2012 Toyota Sequoia SR5 5.7L V8 SUV

Like the giant redwood that is its namesake, the 2012 Toyota Sequoia is big, impressive and hard to ignore. What's really surprising, however, is just how refined this full-size truck-based SUV can be. Inside, the Sequoia offers a huge, well-equipped cabin with comfortable seating for eight passengers (or seven with the available second-row captain's chairs). Equally noteworthy is the Sequoia's ride quality, which, thanks to its independent rear suspension, is markedly better than a number of other big SUVs. This is especially true of the Sequoia's top-of-the-line Platinum models fitted with the three-mode "adaptive" suspension.
Of course, few buy a full-size SUV primarily for comfort. The Sequoia has the hard-working angle covered, too, with an available 381-horsepower 5.7-liter V8 engine that delivers strong acceleration and a 7,400-pound towing capacity. An available four-wheel-drive system with a low-range transfer case and a healthy 10 inches of ground clearance also makes this beast reasonably capable off-road. An enormous cargo bay with second- and third-row seats that fold to create a flat load floor adds yet more practicality.
Truth be told, most buyers would likely be better served by one of the impressive large car-based crossover SUVs that are easier to drive, boast stronger fuel economy and offer similar interior accommodations. These include the Chevrolet Traverse (or its Buick Enclave and GMC Arcadia siblings), Ford Flex and Honda Pilot. However, should you need the added utility and capability that only a big, truck-based SUV can provide, then the 2012 Toyota Sequoia is in many ways the top choice when stacked up against competitors like the Chevy Tahoe and Ford Expedition.

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Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2012 Toyota Sequoia is a full-size SUV with seating for seven or eight passengers, depending on the model or options selected. There are three trim levels -- SR5, Limited and Platinum -- all of which are offered with a choice of rear- or four-wheel drive.
The SR5 base model comes standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, foglights, heated mirrors, a roof rack, running boards, privacy glass, a towing package, a sunroof, keyless entry, a power vertically sliding rear window, cruise control, tri-zone automatic climate control, power front seats (eight-way driver, four-way passenger), a 40/20/40 sliding and reclining second-row bench seat, 60/40-split reclining and fold-flat third-row bench, cloth upholstery, cruise control, a leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, and an eight-speaker sound system with a CD player, satellite radio, an auxiliary audio jack and an iPod/USB audio interface.
The Limited adds 20-inch alloy wheels, power-folding and auto-dimming mirrors, front and rear parking sensors, a power liftgate, leather upholstery, driver seat adjustable lumbar, a power reclining and folding third-row seat, upgraded gauges, a rearview camera, rear side window sunshades (second and third rows) and a premium 14-speaker JBL sound system with a six-CD changer. Available options on Limited models include second-row captain's chairs, a rear-seat entertainment system and a navigation system with a touchscreen interface, real-time traffic info and a four-CD changer that swaps out the six-disc.
Those options are included on the top-of-the-line Sequoia Platinum, which also adds 20-inch chrome-clad alloy wheels, load-leveling rear air springs, adaptive shock absorbers, adaptive cruise control, perforated leather upholstery, heated and cooled front seats, a 10-way power driver seat (adds thigh adjustment), driver memory functions, a power-adjustable steering wheel, heated second-row captain's chairs and a four-CD changer.
There are only two options for SR5 models, including a Sport Appearance package that bundles 20-inch chrome-clad alloy wheels, a body-color grille surround and second-row captain's chairs. Its Premium package includes many of the Limited model's extra standard features.

Powertrains and Performance

The 2012 Toyota Sequoia is offered with one of two V8 engines. Both are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard rear-wheel drive. The optional four-wheel drive features a two-speed transfer case with electronic shifting and push-button locking.
Base SR5 models get a 4.6-liter V8 that makes 310 hp and 327 pound-feet of torque as standard equipment. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 14 mpg city/20 mpg highway and 16 mpg combined with rear-wheel drive and 13/18/15 with four-wheel drive.
The Limited and Platinum models come with a 5.7-liter V8 (optional on the SR5) that produces 381 hp and 401 lb-ft of torque. In Edmunds performance testing, a Sequoia with this engine went from zero to 60 mph in a quick 6.7 seconds. EPA fuel economy is 13/18/15 with rear-drive and 13/17/14 with four-wheel drive. Properly equipped, a 5.7-liter two-wheel-drive Sequoia can tow up to 7,400 pounds.

