2010 Toyota Sequoia Platinum 4X2

Pros

Looks, performance, reliability

Cons

Gauges, ride comfort, nav

Purchased As New

Appearance: Has a very aggressive stance and looks better than most full-size SUV's on the road. Make sure you have the front sonar though, as that stylish front snout makes it hard to see position front-right.
Comfort: I have taken this truck from NC to Las Vegas and back. The kids were happy, as it does not 'float' as the older Suburbans did, and they did not get seasick. However, I do not care for the firm and busy ride. Even on the comfort suspension setting there is too much going on. The seats don't help out either, as they are not cushy enough to balance the equation. If they seat heaters worked as well as the Sub, then a little heat therapy might make the the trip tolerable, but alas, they simply get the seats tepid. Prepare for sore hips on long trips.
Performance: This is what you are paying 55k for, an amazing engine and brakes. Gets to speed in an incredible hurry, and the brakes get you back in no time. Vastly superior to the Sub in this department. However, the one lackluster performance area is in the front controls department. the Nav system is not intuitive at all. I am a gadget freak and pride myself on never needing a manual for most things, but this gps was not the case. The Suburban (we have an 09) is superior in this area, as it takes 60 sec to master. The FATAL FLAW in the controls though has to be the placement of the gas gauge. It is impossible to see, as the steering wheel obstructs the view. When you get low on gas, it lets out a solitary tone that you will not hear if the radio is on. I have gotten stranded on I-95 already as result, with many more close calls than I care to mention. This has become a real hate-it issue for me as it creates a driving stress now that need not be. On the Sub, when you get low, the gps alarms you and asks you if you want to be directed to nearest gas station. Flawless.
A few random thoughts: 1) Unlike the Sub, the traction control is default off. You have to remember to turn it on if it's raining. 2) The interior plastic is chintzy looking for the cost and scratches way too easily. 3) The rear execution is excellent, with great rear legroom and super third-row fold-flat capability. 4) Stereo is above average on the Platinum package, and the mp3 jack an awesome plus. 500 dollars to setup XM is simply ridiculous though.
Value: Fair. You are paying for a reliable high-tech engine and brakes, wrapped in a stylish frame.
Reliability: Except for the gas issue making it unreliable in a a sense, the truck has performed perfectly.
All in all, I would not buy this vehicle again. I like many elements of it, but several things have become glaringly annoying like the gas stress, the bumpy ride and the mediocre heated seats (the Subs are like heating pads and are awesome on long rides). But hey, it sure looks nice!!!...read morehide