 17-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard on both trims.