Safety

Standard safety equipment for all 2012 Toyota Sequoias includes antilock disc brakes, stability control, traction control, trailer sway control, front-seat side-impact airbags, front knee airbags and three-row side curtain airbags. Front and rear parking sensors and a back-up camera are standard on Limited and Platinum trim levels. A blind spot warning system is standard on the Platinum version.
In Edmunds brake testing, the Toyota Sequoia required 127 feet to come to a stop from 60 mph, which is a short distance for SUVs in this class.

Interior Design and Special Features

The Sequoia's passenger cabin offers abundant room for passengers, cargo or a combination of the two. Whether you opt for the eight- or seven-passenger variations, you'll find a more comfortable and versatile cabin than its rivals. The second-row seats in particular not only recline, but slide fore and aft for extra legroom -- a rare feature among full-sized SUVs. The center section of the 40/20/40-split second-row bench also slides forward to put little ones within easy reach of mom and dad. Controls are generally easy to use, but those for the audio system require a long reach for the driver.
The Sequoia's interior is well set up for carrying stuff, with 66.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second-row seats and a healthy 18.9 cubic feet behind the third row. While the popular Chevy Tahoe requires you to remove and stow its heavy third-row seats in order to maximize cargo space, the Sequoia's independent rear suspension allows its 60/40-split third-row seats to quickly fold down into the floor to create a vast 121 cubic feet of cargo space with all the rear seats folded. In the Limited and Platinum models, they fold with the touch of a button.

Driving Impressions

Like an all-star NBA center, the 2012 Toyota Sequoia moves pretty well for a vehicle its size. The 5.7-liter V8's abundance of low-end torque makes passing maneuvers effortless, and the six-speed automatic is always on point with gear selection, even when towing. Even the entry-level SR5 model's smaller 4.6-liter V8 is no slouch, particularly if you won't be maxing out your SUV's payload and towing capacities on a regular basis.
The Sequoia's ride quality ranges from very good to positively cushy on the Platinum model fitted with its standard adaptive suspension set to the "Comfort" mode. Handling is about what you'd expect from a vehicle this size (cumbersome) and the numb steering only increases the sense of heft. With 10 inches of ground clearance, four-wheel-drive models have some off-road potential, though the vehicle's sheer size makes it better suited to rutted fire roads than gnarly trails.

2013 Toyota Camry SE Sedan

After saddling the last generation of its best-selling sedan with a disappointing interior and dull personality, Toyota got with it and redesigned the Camry last year. The newest Camry continues the model's long-standing record of reliability and low running costs and adds an improved interior, more expressive styling and, especially in SE trim, livelier driving. The 2013 Toyota Camry gets further polish with a few more standard features and upgraded interior materials.
As before, the Camry powertrain lineup deserves kudos for its combination of peppy performance and admirable fuel economy. Even the four-cylinder engine provides pleasing acceleration, while the potent V6 manages an impressive 25 mpg in combined driving. Those seeking a fuel sipper can choose the Camry Hybrid, covered in a separate review. Although the Camry offers respectable handling and a comfortable ride, the driving experience still feels rather disconnected and numb. The SE trim provides sharper, more involved handling that doesn't exactly transform the Camry into a sport sedan, but offers more appeal to those who enjoy driving.
Naturally, there are other appealing midsize sedans out this year. The 2013 Honda Accord and 2013 Nissan Altima continue to offer slightly sportier personalities to enhance their practicality. The 2013 Hyundai Sonata offers comparable refinement and stellar value. The new Ford Fusion is another favorite of ours thanks to well-rounded performance and sharp styling. We think most people will be very pleased with a 2013 Toyota Camry purchase, but with so many great choices, we suggest planning a weekend's worth of test-drives.

