2021 Toyota Sequoia

Toyota builds the Sequoia in five trim levels: SR5, TRD Sport, Limited, TRD Pro, and Platinum. The SR5 and Limited offer an eight-passenger capacity; the others have second-row captain's chairs with seating for seven. The SR5 starts around $50,500. It comes standard with forward-collision alert, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Notable features are automatic LED headlights, fog lamps, heated side mirrors, a power moonroof, running boards, cloth upholstery, an eight-way driver's seat, folding back seats, remote engine start, tri-zone climate control, adaptive cruise control, eight speakers, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 7.0-inch touchscreen, and a WiFi hotspot. Toyota has an in-house TRD off-road performance division, and the Sequoia gets not one but two unique TRD trims. The TRD Sport retails for around $53,000, with a sport-tuned suspension, Bilstein shock absorbers, sleek exterior accents, and dark-painted 20-inch alloy wheels. The $65,000 TRD Pro is more rugged, with a lifted suspension, Fox shock absorbers, 18-inch BBS wheels, oversized all-terrain tires, reinforced LED fog lamps, and unique interior trim. The Limited model costs about $60,000 before options. It has amenities like leather upholstery, heated front seats, a power-operated tailgate, a one-touch power-folding third row, and a navigation system. For roughly $67,000, the Platinum has all of the Sequoia's fanciest features, like heated/cooled front seats, an adaptive suspension, a rear-seat entertainment system, and more.

The Sequoia shares its 5.7-liter V8 engine with the Land Cruiser, Toyota's other, more expensive full-size SUV, producing 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque. Power comes readily around town and on the highway. There is plenty of torque for traversing steep hills and trailering, with a 7,400-lb maximum towing capacity. A six-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly, routing the engine's power to a rear-wheel-drive platform. Stepping up to the optional four-wheel-drive system gives the Sequoia significant all-terrain abilities, similar to the Tundra pickup. Drivers can switch the system into a low-range mode to tackle the most challenging trails. The TRD Pro's off-road tires and enhanced suspension add to this skill set. As tough and versatile as the V8 powertrain is, it lacks rivals' fuel efficiency; the EPA estimates gas mileage of 13/17/15 mpg city/highway/combined.

As the Sequoia's platform, engine, and body are closely related to the venerable Toyota Tundra pickup truck, so is its interior styling and features. The tall instrument panel comes with chunky climate control dials that can be operated with gloves on. There is a 7.0-inch touchscreen with intuitive menus and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integrated. Still, it feels a bit small for a vehicle of this size and price. The optional JBL premium audio system -- standard on the TRD Pro and Platinum -- is excellent. Though there is less headroom and legroom in all three rows than the very largest SUVs, the Sequoia still provides adequate space for those in each row of seating. The optional captain's chairs in the second row are very comfortable. Multi-zone climate control is standard, allowing back-seat passengers to adjust the temperature separately from those in the front. There is also good in-cabin storage, with numerous cupholders and trays available for things like sunglasses or snacks. The Sequoia has 120.1 cubic feet of cargo space with the back rows folded, nearly the best-in-class.