2006 Toyota Sequoia

Based on a modified Tundra pickup platform, the full-size Sequoia slots between the Land Cruiser and 4Runner in Toyota's six-vehicle SUV family. However, with a V-8 engine and full-size amenities -- including standard seating for eight -- this rugged all-roader resembles the former more in flavor and flair but offers a base-price far closer to the latter. Following a mild face- and feature-lift last year, the made-in-America Sequoia carries over virtually intact for 2006, offering SR5 and upline Limited editions in both rear-drive and four-wheel-drive configurations.

Cosmetic enhancements for 2005 helped the Sequoia maintain a contemporary, albeit conventional, appearance. Its traditional SUV profile integrates a front fascia, fender flares, and C-pillar treatment that highlight clear family ties with the Tundra and 4Runner. Standard 16-inch steel wheels wear 245/70 M+S tires on the SR5 and 265/70s on the SR5 4WD while Limited models have 265/65R17 rubber on alloy rims.

Step up and slip into this versatile hauler and you enter a cabin that's roomy, comfortable, and well isolated. The Tundra influence is strong here as well, particularly in the dash and door panel design. While that means the key instruments are legible and main controls positioned in a user-friendly manner, there are a few exceptions. The most notable relate to the less-than-ideal placement of switchgear for the power windows, power mirrors, and seat heaters, and a temperature/fan speed display that's virtually unreadable in most lighting conditions. Filling the center stack are the audio and/or optional touch-screen navigation systems, controls for the standard front/rear automatic air conditioning, and activator buttons for the 4WD system, on vehicles so equipped.

Both SR5 and Limited models are feature-rich, and include items like power front seats, cruise control, power windows/lock/mirrors, a tilt steering column, six-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo, and a power-down liftgate window. The Limited replaces cloth trim with leather and adds items like keyless remote entry, a 10-speaker JBL sound system, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Storage in all Sequoias is provided by a locking glovebox, multi-level covered console storage bin, and door pockets. Ten cupholders and four 12V powerpoints add even more utility to the mix.

While the standard passenger load is eight in a 2/3/3 configuration, our Limited-spec test vehicle had the Luxury Package, which replaces the 60/40-split folding second-row bench with two individual Captain's Chairs and a removable console. Like the front buckets, these second-row perches offer good head and better legroom, but decidedly more straight-line comfort than lateral support. Each one tips and flips to permit easier -- although not exactly easy -- access to the 50/50 split folding/removable third-row bench. The full-aft quarters are actually capable of carrying two average-sized adults in modest comfort, but three-up occupancy, even for kids, is a less-inviting proposition. When cargo takes priority, the Sequoia can carry anywhere from 26.6 cubic feet of it with all seats up to a voluminous 128.1 cu ft in its most open mode. Loading and unloading is facilitated by the large liftgate with bumper-level cutout.