Written by Marco Carvajal
I am test driving the powerful 2019 Toyota Sequoia TRD Sport 4×4 SUV. It is massive and impressive, but more than anything it is strong and powerful. Even if the Sequoia is classified as a full size SUV it also feels like a truck due to its large size and power.
I think of the Toyota Sequoia as a super hero who can save its crew on any type of adventure on any road or weather conditions. If the fantastic four super hero Thing was a car, it probably will be the Sequoia. Strong like a rock, almost indestructible, it is one of the toughest SUVs on the market.
The Sequoia has been designed for the most demanding drivers. The 2019 Toyota Sequoia is a family vehicle for any adventure. The Sequoia is a full-size SUV with a spacious cabin, versatile cargo options and powerful engine that stands out compared to others SUVs in its segment.
The Toyota Sequoia is huge and strong, it is named after the giant Sequoia redwood trees.
Sequoia trees are some the tallest in the world and such impressive trees are what gave inspiration to Toyota’s automotive engineers and architects when creating this massive SUV.
2019 Sequoia Highlights
- Standard Toyota Safety Sense-P (TSS-P) on all Sequoia models
- Engine: 381-hp 5.7-liter i-FORCE V8
- 381 horsepower at 5,600 rpm
- 401 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,600 rpm
- Dual independent Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i)
- 6-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission
- Impressive 7,400-pound towing capacity
- Seating for 8 or 7 passengers depending on the configuration
- Three seating rows
- Multi-Mode Four-Wheel Independent Suspension. Also two-wheel drive is available on all trims
Trims
The Sequoia is available in 4 different models. All models are available as two-wheel drive or a more powerful multi-mode four-wheel drive.
- SR5
- TRD Sport (the one I am test driving)
- Limited
- Platinum
Price for the 2019 Toyota Sequoia TRD Sport 4×4
$54,840 MSRP + Delivery Processing and Handling fee of $1,295, for a Total Price of $59,745
Pricing for the 2019 TRD Sport is good compared to all what you get with this SUV truck, including so many safety standard features. Other 2019 Sequoia models range from $49K up to $67K.
2019 Sequoia TRD Sport
The Sequoia TRD Sport was introduced for the first time in 2018. The TRD Sport trim has its own unique design with a metallic black grille surround and mirror caps, 20-inch black sport wheels, black satin finish TRD Sport badging, and an optional 7-passenger black leather-trimmed seats.
The TRD is powered by Sport-tuned Bilstein shock absorbers in the front and rear, and TRD front and rear anti-sway bars also enhance road handling. It is tough, but very comfortable. The TRD includes additional details like a TRD shift knob, floor mats and TRD sill protectors among many other standard and optional features.
Impressive 7,400-pound towing capacity
Whatever you need to tow will be an easy task with the Sequoia’s powerful V8 engine with 90 percent of peak torque at 2,200 rpm. Pulling any type of trailers won’t be a problem when driving this massive SUV. The Sequoia can tow up to 7,400 lbs, more than most SUVs in the market.
For better towing, a standard tow hitch is integrated into the frame of the Sequoia, making the hitch and the whole car to work as a solid single unit, producing better strength and durability. The Sequoia’s Tow/Haul mode optimizes shift points for the best performance. The standard Trailer Sway Control uses the Vehicle Stability Control producing a more stable trailer-towing on the road.
Super Brakes
The Sequoia is not a small SUV, it is large and heavy, therefore it needs a precise and fast breaking system. Toyota engineers are able to provide a great breaking experience combining 13.9-inch ventilated front disc brakes that use four-piston brake calipers and 13.6-inch ventilated disc brakes in the rear wheels.
Breaking in seconds is not a problem when you have these super brakes, you can feel safe and in control of the Sequoia.
Suspension
Driving the Sequoia you feel powerful and in control, but the drive feels very comfortable and luxury. Thanks to the excellent four-wheel independent suspension you can feel almost like flying on the road. The advanced suspension produces outstanding bump absorption on the road and excellent wheel handling when off road.
It is a pleasure to drive this Toyota 3 row car and you can be sure that all the passengers on board will enjoy the ride more than in most regular SUVs.
Convenience
Wide-opening rear doors make it easy for passenger to board the Sequoia. Child seat installation is also an easy task due to the wide doors. You can fold the second and third row of seats completely flat to get up to 120.1 cubic feet of cargo. Large objects up to 11 feet long can be transported in the Sequoia with no problem. It feels like you have tow cars in one, an SUV and almost a pick up truck.
For additional convenience the Sequoia includes several extra large cup or bottle holders, something that all the family will enjoy on any ride.
The third row folds flat easily with the available power tilting and folding feature. The rear liftgate features a power rear window that features auto up and down, jam protection and defogger.
The large cargo area of the 2019 Sequoia is equipped with handy hooks for bags.
Spacious Third Row and Interior
Most three-row SUVs have a smaller third row. Usually the third row seat is only practical for children and small passengers, but the Sequoia is different. The third-row seat has a large space for adults. The third row can be split 60/40 or recline.
Tons of Standard Safety Systems
This SUV is very safe, nothing was forgotten when Toyota built the Sequoia.This full size SUV comes with tons of standard safety features so you don’t have to spend on additional costly features to feel secure on the road.
Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) is standard on every Sequoia and includes the following features
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection and Automatic Braking
- Lane Departure Alert with Sway Warning System
- Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with full stop technology and Automatic High Beams
- Standard Blind Spot Monitor
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
The 2019 Sequoia is equipped with Toyota’s STAR Safety System that includes the following
- Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
- Brake Assist (BA)
- Traction Control (TRAC)
- Smart Stop Technology (SST) brake override
- On 4WD models, TRAC is replaced by A-TRAC (Active-Traction Control)
- All Sequoia models have a direct tire pressure monitoring system
More Safety Features
- Dual-stage, advanced front air bag system
- Seat-mounted side airbags for the driver and front passenger
- Roll-sensing side curtain airbags for all three seating rows
- Driver and front passenger knee airbags
