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I wish to 2nd the opinions that unless you are driving in severely cold weather, the difference between 5w and 10w is not a whole lot in terms of viscosity.
For cleaning the leather in my vehicles, I like maguiers since it cleans, moisturizes and protects. my kids are murder on the backseat of our suv.
have decided that I will probably buy the sequoia based on what I've read in various topics. Most likely will buy it in august or sept, an '02 ltd 4x4 model, hoping to get a model change discount.
I also read somewhere that lexus is bringing out the sequoia based version of their suv in the '03 model year. maybe I read that in edmunds.
the new expedition sounds interesting if ford can truly pull off an increase in quality but I doubt I'll go that route unless there is a HUGE price difference. my '95 explorer eb has been very reliable and I tortured it in it's youth. it covered many an off-road logging trail, 2 track or gas well road in western PA. Now that I'm in texas, it doesn't see that kind of action more than 2x a year and usually in northern NM.
The Lexus is the GX470, based on the TLC Prado sold overseas. It isn't as large as the TLC or Sequoia. They may rebadge the Sequoia as a LX470 though since the LX470/TLC are due to be ended this year IIRC.
Sorry it has taken so long to respond to your question. I was in Florida on a short fishing junket. The 2003 should be out this fall like most of our product line. I know of no changes for this year. If Toyota follows their usual trend, we will not see any changes until 2004 and then, only of the cosmetic variety.
As to a Lexus version, I have not heard about any. There will be a Lexus version of the Runner called the GX470. It will have the same 4.7 engine as the Sequoia, as will the Runner.
I leave you guys for a few days to take the family to DC (man, the security there is brutal, even at the museums), and you guys let the forum degenerate into a overstimulated discussion on oil and crankcase drainage. Now there's some stimulating discussion.
For the record, I stated that "some" of the highest performance vehicles in the world use AWD to maintain traction above the avaliable power. There's no better way to bring more power to the "road" than delivering it through awd, however the trade-off is the weight gain of an awd system. Nevertheless you'll find those exotics and high perf cars with lots of power and torque using awd to put in on the pavement. Not all, but many.
Given the 325hp of the Denali, using awd puts more of the hp/torque to use instead of dampening it with traction control or engine limiters. For off-road purposes and slower speeds the ability to more deliberately position power is more advantageous than having it there all the time.
That's why the the most serious of off-road vehicles can actually deliver power to any combination of wheels through air lockers. Of course the system requires slower speeds but gets the job done better than any system that would be used for a hi-perf awd car. Everything in between are compromises delivering capabilities that match a user's needs and an engine's capabilities.
An AWD system with limited slip diffs will "eat-up" some of the power generated by the engine. That's why a 2wd version of an Audi using the same engine as an awd version will have better 0-60mph times than the awd version. Open diffs offer less resistance to the engine, than limited slip diffs.
Given the Sequoia's 240hp it may have been decided that the sacrifice of power would reduce performance to unacceptable levels, thereby resulting in an open diff setup meeting the performance requirements under normal circumstances without having to provide a more powerful engine. Just one theory.
Anyone spending time off-road will want the flexibility of a 4wd system offering locking differentials. Anyone spending the vast majority of their time on the road would likely benefit from an awd system over a 4wd system. Its all a matter of the user's needs and the capabilities of the motor. And its my view that 95% of 4wd suvs will never do anymore off-roading than going up a friends driveway that has yet to be paved:)
No. It has an open differential hooked up to a traction control system. It accomplishes the same thing as an LSD but without the clutch pack that can wear out.
cliffy: Have you ever actually heard of someone having to replace a limited slip diff because it wore out? .....I didn't think so. Why do you suppose there is not a single serious 2wd manufacturer of a performance vehicle that has an open diff with traction control other than Toyota?
You don't suppose maybe those other manufacturer's might be more interested in performance...do you? I think Toyota uses open diffs combined with traction control to compensate for anemic power output in almost every class of vehicles they sell when compred with comparably priced vehicles they compete with.
Are you trying to suggest a 2wd vehicle with an LSD and traction control is a lesser design to one that has an open diff and traction control?
