2013 Toyota Sequoia

All trim on the 2013 Toyota Sequoia has a 5.7-liter V8 engine. Starting with the base trim, SR5 has all the necessary components for a comfortable ride. It comes with 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, cloth seats, a Three-zone automatic climate control, an 8-speaker sound system, and privacy glass. On the Limited trim, an upgraded sound system with more speakers, 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, and leather seats are given. Lastly, the top most Platinum trim premium set of wheels, upgraded upholstery, 7-inch touchscreen, and navigation system.

With the Sport Package on the SR5 trim 20-inch super chrome-finish alloy wheels, second-row captain chairs which make the total seating up to 7, and color-keyed grille surround are added. The Premium Package on the SR5 adds a heated 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with leather upholstery, backup camera display, and HomeLink universal transceiver. 

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 It will be suitable for you to go with the SR5 trim. It might be lacking in standard features but they can be fulfilled with the various options and packages as per your need.

A 5.7-liter V8 gas engine is present under the hood of the 2013 Toyota Sequoia. It is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. It churns out 381 hp and 401 lb-ft of torque. FWD is a default drivetrain given on the Sequoia which can be replaced with a 4WD drivetrain for an extra $3,225. Sequoia can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds. 

Despite the bulky size and weight of over 5000 lbs, Toyota Sequoia is quick on its feet. Independent rear suspension and hydraulic power steering make things easier on the road. It rides with no problem no matter which terrain is below. Especially the top Platinum trim which has the adjustable suspension.

The Toyota Sequoia has the leading power figures in the competition. The Chevrolet Tahoe has the smallest engine which puts out 320 hp and 335 lb-ft of torque. With these power figures, it reaches 60 mph from a standstill in 7.7 seconds which is still 0.8 seconds faster than the worst performer in the segment i.e. Ford Expedition. The 5.4-liter V8 mill of Expedition churns out 310 hp which is the least in the segment however, the 365 lb-ft of torque is not that disappointing.

Since Sequoia has the biggest engine in the segment so it is clear that the fuel consumption will be more which will return in low fuel economy. Therefore, it gives 13 mpg in the city, 18 mpg on the highway, and 15 mg combined. With a fuel capacity of 24 gallons, 2013 Toyota Sequoia has a mileage of 343 miles in the city and 475 miles on the highway.

Even though Chevrolet Tahoe has the least power output as compared to the other rivals, it is the most fuel-efficient crossover but it has the smallest fuel tank in the segment. That said, the Ford Expedition consumes more fuel in the city while Nissan Armada does it on the highways. But both of these SUVs have a similar fuel tank capacity of 28 gallons.

Inside the 2013 sss’s cabin, there is plenty of space for all eight passengers. However, the third row lacks sufficient head and legroom. The overall seating can be reduced to 7 passengers if second-row captain seats are selected. Easy-clean fabric is used as a standard upholstery on the seats but it can be upgraded to leather or perforated leather on higher trims. The steering wheel is also wrapped in leather8-way and 4-way power adjustment is given for the driver and passenger seats respectively. However, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat is optional. 

Second-row seats can split into a 40/20/40 pattern while the third-row seats can split into a 40/60 pattern. Tri-zone automatic climate control with air filtration is given as standard. Some other creature comforts given on the 2013 Sequoiaare manual tilt and telescopic steering column, Multi-Information Display, Power door locks with shift-linked automatic lock/unlock feature, two 12V outlets, automatic power rear window, 16-cup holders, remote illuminated entry, and remote keyless entry system. Auto-dimming rearview mirror and map lights and HomeLink universal transceiver are optional on the base trim. 

The 2013 Toyota Sequoia has arguably the best front and second rows and leading shoulder room in all three rows as compared to rivals. On the other hand, Chevrolet Tahoe has the worst third-row legroom but leading third-row headroom. Ford Expedition fits between Tahoe and Armada. As for the cargo space, Nissan Armada has the lead while Chevrolet Tahoe is in the last place. Major interior features include:

• Easy-clean fabric seats 
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror (optional)
• Heated front seats (optional)
• Three-zone automatic front and rear climate control
• One touch up and down front row windows
• Remote keyless entry
• 115V AC power outlet (optional)

How intuitive is the 2013 Toyota Sequoia’s infotainment unit?

SiriusXM, cd player, 8-speakers, aux jack, USB port, and Bluetooth are some basic features given on the 2013 Sequoia as standard. But on the upper trims, 14-speaker JBL Synthesis or GreenEdge sound system with subwoofer, 7-inch touch-screen which can split in two, and Premium HDD Navigation are also given. Features like a 6.1-inch touchscreen, HD radio, advanced voice recognition, and Navigation systems are optional on the base trim. A 9-inch Rear-seat Blu-ray Disc player entertainment system along with wireless headphones are optional on the Limited trim. Major highlights of the infotainment unit are:

• 6.1-inch touchscreen with navigation system (optional)
• CD player
• SiriusXM satellite radio
• HD radio (optional)
• Bluetooth

The design of the 2013 Toyota Sequoia is very bulky and muscular. Multi-reflector halogen headlights with auto-off feature, DRLs, Integrated fog lights along with chrome surround grille is present at front profile. Power tilt/slide moonroof with sliding sunshade is standard throughout the trim range. Body-color door handles on the base trim can be replaced with chrome handles on higher trims. 

Power heated side mirrors are standard on the Sequoia but they can get power-folding features, puddle lights, and turn signal indicators on the top trim. Windshield wiper de-icer, roof rack, running boards, and privacy glass are also some standard exterior features. 18-inch alloy wheels on the base Sequoia can be replaced with the 20-inch sporty alloy wheels.

Nissan Armada is the biggest SUV in terms of exterior dimensions whereas the Chevrolet Tahoe is the smallest one. The Ford Expedition is squeezed in between the Toyota Sequoia and Nissan Armada. That said, Toyota Sequoia is the one with the highest ground clearance while Ford Expedition has the least amount of ground clearance. Major exterior features are:

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Halogen headlights
• Fog lights
• Power tilt/slide moonroof
• Chrome auto-dimming heated power outside mirrors 

The 2013 Toyota Sequoia has not been tested by either NHTSA or IIHS. that aside, it comes with standard safety features such as Smart Stop Technology, cruise control, brake assist, Tire Pressure Monitor System, Front, and rear parking assist sonar, engine immobilizer, and Trailer-Sway Control. That said, Blind-spot monitoring is the only given on the Platinum trim. Major safety features are:

• Cruise control
• Trailer sway control
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Front and rear parking assist sonar
• Anti-theft system with engine immobilizer

As long as performance, interior space, cargo capacity, number of features, and ground clearance are considered, the 2013 Toyota Sequoia is your suitable SUV. However, if you are concerned about the fuel economy, a bland interior design and heavy exterior look are not to your liking then there are suitable alternatives like Chevrolet Tahoe and Nissan Armada available out there.