2001 Toyota Sequoia Limited 4x4

While we liked its transparency in everyday use, Toyota loyalists from the Cult of the Land Cruiser will no doubt be critical of the Sequoia's more gentrified dual-range, electronically-selected four-wheel drive system. In place of lockable front or rear differentials, the 4x4 Sequoia relies on Active Traction Control (A-TRAC) to monitor wheel slippage (via standard ABS sensors) and selectively distribute brake force to whatever wheel(s) have traction. This transparent system is ideal for paved surfaces and less challenging off-road work, but will no doubt be shunned by serious rock climbers. Sequoia 4x2s get their own traction control scheme called merely "TRAC." All versions are also fitted with Vehicle Skid Control (VSC), which again uses ABS sensors to trigger power reductions and apply brakes to reclaim the truck's composure if it starts going sideways.

Interior on the Limited includes luxo upgrades like leather upholstery, dual-zone front/rear air conditioning and a premium 10-speaker JBL AM/FM/CD/cassette sound system.

Inside its cavernous passenger compartment, the Sequoia boasts a Tundra-derived dash that provides the driver well-placed and easy-to-operate controls and switchgear. Although the front buckets could use a bit more contouring, they still earn high marks for overall comfort. And even the base SR5 comes packing things like power windows/mirrors/locks, cruise control and numerous other expected "extras" plus some unexpected touches like four 12V power points, 10 cupholders, and a power roll-down rear window. Step up to Limited trim and life gets even better thanks to items like leather upholstery, rear heat and A/C controls, alloy wheels, power-retracting heated side mirrors, fender flares, and heated front seats. The Limited interior also boasts "hammer-tone" trim, which is plastic-pretending-to-be-metal rather than the usual plastic-pretending-to-be-wood. In either trim level, the Sequoia offers both side and curtain-shield head-protection bags as options in addition to the mandatory front air bags.

Normally offering seating for eight, the Sequoia can be quickly reconfigured to swallow up to 118.2 cubic feet of cargo, should you happen upon the ultimate yard sale.

Second-row passengers will find that the Sequoia's 60/40 split bench provides fairly generous head and leg room. However, things are a bit tighter for occupants of its third tier. Despite several inches of fore/aft travel, reasonable owners will likely confine that standard 50/50 split perch to casual or kid use—or store it completely to increase cargo space from 26.6-36.2 cubic feet up to 73.6. On the upside, the Sequoia is a first-rate cruiser that will more than hold its own over any type of pavement condition and remain poised and stable in crosswinds. Although it lacks some degree of the Tundra's easygoing maneuverability, when it comes to pure ride quality, quietness and overall refinement, the Sequoia is simply the class of its class.


The final take? If you anticipate lots of heavy lifting and towing interspersed with regular bouts of treading not-so-lightly through Rubicon-like environs, there's likely to be a more suitable mechanical soulmate out there—perhaps even one wearing a red Bow Tie or a Blue Oval badge. But if you're a light-to-medium duty lifestyler whose tastes skew more toward a smooth, stylish and extremely capable all-weather wanderer, the new Sequoia Limited 4x4 is definitely worth serious consideration.