Is it possible that Toyota has tried to reduce costs by eliminating LSDs and tried to compensate for the deficiencies of an open diff and lower hp motors by adding traction control and a good marketing campaign?
Ummm.. actually, yes, I do know that LSD's wear out. Depending upon use, they last between 60K and 120K. When they go out, there is no indication because they revert to a simple open differential.
And yes, an open differential is superior to an LSD. I refuse to get into another stupid war with you. This will be the last comment to you about this.
Ckiffy1 & Heatwave - thanks for both of your input!
I am a novice when it comes to understanding both open differentials, limited slip differential and their differences in 2WD applications.
Please explain to me the pros/cons for each of these systems. Also, am I correct in saying that a limited slip differential is the only one of these two that provides power to actually both rear wheels? Does the Sequoia only provide power to one wheel at a time?
There is a complete description of both of these at "Toyota 4WD Systems Explained" which is the third topic down in the SUV conference. I would suggest looking over this. Also, the web site www.howthingswork.com is a great resource.
My wife and I were down at The National Arboretum today for the Bonsai Show. It's a great place even if it is in the middle of the District. We took the Sequoia because we love it so much. We could have taken the Outback and gotten 23 mpg, but we settled for 18 mpg because of the comfort and because it always draws stares from envious GM owners. Oh what a feeling!
heatmiser: regarding you question on open vs limited slip vs traction control. There's no simple answer because it really depends on your use and the type of vehicle that are being used on.
In a vehicle with limited hp, dry roads and little need for hauling or towing, an open differential will do just fine. Most mid-size 4 and 6 cyl sedans utilize an open diff and have done so for decades with little downside.
As the surface gets slippery or the demand on the vehicle is increased, the desire to keep the engine power from overcoming the traction becomes more important. Consequently, almost all manufacturer's of hi-perf vehicles or hi-demand vehicles like trucks and suvs, replaced open diffs with limited slip diffs or at least offered them as upgrade options. In essense, the design of these differentials reduced the loss of overall torque by transferring it to the opposite side of the diff from the side where traction was being lost due to slippery conditions.
ie, a 2wd truck towing a boat up a wet ramp will always succeed better with an LSD than an open Diff (and no traction system).
Think of an LSD ensuring a minimum amount of the engine's power is going to both wheels attached to that diff under all circumstances.
Next came the development of traction control. Instead of ensuring power is delivered to both wheels, it works on the principle of ensuring that slippage doesn't occur at a specific wheel by electronically braking a wheel that is rotating faster than other wheels attached to the same system.
You will find vehicles with open diffs, with and without traction control and LSDs, with and without traction control. An open diff with traction control (such as the Sequoia), will prevent slippage while either reducing overall power if other wheels are also slipping or transfer power to other wheels if they have better traction.
And LSD system with traction control will both ensure some minimum amount of power is available to wheels attached to the LSD and the Traction control will assist in limiting the amount of slippage.
All of the high performance road vehicles will employ an LSD with traction control that can be activated or deactivated.
Petro, the oil level in the pan is lower than the oil filter, so without a drainback valve in the filter, the oil in the filter would run back into the pan.
An oil filter discussion could go on and on. There are several folks who have done informal tests on the various brands. I'm no expert on filters, but a while back someone on a chrysler forum did an informal, but thorough, oil filter test. The best filters in his test were, in no particular order: Mobil One, K&N, A/C Delco, Purolator, Motorcraft (which is made by Purolator). He trashed the Fram and some others and got slapped with some very threatening legal papers from Fram. I don't know if his results are still on the web but a web search on automotive oil filters would probably keep you reading for days.
I have been using a Purolator PureOne full size filter. I have also used a Motorcraft FL-1A because it's the same one that I use on my boat and I have a shelf full of them. My buddy, the Ford fan, got a kick when he saw a Ford filter on my Toyota! The Mobile One filters are excellent but too expensive for me.
