logo
#

Latest news with #ToyotaSequoia

Test Driving The 2025 Toyota Sequoia 1794 Edition
Test Driving The 2025 Toyota Sequoia 1794 Edition

Forbes

time07-07-2025

  • Automotive
  • Forbes

Test Driving The 2025 Toyota Sequoia 1794 Edition

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia is offered with a new trim level: 1794 Edition Toyota has released a new trim for its largest SUV: the 2025 Toyota Sequoia 1794 Edition. The 1794 Edition trim has been available on the Tundra full-size truck for a couple years, but it was just introduced on the Toyota Sequoia. The 1794 Edition sits below the top-of-the-line Sequoia Capstone trim and above the Sequoia Platinum trim. It includes a lot of extra equipment that we'll dive into in a moment, but let's revisit what role the Toyota Sequoia serves first. Toyota Sequoia: Does it Really Need a V8? This is the biggest vehicle in Toyota's line up, acting as the brand's roomy, three-row, family-friendly, off-road capable SUV that utilizes on a body-on-frame chassis. It's got a 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 combined with an electric motor, as reflected in the 'i-Force MAX' badging on the hood. This hybrid drivetrain delivers a total of 437 hp and an impressive 583 pound-feet torque. That peak torque number is quite a bump up from the peak horsepower number – thank you electric motor. The i-Force MAX hybrid drivetrain benefits both power and fuel efficiency The previous Sequoia featured a V8, and while it's easy to bemoan the loss of the V8 the reality is that the execution of this twin-turbo V6 + hybrid combination means the car accelerates with authority. It gets to 60 mph in about 5.5 seconds and through the quarter mile in around 14.4 seconds. The power is delivered through a 10-speed automatic transmission that picks gears quite well. The result: both solid power and solid throttle response, despite having only six cylinders. The Toyota Sequoia 1794 Edition can be outfitted with the TRD Off-Road package More impressive, and surprising, is that the hybrid drivetrain actually sounds pretty good, too, especially for not being a V8. I purposely avoided researching where the sound was coming from, though I have a strong suspicion it's coming from an amplifier and speaker as much or more than the exhaust system. But I'm going to embrace not knowing, and just say that between the drivetrain's power and torque, plus throttle response and deep exhaust note, the Toyota Sequoia's drivetrain is quite effective. The Sequoia's interior features a digital gauge cluster and 14-inch touchscreen Another Sequoia surprise-and-delight feature is a real-time oil pressure gauge. This is something I wasn't expecting in a three-row SUV in 2025, but I happen to be looking down at the gauge cluster while accelerating from a stop, and I saw the oil pressure gauge flare to life as the engine's RPM rose. Real-time oil pressure? That was common in older performance cars but is pretty much unheard of in modern family vehicles. Kudos to Toyota for serving drivers who still appreciate real time feedback. Despite it's body-on-frame underpinnings the Sequoia offers a refine ride quality Toyota Sequoia: Drives Smaller Than It Looks While the 2025 Toyota Sequoia certainly isn't a small SUV (it's more than 17 feet long and 6 and a half feet wide), this is one of those vehicles that can have you forgetting how much SUV is behind you after a just few minutes of driving. It doesn't necessarily feel nimble or spritely, but if you're avoiding the Sequoia because you think it might feel unwieldy, don't. If you can handle a CR-V or RAV4, you can handle the Sequoia, though you'll likely want to leverage the 360-degree camera technology when it's time to park. The 1794 Edition trim includes woodgrain accents with "1794" badging This particular model is the Sequoia 1794 Edition. Just as Ford has the King Ranch and Dodge has the Big Horn, the 1794 Edition is named for a large ranch in Texas. And in the spirit of Texas, it's got a lot of features that proudly display its ties to the longhorn state. These include brown leather and wood interior accents, '1794' badging throughout the interior and exterior, a panoramic sunroof, second row captains chairs, massaging front seats that are also heated and cooled, and a tow package. A wide range of off-road features and technology are available on the Sequoia Because it's a large body on frame chassis, the Sequoia rides on Toyota's TNGA-F (Toyota New Global Architecture) platform. This platform serves many models, including the Land Cruiser, Tacoma, Tundra, and 