2005 TOYOTA SEQUOIA: MORE STANDARD POWER, LUXURY, SAFETY 

(TORONTO) – The 2005 Toyota Sequoia full-sized SUV is more powerful, more luxurious, and safer than ever. The potent V8 engine has been enhanced with Toyota’s advanced VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing-intelligent) for a significant boost in power, making it an uncompromising choice for owners who want both rugged, go-anywhere SUV capability and the ride and amenities of a premium sedan. As well as making it more luxurious, the curtain shield airbags which extend to the second row, now include roll-sensors, making Sequoia even safer for driver and passengers.

“We’ve drawn on Toyota’s long, successful history of building trucks for a multitude of purposes to make Sequoia a powerful and capable SUV,” said Tony Wearing, Managing Director of Toyota Canada Inc. “We then combined that all-terrain muscle and confidence with an exceptional level of ride comfort and standard amenities that takes Sequoia’s versatility to a completely new level.”

For 2005, the double overhead camshaft, 32-valve, 4.7-litre V8 engine that powers both Sequoia SR5 and Sequoia Limited is equipped with VVT-i. When combined with Toyota’s other advanced engine technologies, it means this powerplant becomes even more robust, producing 282 horsepower at 5,400 rpm and 325 lb/ft of torque at 3,400 rpm (compared to 240 horsepower and 315 lb/ft of torque for the previous engine). As effective as it is powerful, this engine also provides Sequoia with competitive fuel efficiency.

The added power is harnessed by a new 5-speed electronically-controlled (ECT) automatic with lock-up torque converter, overdrive cancel switch and transmission cooler. For maximum ease of operation, on- and off-road, Sequoia is equipped with Multi-Mode 4WD which features shift-on-the-fly from rear-wheel drive to 4-wheel drive. Multi-Mode 4WD’s Automatic Disconnecting Differential (ADD) provides all the benefits of part-time 4WD but adds the capability of running in 4WD mode on dry pavement, similar to a full-time 4WD system.

Sequoia’s ground clearance of 270 mm (10.6 inches) means excellent off-road capability, while a low overall height makes it easy to drive into garages or parking lots with height restrictions.

Added Standard Features For Added Comfort, Luxury
Toyota’s Sequoia has always been distinguished as much for its luxurious amenities and refined ride as for its rugged utility. The new model year boosts this reputation even further, with a host of standard equipment.

A new TRD OffRoad Sport package is part of SR5’s standard complement:
· adjustable rear air suspension
· tubular running boards
· leather seating surfaces
· heated front power seats
· cruise and audio controls mounted on the leather steering wheel
· unique 16-inch alloy wheels with P265/70R16 white lettered tires

The Luxury Package now becomes standard equipment on every Sequoia Limited:
· adjustable rear air suspension
· Optitron instrumentation
· second-row captain’s chairs with removable centre console
· memory settings for driver’s seat and exterior mirrors
· wood grain interior trim

All of this is added to an outstanding range of luxury and comfort features, including dual automatic climate control, integrated garage door opener, anti-theft system, and a full complement of power accessories including keyless entry; cruise control; power windows, door locks and tailgate window; and outside mirrors.

A JBL Premium Sound AM/FM/Cassette/CD player with in glass diversity antenna, steering wheel audio controls and separate audio controls for the rear seat is standard across the lineup.

Sequoia Limited’s standard rear seat entertainment system features a DVD player with overhead 7-inch LCD monitor. Sound can be shared with the entire cabin, or directed to headphones so other passengers can enjoy the premium JBL sound system with 6-disc in-dash CD player. The system also permits passengers to plug in their own video game system. Two sets of wireless headphones are standard equipment.

Thoughtful Interior is Roomy and Comfortable
Sequoia’s spacious interior provides comfortable seating for eight on the SR5 model, and for seven on the Limited. The second row of three seats on the SR5 model is a convenient 60/40 split and either side can be folded flat or tumbled forward. The third row of three seats split 50/50 and may be slid forward, folded flat, tumbled or removed. This versatile configurability, combined with Sequoia’s low, wide and flat floor, ensures easy loading.

