2008 Toyota Sequoia

Toyota launched a credible Tundra when the housing slump hit the big pickup market and now has launched a credible Chevy Tahoe-fighter off the new Tundra, just as buyers are flocking to V-6 crossovers.

Like the Tundra, the Sequoia is vastly improved and should grab a larger share of its shrinking segment. The Tundra's aluminum 5.7-liter V-8 is optional on SR5 and Limited and standard on the new Lexus-like Platinum. The old 4.7 iron block remains the base engine until a new smaller V-8 derivative of the 5.7 is ready.

The Tundra's cheesy familiar dash makes it into the Sequoia, but the SUV gets an independent rear suspension for third-row seating (with optional electric fold-down) good enough for average-size adults on short trips. There's a false floor under the flat-folding second and third rows. The Sequoia feels smaller than the Tundra, and that it is, except in its fuel economy. That's where bad timing can really hurt.