4Runner. For the Sequoia application it offers standard rear wheel drive, with optional four-wheel-drive available on nearly every trim. Buyers can also get a two-speed transfer case and locking rear differential, plus crawl control (low-speed cruise control for off-roading) and hill-descent control. These features are part of the TRD Off-Road package. The 20-inch wheels features off-road tires when the TRD Off Road package is ordered For buyers needing to tow heavy trailers, the 2025 Toyota Sequoia can handle between 8,900 and 9,500 pounds, impressive numbers and yet another reflection of the extra torque emanating from its hybrid drivetrain. Fuel efficiency also benefits, with the i-Force MAX engine giving the Sequoia a 22 mpg rating for rear-wheel-drive models and 20 mpg for all-wheel-drive versions. Not bad for a 6,200-pound, three-row SUV with 157 cubic feet of passenger space. A mere 12 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row reduces the Sequoia's utility Toyota Sequoia: A Long Lasting SUV But perhaps the most impressive Toyota Sequoia figure is its expected lifespan. My company, studies the predicted lifespan of every model sold in the U.S., and the Sequoia consistently lands near the top of that list. The list looks at models most likely to get to 250,000 or more miles, and the Sequoia, along with the Tundra, 4Runner, and Tacoma, often make up the top four spots. The latest list shows the Sequoia in slot number 2 (behind Tundra) with a 36.4 percent chance of getting to 250,000 miles, or 4.2 times more likely to get there than the average vehicle. Straightforward controls make it easy to enjoy the Sequoia's many features Sitting in the Toyota Sequoia's driver's seat presents a user-friendly set of controls, despite the SUV's wide spectrum of capabilities. The 14-inch touchscreen uses an intuitive interface, with dedicated climate controls beneath it. The Sequoia's off-road controls are in the center console, and include two- and four-wheel drive settings, high- and low-range gearing, a knob for drive mode settings, plus buttons for tow mode, crawl control, and multi-terrain select. The surround-view camera eases the challenge of maneuvering the Sequoia For storage space there's a relatively shallow bin on top of the center console, along with a much larger, deeper storage area under the console's hinged lid. There's also a USB-C and a standard USB plug in the big bin. The top of the console and upper dash area feature woodgrain with '1794' badging above the glovebox. The woodgrain is offset with brown leather panels featuring tan contrast stitching, all of which is unique to the Sequoia 1794 Edition trim that's new for 2025. The Sequoia 1794 Edition includes standard second-row captain's chairs Toyota Sequoia: Interior Space Reduced Despite its body-on-frame underpinnings, the 2025 Toyota Sequoia delivers confident handling and a refined ride quality. However, while the advantage of using a body frame structure is increased chassis strength and durability, it comes at the cost of interior space. Specifically, having a live axle running between the two rear wheels impinges on the packaging in the third row and cargo area. It means a higher floor back there, which reduces third-row headroom and legroom. Third-row space is compromised by the Sequoia's live-axle underpinnings The only way to avoid this is to use a front-wheel-drive based, unibody structure that doesn't have a live rear axle, like the Toyota Grand Highlander. That model offers more third-row passenger space and better cargo space behind the third row. If you're buying a three-row SUV and you genuinely plan to use the third row for adults, as well as the cargo area for hauling things, you'll want to go with the Grand Highlander instead of the Sequoia. Of course the Sequoia is better off-road and it's got that ultra-durable body-on-frame design, but it is not as good for maximizing third-row space and cargo capacity. The 2025 Toyota Sequoia has one of the longest predicted lifespans Pricing for the Sequoia starts around $65,000 for the base SR5 trim and tops out around $87,000 for the Capstone version. This 1794 Edition costs $83,000, though adding the TRD Off Road package brings the price to just over $85,000. With that configuration you'll have an SUV loaded with both luxury and off-road features, and while those numbers may seem high, they represent pricing reality for large, luxurious SUVs in a post-Covid world. And in that world, the 2025 Toyota Sequoia brings not just luxury and off-road capability, but exceptional long-term reliability.

