Toyota's Sequoia adds Entune® to 2014 models

• Full-size, full-capability SUV with seating for up to eight
• New standard Entune® Audio
• Standard 381-hp V8 and four-wheel independent suspension
• Up to 7,400 lbs. tow capacity

After debuting a Toyota first factory-installed Blu-Ray®rear seat entertainment system for 2013, the family-friendly Toyota Sequoia steps up multimedia for 2014 with new Entune® Audio. With seating for up to eight, this full-size, full-capability sport-utility vehicle (SUV) is available in SR5, Limited and Platinum grades, with a 381-hp 5.7-liter V8 standard for all models and up to 7,400 lbs. towing capacity.
       
The Sequoia offers roomy seating for up to eight in three rows. For 2014, the Sequoia SR5 grade adds the new Entune Audio Plus system, while the Limited gets Entune Premium Audio and the Platinum grade has Entune Premium JBL® Audio. The latter is an option for the Limited.
       
Entune Audio leverages the user’s mobile smartphone to provide a richer in-vehicle experience with fully integrated access to navigation, entertainment and information services. Entune features engaging mobile apps, including Bing™, iHeartRadio, MovieTickets.com, OpenTable®, Pandora®, Yelp, and Facebook Places, plus real-time traffic, weather, fuel prices, sports and stocks.

Performance
Toyota builds the Sequoia on an exclusive body-on-frame platform that features four-wheel independent suspension to help provide exemplary ride quality, handling and straight-line control. The Sequoia model line offers the choice of 2WD and 4WD. In select areas, Sequoia 4x4 models feature E85 Flex Fuel capability.

       
The standard iForce DOHC 5.7-liter V8 comes teamed to a six-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission. The 5.7-liter engine produces 381 hp at 5,600 RPM and 401 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,600 RPM. Dual independent Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) and an Acoustic Control Induction System (ACIS) ensure ample torque across the engine speed range. The ACIS system switches the intake tract length in two stages, based on engine RPM and throttle angle. Underscoring traditional Toyota value, the Sequoia uses regular-grade fuel.
       
Compliant with the SAE J2807 towing standard, the powerful V8 enables the Sequoia to tow up to 7,400 lbs., depending on model grade and equipment. Producing 90 percent of its peak torque at just 2,200 rpm, the 5.7-liter V8 makes an outstanding towing partner. Other features reinforce the Sequoia’s towing capability, including a towing hitch integrated into the frame as a single unit and a selectable Tow/Haul mode that modifies transmission shift points for optimal performance. The Trailer Sway Control system uses the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) to help counteract handling forces acting on the SUV in an effort to minimize the impact of trailer sway.
       
Toyota’s flexible torque converter lock-up control enhances the six-speed automatic transmission’s efficiency, with lock-up occurring in fourth, fifth and sixth gears. The available Multi-Mode four-wheel-drive system uses a two-speed transfer case with a lockable TORSEN® limited-slip center differential to power the front and rear wheels. The transfer case is shifted electronically via a rotary knob, and it locks with the push of a button.

Handling and Ride
The four-wheel independent suspension uses upper and lower A-arms and coil springs at each wheel. The Sequoia Platinum model is equipped with Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), which adjusts damper response with settings for Comfort, Normal and Sport. The Platinum grade’s Electronically Modulated Air Suspension also augments the Sequoia's ability to tow and haul heavy loads while maintaining an appropriate ride height and chassis attitude. The SR5’s standard 18-inch aluminum wheels have 275/65 R18 tires; 20-inch aluminum wheels with 275/55 R20 tires are standard for the Limited and Platinum grades, with the wheels on the Platinum featuring a diamond-cut finish.

       
The Sequoia’s 38-foot turning circle is one of the tightest in the class. Sequoia uses 13.9-inch ventilated front disc brakes and 13.6-inch ventilated rear disc brakes. Four opposed pistons – two per side – ensure optimal braking performance and fade resistance.

Safety
Like all Toyota models, the 2014 Sequoia is equipped with Toyota's STAR Safety System™, which includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Traction Control (TRAC) and Smart Stop Technology (SST). On 4WD models, TRAC is replaced by A-TRAC (Active-Traction Control).
         
The 2014 Sequoia is equipped with a dual stage advanced front air bag system, seat-mounted side airbags for the driver and front passenger, roll-sensing side curtain airbags for all three seating rows, plus driver and front passenger knee airbags.

Comfort and Convenience
The SR5 grade comes ready to work and play hard with a standard towing package, an eight-way power driver’s seat, fog lamps, running boards, power tilt/slide moonroof, a roof rack and rear spoiler, and a leather-trimmed steering wheel with audio and climate controls.

The Sequoia SR5 is undoubtedly one of the best-equipped vehicles in its class, featuring standard eight-passenger seating; tilt/telescoping steering wheel; engine immobilizer with alarm; direct tire pressure monitoring system; automatic tri-zone air conditioning; illuminated entry system; power windows, locks and sliding back window; keyless entry; rear wiper and defogger; cruise control, and mud guards.

       
Standard audio on the SR5 includes the Entune Audio Plus system with a high resolution 6.1-inch touch-screen display, AM/FM CD player with MP3/WMA playback capability, eight speakers, SiriusXM Radio (includes a 90-day trial subscription to XM Select Package), auxiliary audio jack, USB port with iPod® connectivity, hands-free phone capability and music streaming via Bluetooth® wireless technology. Entune App Suite expands music choices with Internet radio, including iHeartRadio and Pandora.
       
