I had a Sequoia. It was pretty nice in a lot of respects. But the suspension does not flex very well. The seats were very uncomfortable and there are miles of plastic. I had a 2006, 5 speed auto, SR5 version with leather and the center diff lock. Mine also couldn't tow a car very well. And toyota's version of traction control is garbage. All you have to do is spend a second in a newer Land Rover Discovery or LR3, it'll walk up everything, while the toyota sits there spinning tires.
There was a lot of room though. even with the third row installed. There just isn't any aftermarket support for it. Sure you can get some lift kits, but bumpers and such are non-existent.
The rear latch breaks all the time and the rear window is prone to breaking as well. Changing the timing belt is a pain in the butt. I had so many cuts on my hands it was ridiculous. Why can't toyota smooth the edges of their metal like European cars? Anyway for a mom mobile its great, but for anything else, it seemed limited for what I needed and wanted.
The leather in the Sequoias is pretty firm. I have cloth in mine and they are very comfortable, but they aren't really wide seats. FWIW, I am 6'2" 245lbs. I fit great, and compared to the Yukon XL that we also have, the 2nd row has way more room in the Sequoia. Literally, like 4" more room with the front seats all the way back. And they recline.
The suspension is no different that any Toyota IFS rig out there. It uses the same struts that a 3rd gen 4runner uses. I will admit that the stock ride quality was a little lacking, but mine had 200K on it when I bought it. I swapped in a Toytec Ultimate kit and couldn't be happier with the ride, handling, etc. It rides and handles better than my Yukon XL. And, with the 4.88s, it tows great as well up to around 4000lbs.
The later model traction control systems after 2004 were a nightmare in them. Just like 01-02 4runners were. My Sequoia is a 2001 and I actually like it in the snow. In fact, I would say its the best snow/ice driving vehicle I have ever owned. And, I go through vehicles like Steve does. I just disengage the traction control and VSV once off road anyway. When in 4low it automatically disables it to begin with.
We have recently started producing bumpers for them. I do plan to R&D a rear bumper for it soon as well. Sliders are cake.
It is a similar length to a Tahoe, but its likely a few inches narrower. They have HUGE sunroofs, great climate control systems, and great 4wd systems. The auto's overdrive is pretty tall so they could stand a little taller gearing if you lift it.
And, while a Land Rover may be better offroad, its getting you there and back reliably that is the issue. With anything, its a compromise on what you can live with. I don't use my Sequoia for beating on. I agree that its not built for that. But, getting me back to some fly fishing holes, pulling my boat where my dually is massive overkill, and camping out of its great. I'm not loading 7K on it to tow with it. That is what my tow rig is for. But, for a family hauler, and camping/mild expo rig, its fantastic.