Auto review: Massive Nissan Armada trades fire with Detroit mega-utes
Auto review: Massive Nissan Armada trades fire with Detroit mega-utes

Miami Herald

time20-06-2025

  • Automotive
  • Miami Herald

Auto review: Massive Nissan Armada trades fire with Detroit mega-utes

FARMINGTON HILLS, Michigan - Where Titan failed, the Armada might break through. Nissan has sent big truck-based warriors with fierce names into battle against Detroit's formidable armies of full-size pickups and mega-utes. The Titan pickup finally waved the red flag after bashing its brains in against endless waves of Detroit 1500, 2500, 3500 and even bigger dually pickups with more technology than a NASA launch site and enough towing power to tow, well, a Titan ballistic missile. Doing battle against the Ford Expedition and Expedition XL looks more feasible. Based on the same truck chassis as the expired Titan, the 2025 Armada has been remade into a state-of-the-art mega-ute matching Ford, Chevy Tahoe and Jeep Wagoneer weapon-for-weapon. Heading onto I-696, I stomped the gas and the new twin-turbo V-6 awoke with a roar. WHAAAUUGGRH! I miss the V-8s Nanny State rules have suffocated, but turbo sixes like Titan, Toyota Sequoia and Wagoneer have character and make the ocean liners fun to drive. More compelling is the tech. Mega-ute land yachts must endure long hours on the road. Nissan has always prioritized comparable seating with its "zero-gravity seats," and Armada's no different with its plush thrones. But Nissan has also stepped up with state-of-the-art, hands-free autopilot like Chevy (Super Cruise) and Ford (Blue Cruse) peers. Nissan calls it Pro Pilot Assist 2.1. Self-driving tech is freaky at first - especially in such a big ocean liner - and Ford and Tesla, for example, smartly offer subscription packages for their systems so you can try 'em out. Try it, you'll like it. Unfortunately, Nissan (like Chevy) requires an expensive, $3,375 leap-of-faith purchase. I toggled the left steering button (nice, raised tabs like a Chevy) and I was hands-free, cruising I-75 with hands on my knees. Tug the left turn signal and Armada switched automatically into the left passing lane. Tug the right signal, and it moved back. Nissan calls such goo-gaws "super powers," and it will impress the kiddies sitting waaaay back in the third row. The roomy third row (I could sit behind myself sitting behind myself) benefits from independent rear suspension technology that allowed for more legroom than the traditional, truck-based solid rear axle that Toyota Sequoia employs and that proved cramped on a trip north a couple of summers back. Nothing makes a trip more tiresome than knees in your chest. Unfortunately, Nissan doesn't offer a panoramic roof - or split roof like the Expedition - to give third row travelers more light. Not does it attempt to compete with the Detroit utes with an extended-cab XL model like Ford and Jeep (or Suburban, in Chevy's case). Such long cabs make up 40% of Chevy's business and came in handy when, for example, I towed a sailboat with the Wagoneer L last summer and fit the entire boom through the middle of the cabin so it didn't rattle around in the boat. Extended cabs are also useful for lots of baggage on, say, ski trips. What Armada does offer is fold-flat seats so you can store big items (think TV screens or stacks of boxed books) when you aren't using all three seat rows. Nissan also keeps up with the Joneses - er, Detroiters - with big, hoodless digital displays that are choked with content and ergonomically sound. While you can outfit Armada with premium trims like the Detroiters, I would recommend starting with the SL model, which offers tech goodies like Pro Pilot and standard Google Built-in. Google Built-in is General Motors Co.'s new secret sauce - an operating system on par with your phone - and Nissan has embraced it as well. "Google, tell me a joke," I barked and Armada chose from a library of dumb one-liners to lighten the trip. More practical is the SL's standard surround-view that coordinates eight cameras so you can dock the big ship with precision. I turned into a cramped Walled Lake gas station and put the cameras to good use. Most impressive is the hood view, which allows you to look right through the hood to place the front wheels where you want them. It helped me miss tall curbs as well as potholes opened up by Michigan's' long winter. 7Pro Pilot Assist package with a head-up display offers further ease of use on the highway. Ring it all up and Armada comes in at 73 grand, a healthy $4,000 cheaper than a comparable Tahoe LT. And with 70 more horsepower on tap from Armada's 425-horse turbo-6, you may not miss the Chevy's throaty 355-horse V-8. But the Ford's flexible subscription price for Blue Cruise is much more affordable (especially if you only use it during, say, summer trips) and Ford's Activ model clocks in at a more affordable $71,900. Oh. Conservatively styled, the Nissan should age well, though it doesn't have the swagger of Motown's hunks - or even the nicely styled Toyota Sequioa. Nissan does offer a tough, armored off-road model called the Pro 4X. Armada has come with big guns blazing so it can trade blows with the Detroit armada. It's a better battleship than the Titan and offers a legitimate alternative to the Detroit Three. 2025 Nissan Armada Vehicle type: Front-engine, rear- and-four-wheel-drive, six- to-seven passenger mega-ute Price: $59,530, including $2,010 destination fee ($81,900 Platinum Reserve as tested) Powerplant: 3.5-liter, twin-turbocharged V-6 Power: 425 horsepower, 516 pound-feet of torque Transmission: Nine-speed automatic Performance: 0-60 mph, 6.1 seconds (Car and Driver); towing, 8,500 pounds Weight: 5,886 pounds (as tested) Fuel economy: EPA est., 16 mpg city/20 highway/18 combined (RWD); 16 mpg city/19 highway/17 combined (AWD); 472-mile range Report card Highs: Roomy in all three rows; tech-tastic features Lows: Meh styling; lacks extended wheelbase model Overall: 4 stars ____ Copyright (C) 2025, Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Portions copyrighted by the respective providers.