I too prefer the manual traction control systems (a.k.a. Limited Slip or Locking Diff) over the wacky ABS/Computer Braking systems that are all the rage now. My experience is "limited" to an option code G80 Locking Diff (made by Eaton for GM) in a couple of Suburbans and my Sequoia's traction control. The Sub would just plain go when in 2 wheel mode and the road was slippery (snowy, icy, whatever). My Sequoia however, in 2WD, in the same conditions just won't go. She tries to go; the computer works hard trying to figure out what to do, there is a bunch of weird noises under the hood, I push down on the gas but the engine slows down and I don't go! Now, in 4WD, all is right with the world -- she goes like hell. In my opinion, the Sequoia in 2WD mode in inclement conditions is worthless. Toyota should offer a limited slip diff in the Sequoia, at least in the 2WD model. You can get one in the Tundra (option code LD) so why not the Sequoia???.
Cliffy; Not all limited slip differentials wear out faster than an open type. For example, a GM locking differential is a very clever bit of engineering. It operates just like a simple open diff until one wheel turns 200RPM faster than the other (i.e. slipping), then a centrifical clutch kicks in and locks both rear axles together. The result is no wear on the clutch pack in normal day to day driving.
I went to Paragon Adventure Park this past weekend. It is a hard-core off-road park once a month has an "open" weekend. There were at least 200+ off-roaders on all levels. There were no Denalis and no Sequoias there.
paisan: the trail looked pretty cool. Jab well taken. If I had any plans for off-roading combined with the others needs I use the Denali for I would have instead gotten a 2500 Yukon XL with the 455 ft lbs of torque and 340hp 8.1L monster motor with a long standing and proven 4wd drivetrain. While all the Suburban sized vehicles are "wheel based" challenged for really challenging trails, there would have been few trails it couldn't handle.
The nice thing about GM is the ability to pick the vehicle that best suits your needs with the choice of a Yukon, Yukon XL 1500, Yukon XL 2500, Yukon Denali or a Yukon XL Denali. I think that's one of the advantages of the GM line-up. Whereas, from a drivetrain and engine point of view, Toyota expects one size to fit all. Granted its a nice shoe if it fits, but if it doesn't you have no other f/s alternatives to choose from in their line-up.
Not for nothing heatwave, but the stock GMs wouldn't have survived the Paragon trails too easily. Even the burb or tahoe wouldn't really be "at home" in the rock strewn situations. Its ok though
paisan: While I am no expert, I would match the stock 4wd GM's off-road capabilities with ANY other stock vehicle with a comparable wheelbase. When it comes down to it "rock strewn situations" are more dependent on clearance and wheelbase than just about any other characteristic (other than being 4wd). Shorten the wheelbase with the same or higher clearance on just about any 4wd vehicle and you'll probably have a better vehicle for rock climbing.
It's just my view that the % of suv owner's shopping with this requirement in mind is a fraction of a fraction of the total consumer's shopping for suvs.
The GX 470 platform (Prado based) will serve as the new platform for the 4Runner due in the '03 model year.
The new 4Runner will be available with an optional V8, probably the 4.7.
A Lexus based on the Sequoia may not appear before the Sequoia comes in for a major redesign several years down the road.
The Lexus will be called the VX 540 which means it will be powered by an all new 5.4L V8 from Toyota. This will also power the next Sequoia and will be offered on the '04 Tundra. I guess one could assume Sequoia could have 5.4 in '04 as well? Can you say 300+ horsepower!!
All this courtesy of Motor Trend except my comments about the horsepower.
Sorry, but GM won't be the leader in horsepower wars anymore- the new Dodge 5.7L hemi V8 is good for 365 horsepower. Also the new Cummins diesel has 305 horsepower and 555 lb-ft of torque. Granted, they are not quite available yet. I guess it's conceivable that GM could up their horsepower accordingly.
714cut: don't be surprised if the Sequoia redesign with the more powerful 5.4L includes and "upgrade" to the drivetrain that includes a Limited Slip rear differential:) And don't be surprised if the Lexus VX540 runs you 65+ big ones.
714cut: And what suv do you suppose Dodge is going to put their "on-paper" hemi into? A Dodge Dakota....I don't think so!
Also you can get a 6.6L turbodiesel today in most of GM's HD trucks and SUVs putting out 300hp and 520 ft lbs of torque without waiting for something on paper to show up in the showroom.
that 6.6L turbo diesel is not even a GM engine! It's actually an Isuzu engine! Funny thing is that the Isuzu Duramax engines will ALSO be available in Toyota Pickups and SUVs in the '04MY on selected models. There will be 3, 4 and 5l models of the TDI engines.