Sequoia is designed for comfort and convenience. Ten cupholders are strategically placed throughout the cabin. The large centre front console has a built-in memo pad. Grocery bag hooks and cargo net hooks are fitted to both sides of the rear luggage area. The sunvisors extend for increased screening when used at the side, and Limited models have illuminated vanity mirrors plus dual sunvisors so that both the front and side windows may be shaded. The rear passenger windows and rear quarter panel windows have heat-absorbing privacy glass.

Sequoia may also be fitted with a dealer-installed Rear Obstacle Sensing System to make reversing even safer, particularly in situations where visibility is limited or exiting the vehicle is difficult. The system detects objects and obstructions within its sensing range, and gives the driver both a visual and auditory alert inside the cabin. Easily and invisibly installed behind the rear bumper cover, the sensor is not affected by any weather conditions, including extreme heat or cold.

Engineered to Expect The Unexpected
Sequoia is built with advanced electronically-controlled driveline, stability and traction systems. These include Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Toyota’s Active Traction Control System (A-TRAC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) and Multi-Mode 4WD.

VSC enhances cornering stability by sensing oversteer and understeer situations and helping to correct them by controlling engine output and brakes to dampen the unstable condition.

On slippery surfaces or during rugged 4WD off-road situations, A-TRAC works closely with the ABS and Engine Control Module (ECM), using the sensors and actuators to apply braking force and restore traction to a slipping wheel while the ECM modulates power. The torque that would have been lost through slippage is then distributed to the remaining three wheels, achieving an effect similar to that of three Limited Slip Differentials. A-TRAC is automatically disengaged in 4WD Low Range.

Working with the ABS, EBD modulates brake pressure to prevent rear wheel lockup and maintain directional stability and steerability on slippery surfaces. Using wheel speed sensors, EBD calculates the difference in speed between the front and rear wheels and operates the brake actuators to control brake pressure. This balances front/rear braking force distribution more effectively than traditional mechanical proportioning valves.

Sequoia’s independent front suspension features double wishbones, and the adjustable rear air suspension on Sequoia adjusts ride height based on input from the load sensors, ensuring that ride quality and stability are not compromised regardless of load.

Power-assisted, ventilated front and rear disc brakes combined with variable power-assist rack-and-pinion steering provides sure, safe stops and precise steering response.

A new tire pressure monitoring system helps drivers keep tires at the optimum pressure for safety and ride comfort.

Maximum Protection Means Maximum Safety
Sequoia is one of the few full-sized SUVs to be equipped with standard side- and curtain shield airbags in addition to dual front airbags and front seat-mounted side airbags. For 2005, the front airbags deploy according to seat position and impact severity, while the curtain shield airbags are now roll-sensing, offering added protection. Occupants are also protected by 3-point seatbelts in all seating positions. Front seatbelts employ pre-tensioners and force limiters and are height-adjustable. All seatbelts except the driver’s are the ALR/ELR (automatic/emergency locking retractor) switchable type.

Five Child Restraint System (CRS) tether anchors are provided as well as ISO lower-fixed points for three child seats.

Sequoia’s high-strength body is designed to absorb and distribute force through the entire frame and minimize deformation of the cabin area. All passenger doors are equipped with side impact beams and a special structure that protects against head impact is built into the front and centre pillars and the roof side rails.

Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the potent 2005 Sequoia SR5 V8, with its outstanding list of new equipment, is $59,530. The luxurious Sequoia Limited V8, which received additional new equipment valued at $3,500, increases in price by just $2,235 to $65,855.

Sequoia is covered by Toyota’s no deductible, no transfer fee, comprehensive warranty that covers the entire vehicle for 3 years/60,000 kilometres. Power train components are covered for 5 years/100,000 kilometres, major emission control components for 8 years/130,000 kilometres and corrosion perforation for five years with unlimited distance.

Toyota also provides 24-hour Roadside Assistance for all models; help is just a phone call away at 1-888-TOYOTA-8. Roadside emergency services include battery boost, lockout service, fuel delivery, tire change, winching, and even towing. Optional Extended Care Protection (ECP) is also available, which includes travel planning and trip interruption assistance, vehicle rental help, lubrication maintenance, and mechanical protection for up to 6 years/200,000 km of 17 major mechanical component groups.