Is a 20-year-old car too old to buy? Why age isn't as important as you might think
Is a 20-year-old car too old to buy? Why age isn't as important as you might think

USA Today

time17-06-2025

  • Automotive
  • USA Today

Is a 20-year-old car too old to buy? Why age isn't as important as you might think

Is a 20-year-old car too old to buy? Why age isn't as important as you might think Is age just a number when it comes to used cars? Show Caption Hide Caption Buying, selling a car online tips and tricks to know Here are some easy ways to determine how much your car is worth. Problem Solved Vehicle degradation depends on mileage more than age. One study proved that several vehicles can last for 250K miles. Drivers can estimate their vehicle's lifespan by dividing the total miles before major repairs by annual driving range. Buying older used car models can save drivers big bucks. The question is, how old is too old for a used vehicle? Is there a definitive age cutoff when it comes to buying a reliable used car model? There are several factors that should be considered when searching for an older used model. Surprisingly, age isn't as important as mileage, make/model, and overall reliability when it comes to a car's lifespan. Are 20-year-old used cars too old to buy? Age can play a role in vehicle lifespan, but it isn't always the best metric to gauge the potential longevity of a vehicle. In fact, some older well-maintained vehicles could be nearly as reliable as newer model years based on design. A 20-year-old car that has traveled for the average annual miles driven per year (14,489 miles according to Kelley Blue Book) is likely well past its prime. On the other hand, vehicles that have accumulated less miles per year than the annual average and are well-maintained could still last for years before major mechanical issues. Debilitating rust or major mechanical failures are cited as signs a vehicle is "too old to drive", according to a piece regarding vehicle age by Capital One. That said, there isn't a specific vehicle age where any car becomes so antiquated that it's rendered useless. Mileage: A true indicator of vehicle age and degradation Age may not be the best indicator of where a vehicle currently is in its lifespan, but mileage (on original parts) can help car buyers understand how many miles and years a vehicle has left on average. A study by an automotive research site, compiled a list of the 30 vehicles most likely to last for up to 250,000 miles. The study analyzed odometer reading data for over 402 million vehicles. The average vehicle only has an 8.6% chance of reaching 250,000 miles or higher, according to iSeeCars. Thus, 250K miles is a fair mileage number to set as the end of a vehicle's lifespan (optimistically). Realistically, most vehicles will only last up to 200,000 miles (or less) before encountering major mechanical issues. Several Toyota models topped iSeeCars' list of vehicles most likely to reach 250,000 miles or more. Vehicles like the Toyota Tundra pickup truck and Toyota Sequoia SUV have over a 36% chance of reaching the mileage milestone, which is a much higher percentage than that of the average vehicle (8.6%). Models like the Toyota 4Runner SUV and Toyota Tacoma pickup truck have over a 26% chance of reaching 250K miles or more. Vehicle age has no correlation with mileage because the annual miles a driver accumulates can vary. The average lifespan of a car based on mileage Assuming that a car is driven for Kelley Blue Book's estimate of an average 14,489 miles a year and the average vehicle lasts for around 200,000 miles before major mechanical issues, a conservative estimate for a car's lifespan is 13-14 years. You can get a more specific estimate for your vehicle by dividing 200,000 total miles by your average annual mileage. Vehicles with above-average reliability such as the Toyota models that topped iSeeCars' list can have an above-average lifespan. The numbers used to calculate a car's lifespan are based on miles driven, not years owned. So, a 20-year-old car that has accumulated under 200,000 miles could last for years, depending on its mileage and reliability. Based on the iSeeCars study, at least six different vehicles have over a 25% chance of reaching 250K miles or more, increasing their lifespan estimates significantly. The five vehicles most likely to last for 250,000 miles according to iSeeCars Toyota Sequoia Toyota Tundra Toyota 4Runner Toyota Tacoma Toyota Highlander Hybrid No car is too old to buy, but a car's mileage can be too high to be reliable without significant repair costs. Parts such as engines and transmissions experience extreme wear and tear as cars accumulate 200K miles. Luckily for drivers, some cars (like Toyota models) age better than others in terms of degradation. If a car has racked up so many miles that it needs a new engine or transmission, it may not be worth buying due to the cost of parts and repairs.