I love the way you pick something the Sequoia doesn't have and make it a big deal. There had been very few mentions of a limited slip differential in 5000 posts until you brought it up. I don't think the limited slip differential will be Toyota's choice. I hardly see how a limited slip differential is superior to a very elaborate traction control system. If a traction control system wasn't an "upgrade" why is it only offered on GM's top of the line SUV's?
I just came back from the auto show and sat in a Lexus SUV and then checked out the Denali and the Escalade. There is a price difference. And it shows in the quality and feel of the interior of the truck. If you can't acknowledge the quality and reliability of Toyota, surely you can do so with the Lexus name. You should understand that value is not just a function of price, being in the Marketing field. Oh, and by the way, the Cadillac Escalade was $80000 cdn. You are hardly in a position to be talking about low prices.
The hemi is not a plan, it is a go and will be in showrooms by September. Do you think I don't know that Dodge doesn't have a full sized SUV? You have brought up GM trucks before so why would you dismiss info that applies to trucks?
Also, the Durango does currently have a 5.9L optional engine. What makes you think that the 5.7L hemi won't fit in there?
What SUV does the GM turbodiesel go into other than the $147000 cdn Hummer?
Finally, you would be letting us all know if there was some news about a new GM engine, whether it was available this second or not wouldn't you!
according to heatwave, you need the entire GM lineup just to do battle with the 2-year-old Sequoia. Wow !!! Keep it coming heatwave. You are doing a great job convincing us that we are better off with buying the GM than our Sequoia.
So now let's see all of the advantages you and GM offer to prospective SUV buyer out there over the Toyota Sequoia:
1. Bigger engine 2. Higher torque rating 3. Better AWD versus the useless 4WD in the Seq. 4. Higher payload 5. More choices 6. More standard features 7. Higher value 8. Higher tow rating 9. Higher/comparable resale value 10. ......
You are free to add to the list above....
With all of the above, how come the Sequoia is still selling briskly at the expense of Ford and GM trucks ??? Are buyers that stupid ?
Well you have me fully convinced that I am better off with the Denali or any of the GM lineup of f/s SUV trucks rather than the Sequoia, can you do me a favor ? it isn't much to ask is it ?
would you be kind enough to move on to the Isuzu board to educate them all on their poor choice of buying Isuzu's instead of buying GM ??? I am sure Mike (Paisan) would love to debate with you on your own tuff, and in the lingo you understand.
Oh, and btw, just from a layman's perspective, isn't it interesting that your Denali's mighty 345Hp only generates ca. 350 Ib ft of torque, whereas the "puny little motor" in the Sequoia's 240HP generates a comparable 320 Ib ft of torque ? So while you keep knocking the 240hp motor of the Sequoia, you conveniently forget to consider the more important power spec for any truck - TORQUE, and in this all-important performance area, the Sequoia certainly holds its own versus any of the GM lineup.
Whether you like it or not, the Sequoia is here to stay and prosper.... So I ask you: have you visited your local Toyota dealership lately ?
I understand your concerns about the Sequoia TRACS system when in the 2WD mode. Your complaints are unrelated to the open differential matched with the ABS system. The problem is that the second part of TRACS is a rev limiter. This is why your engine slows down. This "feature" is automatically turned off when you engage the 4WD mode. The 2WD only variant has a cut off switch for this.
Were 1/2way decent for the price. Kinda like Hyundai Excels. My buddy's dad bought 2 hyundai Excels in '92 they lasted 100K each and only cost $10K total. No major problems til the engines died @ 100K, not bad for the price IMHO.
There are times when I just dont feel like wearing a seat belt. I know I have to put up with laws, cops, lectures from my wife etc. but now I am about to buy a new Sequoia that also wants to torment me. The flashing light on the dash never goes off until the seat belt goes on. I asked the dealer to disable it and he said "just put a piece of tape over it". I told him I would if he would temporarily remove the glass so I could really block it. He said he would think about it. Is there some way I can turn this thing off without creating "computer problems" such as some sort of wiring between the buckle and the socket? Please hold the safety lectures, that's my wife's job.