The Sequoia Limited adds functionality with front and rear parking sonar; power rear liftgate with a sliding window; power folding and reclining 60:40 split third-row seat, and 20-inch alloy wheels. Luxury takes a big step up with a standard power tilt/slide moonroof; heated front leather-trimmed seats, second- and third-row retractable sunshades and a eather-trimmed tilt/telescopic steering wheel with audio, climate, and Bluetooth® hands-free phone controls.
       
The Limited grade also features standard 10-way adjustable power driver’s seat; a leather-trimmed steering wheel and gear shift knob; Optitron gauges; and a multi-information display. A standard-equipped auto-dimming electrochromic rear-view mirror integrates a compass and a map lamp, plus a 3.3-inch monitor in the rear-view mirror for the backup camera (when not equipped with a navigation system).
       
The Sequoia Limited grade’s Entune Premium Audio system combines an AM/FM 6-disc CD changer with MP3/WMA playback capability, 14 speakers including subwoofer, SiriusXM Radio (includes three-month trial subscription to XM Select Package), auxiliary audio jack, USB port with iPod® connectivity, hands-free phone capability and music streaming via Bluetooth®wireless technology.
     
At the top of the Sequoia line, the Platinum grade comes with standard Dynamic Laser Cruise Control, which can help maintain a set distance from vehicles ahead. A standard rear seat Blue-Ray entertainment system combines a nine-inch LCD screen with a separate rear seat audio system, including dual wireless headphones.
       

Additional standard features exclusive to the Sequoia Platinum grade include a 12-way adjustable power driver’s seat and simulated wood-trim; 20-inch diamond cut-finish alloy wheels; rear load-leveling air suspension; power seat memory package; second-row heated seats, and steering wheel with simulated wood trim.
       
The Platinum grade also features a voice-activated touch-screen DVD with integrated backup camera display, Entune Premium JBL Audio with Navigation and App Suite AM/FM 4-disc CD changer with MP3/WMA playback capability, 14 speakers including subwoofer, SiriusXM™ Radio with NavTraffic™ (includes three-month trial subscription to XM Select Package and NavTraffic™), auxiliary audio jack, USB port with iPod® connectivity, hands-free phone capability and music streaming via Bluetooth®wireless technology. Entune services are subscription free.

Options      
With its extensive list of standard features, the 2014 Sequoia offers just a small menu of factory options. The SR5 grade offers a Sport Appearance Package that includes second-row captain seats, 20-inch super chrome alloy wheels, color-keyed grille, and black seat fabric. Exterior colors for the Sport Appearance Package are limited to black, white and silver.
       
A Premium Package available on SR5 models includes a leather-trimmed and heated 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat; four-way power-adjustable front passenger seat; a leather-trimmed 40/20/40 split sliding, reclining, fold-flat second-row seat with one-touch access to the third-row seat; a leather-trimmed 60/40 split, power reclining, fold-flat third-row seat; and an auto-dimming rearview mirror with an integrated backup camera monitor, compass, map lights and HomeLink® universal transceiver.

The Limited offers a DVD navigation system with a backup camera, with another package including a Rear Seat Entertainment System with Blu-Ray player, rear audio controls, 115V outlet and the Entune Premium JBL Audio with Navigation and App Suite. That package can be specified with captain seats to replace the standard second row bench seat at no additional charge.

Exterior Design
The Sequoia’s 0.36 drag coefficient (Cd) is comparable to some smaller crossover-type vehicles. The vehicle's mirrors, wipers, A-pillars and roof header are shaped to help maximize aerodynamic efficiency and minimize wind noise. Vehicle underside airflow is optimized to reduce drag and wind noise and to help improve directional control.

     
 
Headlamp washers are standard on all Sequoia grades for improved visibility. On the Limited grade, the large side-view mirrors feature power retraction, automatic glare-resistance, and turn-signal lamps. In addition to these features, the Platinum grade mirrors also include puddle lamps, position memory and reverse-linked tilt functions.
       
The wide rear door-opening angle provides easy passenger ingress/egress and child seat installation. Standard front and rear parking sonar sensors on the Limited and Platinum models emit an audible warning to alert the driver of the position of solid objects and their distance from the vehicle.

Interior Design
The Sequoia dash features a finish similar to that in fine luxury cars. Each of Sequoia's eight seating positions provides space sufficient to comfortably accommodate people well above normal height. The same efficient packaging that allows exceptional interior comfort also allows carrying items up to 11 feet long. Folding the second- and third-row seats flat opens the cargo area to 120.1 cubic feet of carrying capacity.
     
The second-row bench-type seat is split 40:20:40 and is equipped with a seat-slide mechanism that offers an adjustment range of 5.9 inches. This seat can also be folded flat and uses a one-touch easy-slide action to allow passenger access to the third-row seat. Second-row captain seats are available for a seven-seat cabin.
       
The third-row seat is split 60:40, has a seatback reclining mechanism and can be easily folded flat. A power tilting and folding mechanism is available. The rear liftgate sliding glass can be opened and closed for easy loading with the turn of a key. The cargo area is equipped with handy hooks for grocery bags. Sequoia provides 16 extra-large cup/bottle holders (18 on the Platinum grade), as well as convenient storage spaces.
       
All three grades offer two interior color choices of Graphite and Sand Beige. A Red Rock interior is also available on the Platinum grade, and the SR5 Sport Appearance Package uses an exclusive black interior.

Limited Warranty
Toyota’s 36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover powertrain for 60,000 miles and corrosion with no mileage limitation. Toyota dealers have complete details on the limited warranty. The Sequoia will also come standard with Toyota Care, a complimentary plan covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance and 24-hour roadside assistance for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first.