'This Is, By Far, The Perfect Vehicle:' Mechanic Spots 2017 Toyota Sequoia Platinum Edition at Auction. Then He Sees the Price
'This Is, By Far, The Perfect Vehicle:' Mechanic Spots 2017 Toyota Sequoia Platinum Edition at Auction. Then He Sees the Price

Motor 1

time09-06-2025

  • Automotive
  • Motor 1

'This Is, By Far, The Perfect Vehicle:' Mechanic Spots 2017 Toyota Sequoia Platinum Edition at Auction. Then He Sees the Price

Robb the Car Guy (@robbthecarguy) has highlighted yet another example as to why Toyotas aren't the first choice for used car dealers. While acknowledging their excellent build quality, he says that prices for used vehicles make profiting off of them a difficult prospect. Previously, he's stated that consumers looking for Toyotas aggressively low-ball as they attempt to secure one at low prices. This time, he set his sights on a 2017 Toyota Sequoia . Despite his adoration for the truck, he was shocked by the auction price for the ride. Robb delineates his astonishment at the car's pricing in a viral TikTok, and other users on the app shared his surprise. Unaffordable Toyota "Toyota Sequoias are unaffordable. I'm standing next to a 2017 here at a dealer-only auction. Only a dealer can buy this. This is a repossession. I'm gonna show you how much it costs. You're not going to believe it," he begins. Following this, he begins to give a tour of the vehicle, panning around its exterior. "So it's a 2017 with 70,000 miles. Beautiful. Mint." Then, he focuses on the car's wheels before assessing the rest of its aesthetics. 'Tires less than a hundred miles. Let's take a look at the body. It is the Platinum edition, and if you know, you know. It is absolutely gorgeous,' he says as he approaches the vehicle's rear. 'It's got the best motor in the world. This is by far the best motor ever made.' Robb points out the iForce 5.7-liter V8 badging on the Sequoia's hatch, situated right above its exhaust. 'Toyota's 5.7 is the best gas motor in the world. There is not another motor that comes close, right?' Upon extolling the excellence of the vehicle, he then praises its versatility. 'All right, here it goes. This can tow your boat. This can do anything you need it to do. Haul your family, take you on long trips. This is by far the perfect vehicle, the perfect vehicle.' Afterward, his video transitions to an accounting of its interior luxuries. His clip shows off the 2017 Sequoia's plush cabin, which sports brown leather seats. 'Orange, I wanna say orange but the brown insides … but you get the gist. It's got the third row. It is absolutely gorgeous.' $40K Sequoia At this point in the clip, Robb then details its eye-watering price at the auction. 'This vehicle at a dealer-only auction is gonna sell for $40,000.' As he reveals this information verbally, an accompanying screenshot of the dealership price is displayed in the video. The price of the car, along with other data points, is featured in this screengrab. Its adjusted MMR (Manheim Market Report) sits at $39,900. This figure is a tool that projects what a car will sell for based on current buying trends of particular makes and models. In the same image, the analytics reveal that the car has accrued 70,170 miles on it. This puts the Sequoia well below similar models on the market. According to the MMR, other 2017 offerings will have about 123,130 miles of pavement on their drivetrains. Robb says that the price of the vehicle doesn't necessarily give it a high potential for profitability. 'Plus fees, they're in it for $42,000, right? That means they gotta retail this on their lot for $48,000. Plus taxes, tag, license, you're all in for $50,000.' When considering vehicle model years debut months before calendar years, Robb's point becomes more prominent. If a dealer were to purchase this Sequoia, they'd be asking consumers to shell out $50,000 for an almost 9-year-old vehicle with 70,000 miles. 