The Sludge problem with Toyota's was on certain 4 cyl and V6's, not the V8. One theory is that the sludge was attributed to excessive heat in attempt to reduce emmissions. So for those who didn't change their oil frequently (every 3000 - 4000 miles), they may have had a problem. Yes this is a strike against Toyota, but overall one just needs to refer back to reliability section in consumer reports, facts are facts. Sorry GM.
comparing Sequoia's to JGC's is not even a stretch ! But you are right, there are so few Seq's compared to JGC on the highways. Don't know how this relates to each other tho'
using the old "they sell a lot of em so they must be good" theory. Ask the Ford Exploder Owners who have nightmare stories of being stuck with no tranny etc. how the "but everyone has one" theory of buying a car works.
I'm sure this topic has come up before, however, going back and reading all 5000 posts isn't possible so if you don't mind me asking again... How do you turn off Toyata's (crappy) VSC feature? I have a limited 4WD model and run it mostly on 2WD. Whenever I make a turn and jump a curve or do something similar, the car would wait for 5 sec or so before it would allow me to accelerate. Instead of helping you prevent accidents, this is a perfect complement to creating an accident because you can't accelerate in time... I know putting it in 4WD and turning off the VSC is a quick fix, but how do I permanently turn it off? Thanks for your help in advance...
Comments
For cleaning the leather in my vehicles, I like maguiers since it cleans, moisturizes and protects. my kids are murder on the backseat of our suv.
have decided that I will probably buy the sequoia based on what I've read in various topics. Most likely will buy it in august or sept, an '02 ltd 4x4 model, hoping to get a model change discount.
I also read somewhere that lexus is bringing out the sequoia based version of their suv in the '03 model year. maybe I read that in edmunds.
the new expedition sounds interesting if ford can truly pull off an increase in quality but I doubt I'll go that route unless there is a HUGE price difference. my '95 explorer eb has been very reliable and I tortured it in it's youth. it covered many an off-road logging trail, 2 track or gas well road in western PA. Now that I'm in texas, it doesn't see that kind of action more than 2x a year and usually in northern NM.
-mike
Can anyone give me some advice on having the trailer wiring upgraded?
Also, what brake controller would be best suited to towing a 4,000 lbs travel trailer in mountaineous terrain?
As to a Lexus version, I have not heard about any. There will be a Lexus version of the Runner called the GX470. It will have the same 4.7 engine as the Sequoia, as will the Runner.
For the record, I stated that "some" of the highest performance vehicles in the world use AWD to maintain traction above the avaliable power. There's no better way to bring more power to the "road" than delivering it through awd, however the trade-off is the weight gain of an awd system. Nevertheless you'll find those exotics and high perf cars with lots of power and torque using awd to put in on the pavement. Not all, but many.
Given the 325hp of the Denali, using awd puts more of the hp/torque to use instead of dampening it with traction control or engine limiters. For off-road purposes and slower speeds the ability to more deliberately position power is more advantageous than having it there all the time.
That's why the the most serious of off-road vehicles can actually deliver power to any combination of wheels through air lockers. Of course the system requires slower speeds but gets the job done better than any system that would be used for a hi-perf awd car. Everything in between are compromises delivering capabilities that match a user's needs and an engine's capabilities.
An AWD system with limited slip diffs will "eat-up" some of the power generated by the engine. That's why a 2wd version of an Audi using the same engine as an awd version will have better 0-60mph times than the awd version. Open diffs offer less resistance to the engine, than limited slip diffs.
Given the Sequoia's 240hp it may have been decided that the sacrifice of power would reduce performance to unacceptable levels, thereby resulting in an open diff setup meeting the performance requirements under normal circumstances without having to provide a more powerful engine. Just one theory.
Anyone spending time off-road will want the flexibility of a 4wd system offering locking differentials. Anyone spending the vast majority of their time on the road would likely benefit from an awd system over a 4wd system. Its all a matter of the user's needs and the capabilities of the motor. And its my view that 95% of 4wd suvs will never do anymore off-roading than going up a friends driveway that has yet to be paved:)
You don't suppose maybe those other manufacturer's might be more interested in performance...do you? I think Toyota uses open diffs combined with traction control to compensate for anemic power output in almost every class of vehicles they sell when compred with comparably priced vehicles they compete with.