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Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2013 Toyota Camry is offered in L, LE, SE and XLE trim levels. The L features 16-inch steel wheels, air-conditioning, power windows and mirrors, cruise control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, split-folding rear seats, a trip computer, Bluetooth, a 6-inch display and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player, HD radio, satellite radio, an auxiliary input and a USB/iPod interface.
The Camry LE adds automatic headlamps, power door locks with remote keyless entry, audio controls on the steering wheel and an outside temperature display.
The SE includes a sport-tuned suspension, 17-inch alloy wheels, foglamps, heated exterior mirrors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, sport seats and unique interior and exterior styling treatments. SE V6 models get 18-inch wheels, keyless ignition/entry, a navigation system, voice recognition and the Entune smartphone and Web integration system.
The luxurious XLE reverts to the LE's softer suspension settings and adds heated exterior mirrors, foglamps, a sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, an eight-way power driver seat and the Entune system. XLE V6 models add a rearview camera, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather upholstery, a power front passenger seat and heated front seats.
Some of the extra features found on the higher trims can be added as options to the lower trim levels, though availability can vary depending on which region of the country you live in. A premium 10-speaker JBL audio system is optional for the SE and XLE. On the XLE V6, Toyota also offers a hard-drive-based navigation system with a larger central display.

Powertrains and Performance

Every 2013 Toyota Camry features front-wheel drive, a six-speed automatic transmission and two engine choices.
Base Camrys are powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 178 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque. In Edmunds performance testing, a Camry LE with this engine accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 8.4 seconds, about average for a four-cylinder midsize sedan. With EPA-estimated fuel economy of 25 mpg city/35 highway and 28 combined, the four-cylinder Camry is among the class leaders.
Optional is a 3.5-liter V6 that generates 268 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque, which helps the Camry V6 reach 60 mph in 6.6 seconds, average for upgrade engines in this class. Fuel economy is an impressive 21/31/25.

Safety

The 2013 Toyota Camry comes with a battery of standard safety features, including antilock brakes, stability control, front- and rear-seat side airbags, side curtain airbags and knee airbags for both driver and passenger. A blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert is also available.
In Edmunds braking tests, a Camry LE stopped from 60 mph in 129 feet, a bit longer than average for the segment. An SE V6, with stickier tires, performed the same test in 119 feet, which is better than average.
In government crash testing, the Camry received a top five-star score for overall crash protection, with four stars for overall frontal protection and five stars for overall side protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Camry the best possible rating of "Good" in the frontal-offset, side and roof strength tests. It scored a "Poor" (the worst rating) in that agency's new, "small overlap" frontal impact crash test, but only a handful of cars have been subjected to it, and most have earned a similar score.

Interior Design and Special Features

The interior of the 2013 Camry feels roomy and its thin front pillars provide good outward visibility. What the cabin design lacks in cohesiveness, it makes up for with generally good materials quality, especially the handsome stitching on the dash and door panels of upper trims. The spacious rear seat is complemented by a nicely reclined seatback angle that helps the Camry match the Honda Accord for the most comfortable backseat in the class.
The Camry's upgraded audio system also includes Entune, a suite of smartphone-connected services that includes features like the Bing search engine, Pandora streaming radio, real-time traffic, sports and stock information, and the ability to reserve movie tickets or a table at a restaurant on the go. The touchscreen interface and accompanying steering wheel controls are usually pretty easy to use, but sometimes the virtual buttons' unwillingness to respond is frustrating.
At 15.4 cubic feet, the Camry's trunk capacity is about average, although the 60/40-split rear seat folds down to yield more cargo space when necessary.

Driving Impressions

Both four-cylinder and V6 engines generate ample power for their sizes, and that power is delivered in a smooth, quiet fashion. Gearchanges are likewise unobtrusive, and for a car that earns such high fuel economy numbers, the transmission surprises with quick downshifts when additional power is needed. On the highway, the 2013 Toyota Camry is comfortable and an excellent long-distance companion.
The electric-assisted steering feels pretty good in the V6 and SE versions. But non-SE four-cylinder versions are vague and somewhat lifeless in comparison. Most drivers will probably be fine with the way the Camry drives, but we still recommend the SE. It's not exactly sporty, but does feel more in line with the handling and responsiveness of its best rivals.