The 2018 Toyota Sequoia Platinum is the biggest SUV in Toyotas lineup. Refreshed for 2018, it features a new headlight design, new front grille, 20-inch alloy wheels, dark rear taillight housings, metallic black mirror caps and 3 new colors: Shoreline blue pearl, Midnight black metallic, and toasted walnut pearl.
The Sequoia resides right above the Toyota Highlander model. 4-wheel drive is optional and rear-wheel drive is standard. It features a massive carrying and towing capacity and the top-of-the-line Platinum trim has enough luxurious accoutrements to appease even the most discriminating buyer.
Performance
The Sequoia boasts a massive 5.7-liter V8 is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission which the EPA states will get you 15mpg combined. The behemoth V8 gives off 381 hp and 401 lb-ft of torque, which is more than ample when towing up to 7,400 pounds (rear drive models) or 7,200 pounds (four-wheel drive models).
0-60 comes in a respectable 6.7 seconds for a car of this size. Top speed is electronically limited to 115 mph. The overall size and weight of this car makes it very tricky to handle in high speed maneuvers. The curb weight of 6,000 pounds makes this a very heavy car – yet Toyota has overcome this by including a suspension that makes for a very soft and agile ride.
Interior
The interior of this SUV can only be described as “cavernous”. If you need ample interior room, then look no further than the Sequoia. The Entune infotainment center is standard and offers navigation and ample connectivity options. The Platinum trim comes standard with blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control.
The interior seats are large and comfy and are great for long road trips. The infotainment center also offers Bluetooth connectivity and a 4.2-inch informational display tucked between the gauges. LED headlights, second row captain’s chairs and leather upholstery combine to create a pleasant driving or riding experience. The Sequoia is very closely related to the Toyota Tundra and shares many parts between the two.
Safety
As of the writing of this review, the IIHS and NHTSA have not crash tested the Sequoia. However, it’s safe to assume you will fare far better in a car this size than you would in a Toyota Prius in an accident. Toyota also includes standard their Safety Sense-P suite of active driver assistance and safety features. Lane departure alert, automatic high beams, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking come standard on this SUV.
Final Thoughts
There are several competitors to the Sequoia that offer more options and better fuel economy. However, that doesn’t mean that the Sequoia is a bad car. It’s just that it could stand to benefit from a turbocharged engine which would provide more torque, horsepower, and fuel efficiency. However, if none of those things matter to you, then the Sequoia is an excellent choice for someone who’s in the market for a SUV with ample power. It’s large, roomy, and will safely get a family of 8 from point A to point B in relative style and comfort. The 2018 Sequoia Platinum starts at $51,585.