Are you trying to suggest a 2wd vehicle with an LSD and traction control is a lesser design to one that has an open diff and traction control?
Is it possible that Toyota has tried to reduce costs by eliminating LSDs and tried to compensate for the deficiencies of an open diff and lower hp motors by adding traction control and a good marketing campaign?
And yes, an open differential is superior to an LSD. I refuse to get into another stupid war with you. This will be the last comment to you about this.
I am a novice when it comes to understanding both open differentials, limited slip differential and their differences in 2WD applications.
Please explain to me the pros/cons for each of these systems. Also, am I correct in saying that a limited slip differential is the only one of these two that provides power to actually both rear wheels? Does the Sequoia only provide power to one wheel at a time?
Thanks for your input!
heatmiser: regarding you question on open vs limited slip vs traction control. There's no simple answer because it really depends on your use and the type of vehicle that are being used on.
In a vehicle with limited hp, dry roads and little need for hauling or towing, an open differential will do just fine. Most mid-size 4 and 6 cyl sedans utilize an open diff and have done so for decades with little downside.
As the surface gets slippery or the demand on the vehicle is increased, the desire to keep the engine power from overcoming the traction becomes more important. Consequently, almost all manufacturer's of hi-perf vehicles or hi-demand vehicles like trucks and suvs, replaced open diffs with limited slip diffs or at least offered them as upgrade options. In essense, the design of these differentials reduced the loss of overall torque by transferring it to the opposite side of the diff from the side where traction was being lost due to slippery conditions.
ie, a 2wd truck towing a boat up a wet ramp will always succeed better with an LSD than an open Diff (and no traction system).
Think of an LSD ensuring a minimum amount of the engine's power is going to both wheels attached to that diff under all circumstances.
Next came the development of traction control. Instead of ensuring power is delivered to both wheels, it works on the principle of ensuring that slippage doesn't occur at a specific wheel by electronically braking a wheel that is rotating faster than other wheels attached to the same system.
You will find vehicles with open diffs, with and without traction control and LSDs, with and without traction control. An open diff with traction control (such as the Sequoia), will prevent slippage while either reducing overall power if other wheels are also slipping or transfer power to other wheels if they have better traction.
And LSD system with traction control will both ensure some minimum amount of power is available to wheels attached to the LSD and the Traction control will assist in limiting the amount of slippage.
All of the high performance road vehicles will employ an LSD with traction control that can be activated or deactivated.
An oil filter discussion could go on and on. There are several folks who have done informal tests on the various brands. I'm no expert on filters, but a while back someone on a chrysler forum did an informal, but thorough, oil filter test. The best filters in his test were, in no particular order: Mobil One, K&N, A/C Delco, Purolator, Motorcraft (which is made by Purolator). He trashed the Fram and some others and got slapped with some very threatening legal papers from Fram. I don't know if his results are still on the web but a web search on automotive oil filters would probably keep you reading for days.
I have been using a Purolator PureOne full size filter. I have also used a Motorcraft FL-1A because it's the same one that I use on my boat and I have a shelf full of them. My buddy, the Ford fan, got a kick when he saw a Ford filter on my Toyota! The Mobile One filters are excellent but too expensive for me.
Cliffy; Not all limited slip differentials wear out faster than an open type. For example, a GM locking differential is a very clever bit of engineering. It operates just like a simple open diff until one wheel turns 200RPM faster than the other (i.e. slipping), then a centrifical clutch kicks in and locks both rear axles together. The result is no wear on the clutch pack in normal day to day driving.
I went to Paragon Adventure Park this past weekend. It is a hard-core off-road park once a month has an "open" weekend. There were at least 200+ off-roaders on all levels. There were no Denalis and no Sequoias there.
TLCs were there however.
-mike
I had a tree branch scratch my clearcoat finish a couple weeks ago, and decided well, that was enough of that...guess I'll sit back and be a poseur.
