Structurally identical to the Tundra from the front doors forward, the Sequoia gets additional frame reinforcement in the rear for better vibration damping and less harshness. In place of the Tundra's leaf spring setup is a sophisticated five-link coil spring rear suspension for improved ride quality and control. Traversing over gaping potholes barely registered within the isolated cabin, and the whisper-quiet interior made for soothing highway cruising. Under the hood rests a slightly modified version of the i-Force V8 from the Tundra pickup. Displacing 4.7 liters and rated at 240 horsepower at 4,800 rpm and 315 foot-pounds of torque, this engine lives up to Toyota's tradition of buttery smooth powertrains that deliver seamless power with minimal apparent effort.
Power is routed through an electronically controlled four-speed overdrive automatic.
Like most Toyota units, it administers quick and precise shifts with little hesitation, handling even haphazard stabs at the throttle with little or no confusion. Full-throttle kickdowns could come a little quicker, and the shift detents could be a bit more positive, but overall, it proves itself a more than capable partner to the supreme V8. The VSC system is intended to maintain vehicle control while cornering by comparing steering input with the actual path of the vehicle. If it senses too much variation between the two, the system will automatically reduce engine output and apply individual brakes to restore control. The A-TRAC system makes use of the same wheel sensors as the VSC system, but instead monitors wheel slippage only and selectively applies individual brakes to maintain proper traction.