Would you buy a Sequoia if it were made in Japan?

[serpico6969]

Hey gents,

I posted a while back about some advice on a 2020 army green forerunner. I still have my heart set on one and probably will end up getting it.

But it got me thinking, if the Sequoia was made in Japan would any of you have considered it or even purchased it instead of the forerunner?

We all know that 2020 4Runner is going to come in at about 50 grand with tax and other fees you’re looking at 54 grand out the door.

For a few thousand dollars more one could get a Sequoia I would imagine. And yes I realize they are two different cars, much different in size gas mileage capacity etc.

I need an SUV that’s going to last 10+ years and go to hundred thousand miles. Well the Sequoia do that?

Is there really that much difference between a Toyota being built in Indiana and one being built in Japan?

I bleed red white and blue but let’s all be honest we can’t make cars here in the greatest country in the world.

Anyway I just wanted to throw it out there and get your thoughts and opinions.

I need an SUV that’s going to last 10+ years and go to hundred thousand miles. Will the Sequoia do that?

Anyway I just wanted to throw it out there and get your thoughts and opinions.

Thanks

 

[4RunnerAquasport]

Well, there are those that believe the Japanese built 2UZ-FE that came in the 4Runners, the Lexus SUVs, and the Land Cruisers are of better quality as you've probably read.

This was initially brought on by the Forced Induction that some folks were putting on the Tundras and rod failures soon followed.
Hence the speculation...Over Boosting? Poor Rods from the domestic foundrys? Better quality from Japan?

The Tundra does have 2 records of Million mile (hwy mileage) 4.7s I believe, so they are reliable in stock trim with no FI. With Fuel prices going up you can pick up older low mileage Sequoias pretty cheap these days. You might want to look into that.

 

[Greybeardviking]

So I see where you are completely coming from here. the Sequoia is bigger in every way compared to the 4Runner. I bought my 2017 SR5 back in Feb and almost right afterwards I saw that Toyota announced the TRD Sequoia. I needed a new car right then and there and couldnt wait around but even if I could wait around would I have spent the extra to get the Sequioa? Probably not. I like the fact that the 4Runner has a smaller foot print.

Im 6'1" and 235lbs and I sit comfortably in my 4Runner and before that I have always driven full size GM trucks or SUV (Silverado/Sierra/Tahoe). For now the 4Runner fits my needs but its also just my wife and I, plus our two working dogs. We both have kids that dont live with us full time, otherwise the full size SUV would have been a better choice.

 

[euser]

Are you asking if it would be more or less appealing coming from Japan? 4Runners are also made in Japan.

 

[Oregon1]

I came from a Tundra (same footprint as the Sequoia) to a 4R specifically because the Tundra was too large for where I needed to go. I did love the V8 but that engine had a history of cam tower leaks that randomly pop up. Mine was starting to weep at the seal so that helped move it along.

 

[2012sr5]

Having owned a Suburban (got 260k out of the original drivetrain by the way), I briefly considered a Sequoia.

Man, the Sequoia looks like a space shuttle with no wings. It's looks HUGE, and yet if the third row is in use, it hardly has any cargo space at all. At least with our Suburban, we had a good 3 1/2 feet of length from the liftgate to the back of the 3rd row. The Sequoia more directly compares to a Tahoe (which also has nearly-worthless cargo space if the 3rd row is in use).

Even if it were made in Japan, I wouldn't buy a Sequoia because of how massive and heavy it is without the usable space of my old Suburban.

 

[flyrv9]

We have a 2000 Tundra TRD with the 4.7 and about 150K miles and a 2013 4runner SR5. The Tundra is big but it looks smaller than the Sequoia because of the open bed. No issues with the 4.7 other than having to replace 2 coil packs and 2 oxygen sensors. Also replaced timing belt and water pump at 90K as suggested. Still runs strong.

 

[4FL]

No, would not buy, the 4runner is the perfect size for me.

 

[wcjeep]

Where I go and what I do the 4runner is a great fit. The Sequioa is too big. Have a pickup truck for big things. I could rent something if necessary. Nothing against the Sequioa. Just does not fit my needs.

 

[borfoo3]

IMO the US built trucks do not have the same 'solidly built' feel as Japanese trucks.

We have a 2WD Sequoia delivery truck with ~250k km (all on road) on the odometer. Runs well, but feels like it's falling apart with squeaks and rattles.

In comparison, our family's Land cruiser 200, ~180k km (with minor off-roading in winters), still feels like it's milled from a single block of metal

Both full size Toyota SUVs, yet very different driving impression

 

[Xetabur]

Nope. The Sequoia is hideous. First gens looked ok but the new ones are terrible.

Why anyone would buy one of those over a Land Cruiser is beyond me (yes I know the LC is more expensive).

 

[ProfessorP]

I owned Tundras for years and generally prefer trucks over SUVs. The 18 months of Ford F-150 ownership prior to my new ‘19 T4R was a huge mistake! This time around I was looking for something smaller and off road capable. The Tacoma is too cramped inside. No driver seat height adjustment and the rear legroom is tight. My only choice was the 4Runner (which is good because I’ve always loved them). If I ever thought about going to a Sequoia, I would just go back to owning a Tundra.

I’ve only owned the 4Runner for a short time, but so far it doesn’t feel any different than my 2006 or 2009 Tundras. They were both very reliable and very well put together. If the 4Runner ends up being more reliable than the USA made “Japanese trucks” I’ve owned then I’ll be a VERY satisfied customer.

 

[War Eagle]

I read an article that said the Sequoia was trash. I speculate that it’s made from trash too. Japan has less trash, so that’s probably a good thing.

 

[fourwd1]

Moving from 5th Gen to General Disscussion.


OP, it's 4Runner, not forerunner.

 

[KarrotJuice]

Nope. I'd get a Land Cruiser. Really diggin the new Heritage Edition.

(And yes, it's more expensive with a limited run)

 

[sn_85]

Nope. The Sequoia is hideous. First gens looked ok but the new ones are terrible.

Why anyone would buy one of those over a Land Cruiser is beyond me (yes I know the LC is more expensive).

To that point I'd buy a used LC over a brand new Sequoia any day of the week

 

[mscot]

why do you think cost of a pro will go up by 4k+?

and no, i woulldnt get a sequoia its not what i wanted and theres no way it would fit in our garage. thats one of the main reasons i didn't buy a lightly used LC

 

[nevada]

Nope. The Sequoia is hideous. First gens looked ok but the new ones are terrible.

Why anyone would buy one of those over a Land Cruiser is beyond me (yes I know the LC is more expensive).

I would only consider a 1st gen. its just the right size. everything after that one are far too large.

 

[Muzzle of Bees]

No, it's way too big.

 

[Bumbo]

There are other large SUVs that I would consider before buying a Sequoia… The Suburban is one of them. I rented a premium trim model recently and it was a blast to drive.

That said, I have never actually had any temptation to get a Sequoia when the Land Cruiser is an option. The natural progression for upgrade from the 4Runner will be the LC for how I use the SUV, and what I want to do with it.