2005 Toyota Sequoia Preview

Shaking Up the SUV Market

The Sequoia is oh-so-smooth. This is a truck-based SUV?

Should You Buy This Car?

One thing that's really appealing about the Sequoia is that it's easy to drive. Unlike some truck-based SUVs, this Toyota doesn't feel trucky; it feels suave. To us it also feels a bit soulless, but that's really a matter of taste.

One objective measure, though, is towing capacity. And you guessed it -- with that weak torque measure, the Sequoia isn't up to towing nearly what its competitors can. Yes, it can tug along 6,200 lbs. which is the heft of a decent boat or camper, but the Ford Expedition, Nissan Pathfinder Armada and Dodge Durango can all yank at least 2,000 pounds more.

We should also add that although there's a ton of cargo space in the back of the Sequoia, folding seats to accomplish this goal is a bit of a struggle. And the second-row legroom isn't as impressive as that of a lot of its peers. Got teenagers? You might want to look at the Nissan or the Ford.

Or ignore us entirely. Toyota sold 428,000 SUVs last year in this country largely because the quality, smooth ride in every class (and these days, its excellent resale value), have made it a brand that sells itself. Someday that might make Toyota rest on its laurels. But we'd never put money on it.