'Do you think this is worth $50,000?' he questions. The Latest From Toyota Toyota Math: 9 Million EVs Are Just as Polluting as 27 Million Hybrids Toyota Wants to 'Increase Power' in the GR Corolla Toyota's Smallest Car Gets the GR Sport Treatment 2026 Toyota RAV4 Debuts With Hybrid-Only Power and a New Sporty Trim 2025 Toyota Sequoia One would be hard pressed to argue purchasing a 2017 model for that amount. A 2025 Toyota Sequioa carries an MSRP of $64,120 for the base model . And since car prices are falling after previous years' chip shortage issues , buyers could have some wiggle room when it comes to bargaining. Of course, this is all contingent upon a vehicle's popularity in specific regions. It's worth mentioning, however, that the model Robb showed off in his video is indeed the top trim Sequoia. Furthermore, the iForce V8 5.7-liter in the 2017 model is naturally aspirated, unlike the newer iForce V6 3.4 variant, which is packed with twin turbos. However, the latter model is a hybrid, which should net drivers better mpg figures. However, it appears that Robb's gripes with the Sequoia are primarily rooted in the lack of dealership-only auction value. That's because Edmunds features numerous Platinum four-wheel drive models from the same year at much more digestible price points. But they do come with more mileage on the odometer. This Ohio dealer is selling a 94K-mile, no-accident white variant for $34,995 . If you're willing to buy a road warrior, there's one nearing the 200K for $19,700 . This particular model has never been in a collision and appears in great aesthetic shape. Moreover, it's only ever had one owner. A Hard-to-Find Toyota? Online shopping results for the used one-SUV-to-rule-them-all make something readily apparent: Sequoias are difficult to come by. There are folks online who've opined about being put on wait lists to purchase the vehicle . Again, this is often contingent on the desirability of the vehicle in a specific area. Getting a hold of one, like many sought-after cars, was ostensibly palpable at the height of supply chain woes . Robb's sticker shock also speaks to a more predictable quandary used car sellers face, and it's Toyota's value retention. The Japanese automaker usually packs the most resale bang-for-your-buck across its lineup. This is especially true when it comes to the 20 Cars With The Best Resale Values . That's because of the inherent pricing structure of larger vehicles: bigger rigs with bigger engines usually cost more. With higher price tags, consumers especially want a vehicle that will be reliable and long-lasting. And when it comes to long-term reliability, Toyota is considered by many to be the gold standard in this regard , which may make shopping for a used one a difficult prospect for anyone looking for a deal, especially if they're attempting to flip one for profit. Commenters Sound Off Robb's video prompted a series of replies from TikTokers. Many weren't impressed with the MMR figures for the vehicle. 'Not worth that much, maybe 20k,' one penned. Another echoed the aforementioned sentiment, highlighting that much newer models don't run for that much more. 'Hell nah, $24k at best, you can get a 2021 for $53k.' It's hard to argue with their logic, either. It should be mentioned that newer Toyota Sequoias also pack crucial infotainment upgrades, such as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Someone else called into question Toyota's build quality track record. 'Still leaks, suspension issues. Rusted frame. Transmission issues. Differential issues. See them all the time and people still fall for the Toyota scam.' One person highlighted another aspect of the vehicle that could hurt road warriors' wallets—mpg count. 'Nice car, but too expensive and a serious gas guzzler.' But there were Toyota devotees who chimed in as well. Like this one 2005 Sequoia owner who hit well over a quarter of a million miles in their whip. 'I got a 2005 sequoia that is still going strong 300k plus miles.' Motor1 has reached out to Toyota and Robb via email for further comment. Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )

Shopping for a 2025 Toyota Sequoia? Here's What Experts Say You Should Look at Instead
Shopping for a 2025 Toyota Sequoia? Here's What Experts Say You Should Look at Instead

Miami Herald

time31-05-2025

  • Automotive
  • Miami Herald

Shopping for a 2025 Toyota Sequoia? Here's What Experts Say You Should Look at Instead

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia challenges full-size, three-row SUVs from GM, Ford, Jeep, and Nissan, offering similar size and width. Unlike its rivals, it's powered by a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 gas/electric hybrid engine that sends 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque through a 10-speed automatic transmission to the rear wheels or all four. The EPA rates the Sequoia at a combined 22 mpg with rear-wheel drive or 20 mpg with all-wheel drive. Towing is rated at 9,520 pounds, while payload is rated at 1,410 to 1,730 pounds, depending on trim and driveline. The new Tow Tech Package, available on all grades, includes Trailer Backup Guide and a Straight Path Assist. A wireless trailer camera system is another new option, and its ground clearance is 8.6 inches. With a face and mechanicals borrowed from the full-size Toyota Tundra pickup, the Sequoia comes equipped with a solid-axle rear suspension that limits third-row room and results in less than 12 cubic feet of cargo space. Thankfully, passenger volume is better at 157 cubic feet. Top trims get standard massaging seats for 2025, enhancing their opulence in what is presumably a mainstream vehicle. A 14-inch infotainment touchscreen comes with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility on all but the base SR5. Piloting the Sequoia reveals light steering that makes herding it into a lane a constant chore, yet the Hybrid's instant torque helps alleviate the V-6's turbo lag, and it sounds like a V8. There's definitely more than enough power to make quick work of any driving chore, but you might wonder if there are better options. It's hard to top the Chevrolet Tahoe when it comes to full-size, mainstream SUVs. For 2025, there's a new 11-inch digital instrument cluster and a 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a wireless smartphone charger. But one thing is unchanged: the Tahoe is far roomier than the Toyota, with 176 cubic feet of passenger space, including its surprisingly sizeable third row, along with an unstinting 26 cubic feet of cargo space. The payload ranges from 1,870 to 2,280 pounds and it sports 8 inches of ground clearance. There's a choice of a 355-horsepower 5.3-liter V8, a 420-horsepower 6.2-liter V8, and a 305-horsepower turbocharged 3.0-liter diesel. Opting for the larger V8 requires premium fuel, but the smaller V8 doesn't. The EPA rates the combined fuel economy of the Tahoe at 17 mpg with the small V8, 16 mpg with the large V8, and 24 mpg with the diesel. A 10-speed automatic transmission is standard with either rear- or all-wheel drive. Towing is rated at 8,400 pounds, which is lower than its rivals. GM's Magnetic Ride Control suspension is optional and delivers a comfortable ride without undue body motion. While no full-size SUV is truly nimble, this is an easy one to maneuver once accustomed to its size. There's more than sufficient power, too, making for a very satisfying full-size SUV. While nearly as large as the Chevrolet and more sizable than the Toyota, the 2025 Ford Expedition provides 172 cubic feet of passenger room and 22 cubic feet of cargo volume. Payload ranges from 1,575 pounds to 1,758 pounds. Its instrument panel features a massive 24-inch horizontal display that houses both the instrument cluster and the infotainment system, the latter of which is accessible through its 13.2-inch touchscreen mounted close to the driver on the center console. It integrates wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Google software, and a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot. Motivating the Ford Expedition is a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 and 10-speed automatic transmission with rear- or four-wheel drive that makes 