-mike
The nice thing about GM is the ability to pick the vehicle that best suits your needs with the choice of a Yukon, Yukon XL 1500, Yukon XL 2500, Yukon Denali or a Yukon XL Denali. I think that's one of the advantages of the GM line-up. Whereas, from a drivetrain and engine point of view, Toyota expects one size to fit all. Granted its a nice shoe if it fits, but if it doesn't you have no other f/s alternatives to choose from in their line-up.
http://home.off-road.com/~bibelheimer/diffs/diff_info.html
Did TRD make an LSD for the Sequoia?
-mike
-mike
It's just my view that the % of suv owner's shopping with this requirement in mind is a fraction of a fraction of the total consumer's shopping for suvs.
The GX 470 platform (Prado based) will serve as the new platform for the 4Runner due in the '03 model year.
The new 4Runner will be available with an optional V8, probably the 4.7.
A Lexus based on the Sequoia may not appear before the Sequoia comes in for a major redesign several years down the road.
The Lexus will be called the VX 540 which means it will be powered by an all new 5.4L V8 from Toyota. This will also power the next Sequoia and will be offered on the '04 Tundra. I guess one could assume Sequoia could have 5.4 in '04 as well? Can you say 300+ horsepower!!
All this courtesy of Motor Trend except my comments about the horsepower.
Also you can get a 6.6L turbodiesel today in most of GM's HD trucks and SUVs putting out 300hp and 520 ft lbs of torque without waiting for something on paper to show up in the showroom.
-mike
I just came back from the auto show and sat in a Lexus SUV and then checked out the Denali and the Escalade. There is a price difference. And it shows in the quality and feel of the interior of the truck. If you can't acknowledge the quality and reliability of Toyota, surely you can do so with the Lexus name. You should understand that value is not just a function of price, being in the Marketing field. Oh, and by the way, the Cadillac Escalade was $80000 cdn. You are hardly in a position to be talking about low prices.
The hemi is not a plan, it is a go and will be in showrooms by September. Do you think I don't know that Dodge doesn't have a full sized SUV? You have brought up GM trucks before so why would you dismiss info that applies to trucks?
Also, the Durango does currently have a 5.9L optional engine. What makes you think that the 5.7L hemi won't fit in there?
What SUV does the GM turbodiesel go into other than the $147000 cdn Hummer?
Finally, you would be letting us all know if there was some news about a new GM engine, whether it was available this second or not wouldn't you!
So now let's see all of the advantages you and GM offer to prospective SUV buyer out there over the Toyota Sequoia:
1. Bigger engine
2. Higher torque rating
3. Better AWD versus the useless 4WD in the Seq.
4. Higher payload
5. More choices
6. More standard features
7. Higher value
8. Higher tow rating
9. Higher/comparable resale value
10. ......
You are free to add to the list above....
With all of the above, how come the Sequoia is still selling briskly at the expense of Ford and GM trucks ??? Are buyers that stupid ?
Well you have me fully convinced that I am better off with the Denali or any of the GM lineup of f/s SUV trucks rather than the Sequoia, can you do me a favor ? it isn't much to ask is it ?
would you be kind enough to move on to the Isuzu board to educate them all on their poor choice of buying Isuzu's instead of buying GM ??? I am sure Mike (Paisan) would love to debate with you on your own tuff, and in the lingo you understand.
Oh, and btw, just from a layman's perspective, isn't it interesting that your Denali's mighty 345Hp only generates ca. 350 Ib ft of torque, whereas the "puny little motor" in the Sequoia's 240HP generates a comparable 320 Ib ft of torque ? So while you keep knocking the 240hp motor of the Sequoia, you conveniently forget to consider the more important power spec for any truck - TORQUE, and in this all-important performance area, the Sequoia certainly holds its own versus any of the GM lineup.
Whether you like it or not, the Sequoia is here to stay and prosper.... So I ask you: have you visited your local Toyota dealership lately ?
Finally, if it has clutches, they will wear out.
-mike
By the way, the noise doesn't come from the transmission, unlike Jeeps.
-mike
still scratching my head for this one...
-mike
want to guess who else uses this "theory" around here and on edmunds in general ???
your guess is as good as mine
lol !
-mike