Toyota Sequoia test drive since 2007 SUV
In order of growth
Giantomania is gaining momentum: it would seem, well, is Land Cruiser 200 not enough? Apparently, not enough, since even more impressive Sequoia was created on its base. By the way, the name for such a machine could not be more successful. In many respects (not only dimensions), this is the most-most of the Toyota SUVs. And in Russia, as you know, they adore all the most, the most: give the jeep only the best. That is why in our country large Japanese SUVs came into fashion. And when the Japanese combined the perfection and meticulousness of the dimensions characteristic of American machines typical of their products, something in the minds of our rich motorists happened: such giants as Nissan Armada and Toyota Sequoia began to be enormous. The latter, despite the fact that it shares the platform from the Land Cruiser of the new generation, in many respects is a completely independent model.
To begin with, in his appearance more in common with the Tundra pickup little -known in our country: in any case, his nose seems to be sketched from an American tractor. And the sidewalls no longer remind of trucks. Something aviation is being seen here: massiveness and purity of execution (decorative moldings and cunning stamping are inconspicuous) Sequoia recalls the passenger Boeing in this perspective. But behind everything is too simple: the feeling that they took the stern of the old Sequoia and brought the lanterns a little. As for the salon, with the exception of several points, everything is just wonderful (you can’t say otherwise). So, the materials of the finish were upset, the quality of which is lower than, say, the Nissan Pathfinder Armada, and it is not entirely clear why in such an expensive machine the steering wheel adjustment is carried out manually, and not with the help of buttons. True, we note that a copy was provided for testing in the intermediate performance of Limited. In addition, it is not very convenient for tall people to climb the rear seats (although the Japanese tried their best to make their life easier), but it was not clear how to get out and at all (apparently, the developers decided that only children should be carried from behind).
And now about the pleasant. Separately, I would like to talk about ergonomics. In Sequoia, we are dealing with the rare case when the design effectively promotes functionality: the central panel is visually divided into the main and secondary parts (or, if you like, into the driver’s and passenger zones of responsibility). Where silver plastic, there are switches and buttons that the driver uses first (for example, control of transmission modes). On the dark side of the dashboard, everything that should not be manipulated on the go. 
Communication with the machine begins as a movie show. True, no one is trying to warn about responsibility for illegal copying of the tape: when the engine starts on the screen, a message appears that the car is trying to persuade the driver to enjoy the picture on the screen more than studying the possibilities of the remote control. In general, a pleasant viewing! But until we started moving, why not get acquainted with the existing functions? The on -board computer is basically simple: to guess where you are and what you need to do, do not have to, because all the main submenu are indicated by intelligible iconograms, and the control buttons
the navigation system is understandable. By the way, the Japanese clearly borrowed something from the best mobile phones: take, for example, a return button made according to the Sony Ericsson model. However, for some time, you still have to spend on completely understanding this comprehensive control system. Say, it would be nice to learn that the on -board computer is divided into two logical sectors: one (the one located in the center) is responsible for music, navigation, as well as for other functions, for example, for planning the maintenance schedule. The second block displays the information on a small screen under the speedometer, and it is controlled by buttons placed to the right of the instrument panel. This small computer is in charge of service functions, in its competence, inform the driver about things such as instant fuel consumption or dropped pressure in one of the wheels. 
All set up, you can relax and enjoy simpler things. Such as huge door handles, a huge automatic transmission selector, hefty external mirrors, a spacious box office, beautiful devices, comfortable and spacious chairs, a rich equipment and, sequoia is not a car, a yacht! The developers thought about trifles: in the ceiling console there is a hinged panoramic mirror that allows you to make sure that the children are not naughty, and there are niches in the front doors under the windows of the windows, where they put, say, we will assume that mobile phones will put there there (In America, where they are struggling to do with smoking, they would have done that way). 
Well, the driver already figured out what he needed to figure out. So it's time to go? Yeah, I would like to finally understand what 5.7 liters and 383 hp are capable of. But for starters, it is better to taxi on a spacious road (the fact is that the driver feels quite weakly the dimensions well, at least there are helpers like sonars and video cameras). And after that, you can press the gas and have fun with the heart: the engine willingly accelerates the heavy Sequoia, the car is eager for battle, like a real warrior who has nothing to lose. At the same time, somewhere in the bowels of the car, the machine is quietly, calmly and quickly switches the gears (and when accelerating from the place, and in the Kik-Down mode, the box encourages the next gear with a minimum delay). Meanwhile, the suspension (completely independent) causes a feeling of integrity and composure, willingly swallowing large irregularities and minimizing the extra movements of a heavy SUV. The composition is completed by powerful brakes with four -piston calipers. Not only do they confidently besiege this carcass, they react to press the pedal. 
In general, by the standards of large jeeps, Sequoia has perfectly balanced running qualities (sometimes it even seems that this makhina is less than it really is). Of course, there are such unpleasant things such as buildup, rolls, grades, but everything is within normal limits for a large SUV. What sacrifices were the designers to ensure acceptable driving
properties, you begin to understand by going on the road with an imperfectly smooth coating. The fact is that on small irregularities, a large Toyota does not behave in the best way: shaking begins, shocks are felt, and in addition, you feel very well in what condition of the highway, how much it is strewn with gravel. It may be excusable to the sports model, but we are talking about a solid SUV, which such fussiness is not to the face. So why do you need such a car? Firstly, this is a wonderful family car, roomy and comfortable. Secondly, also a wonderful representative machine that works well for the image of its master. But it is much more important that Sequoia is one of the best SUVs in its class: a more convenient, balanced car with a more competent chassis and a pleasant salon must be looked for. And the cost, in our opinion, is quite acceptable: at a price of 2 million 660 thousand rubles. The machine is located between Land Cruiser 200 (2 million 200 thousand rubles) and Lexus LX570 (3 million 450 thousand rubles).