400 horsepower. Not enough? You can choose a high-output 440-horsepower V6, as well. EPA fuel economy is rated at 19 mpg with rear-drive, and 18 mpg with four-wheel drive. Towing is rated up to 9,600 pounds, while ground clearance is 8.7 inches. This Ford feels far faster than its competition, although it's not as pleasing to drive as its leviathan Detroit rivals. It nearly matches the Jeep for towing, but lacks the engine choices of the Chevrolet or the indulgent detailing of the Jeep or Nissan. Still, its speed and handsome, conservative good looks may be all that matters. Four inches wider than the Ford yet just as long, the Nissan Armada is based on the Nissan Patrol, a similar model sold in the rest of the world. Its handsome, square-jawed exterior design encapsulates a cabin with 162 cubic feet of passenger space and 20 cubic feet of cargo volume. That trails its Detroit competitors, but still tops the Toyota. However, its payload capacity is competitive, ranging from 1,444 to 1,846 pounds, and it offers 9.6 to 11.6 cubic feet of ground clearance, depending on the trim level. The Armada comes with dual 12.3-inch screens for the driver and infotainment systems, although they're two inches larger on upper trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and wireless charging come standard on all but the base models. Last year's V-8 has been replaced by a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 that generates 425 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, 25 horsepower and 103 pound-feet more than last year's V8. The EPA rates the Armada at 16-18 mpg, depending on the trim, on premium unleaded fuel. A nine-speed automatic transmission comes with rear-wheel or all-wheel drive, and towing is rated at 8,500 pounds. That's less than the Toyota or Ford, but comparable to the Chevrolet. A new off-road package features 20-inch all-terrain tires, a locking rear differential, skid plates, tow hooks, hill descent control, an electronic air suspension, and selectable drive modes. The suspension is tuned for off-road comfort, which brings out body lean while cornering. Steering is nicely weighted, and pricier models provide a luxury experience in mainstream couture. Of the SUVs here, none surpass the 2025 Jeep Wagoneer's size. At 215 inches long, its cabin provides a massive 179 cubic feet of passenger space and 26 cubic feet of cargo space. Yet somehow, it doesn't drive as large as it is. A 3.0-liter Hurricane twin-turbo inline six-cylinder powerplant and 8-speed automatic transmission come standard with a choice of three available 4×4 systems. Towing is rated at 10,000 pounds, depending on the axle ratio. EPA fuel economy is rated at 20 mpg with rear-wheel drive and 19 mpg with all-wheel drive using regular unleaded. A fully independent suspension is standard, something not true of others here. A Quadra-lift air suspension with semi-active damping and a solid or hollow stabilizer bar is optional. Ground clearance is 8.3 inches with the standard suspension and 10 inches with the air suspension. The Wagoneer returns a surprisingly refined experience with ideally weighted steering and a supple, comforting ride. It can be fitted with a blizzard of screens, including a 10.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen, and an optional 10.3-inch touchscreen for the front-seat passenger. As you'd expect, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, Amazon FireTV, Alexa, and a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot are standard. The Chevrolet is easily the best choice here, unless you need more muscle for towing. Then, we'd opt for the Jeep, which also offers the most spacious cabin. The biggest surprise is the Nissan, which is far more competitive than you'd expect, but its premium fuel requirement is cause for concern. The Ford proves less captivating, despite its muscle. The Toyota's hybrid driveline is impressive, and its towing capacity is strong, but its spaciousness is noticeably lacking compared to its rivals. Which one is best for you? Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store