2012 Toyota Sequoia has power in tow

There's also a 381-horsepower 5.7-liter 8-cylinder engine that is an option on the SR5 and standard on the better-equipped Limited and Platinum models, as if this bad boy wasn't enough to make your spine tingle.

Peak torque for the smaller engine is 327 lb.-ft. at 3400 rpm. The heartier engine pushes out 401 lb.-ft. of torque at 3600 rpm.

The name of the game right now in the car business is "safety first," and the 2012 Toyota Sequoia (pictured), which starts at around $41,000, adds that with the addition of Trailer Sway Control. And a new Blind Spot Monitor available on the Sequoia Platinum grade warns drivers of cars and trucks that pace drivers in their blind spots.

The 2012 Toyota Sequoia, which is assembled in the Midwest in Princeton, Ind., is available in SR5, Limited and Platinum models with a choice of 2WD and 4WD. Some Sequoia 4x4 5.7-liter models offer E85 Flex Fuel capability.

This SUV uses body-on-frame construction and 4-wheel independent suspension to deliver great ride quality, handling and straight-line control.

The engine is mated to a 6-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission.

Critical to customers who tow, the 5.7-liter V8 produces 90% of its peak torque at 2200 rpm. A Tow / Haul mode modifies transmission shift points for optimal performance. The new-for-2012 Trailer Sway Control system, which is also featured on the Toyota Tundra, a full-size pickup truck assembled in Texas, uses Vehicle Stability Control to limit trailer sway. The Sequoia's towing hitch is integrated into the frame as one unit.

A 38-foot turning circle is one of the tightest in the Sequoia's class.

The SR5’s standard tires are 18 inches. Higher grades have 20-inch tires.

The Sequoia uses 13.9-inch ventilated front disc brakes and 13.6-inch ventilated rear disc brakes, according to Toyota's specifications sheet. Four opposed pistons – two per side – assure optimal braking performance and fade resistance, the Japanese carmaker contends.

The 2012 Toyota Sequoia has standard equipment that includes Vehicle Stability Control, ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution and Brake Assist and traction control. It has 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, and driver and front-passenger knee airbags.

The SR5 grade features A LOT of standard equipment, including 8-passenger seating, a tilt / telescoping steering wheel, an engine immobilizer with alarm, direct tire pressure monitoring system; automatic tri-zone air conditioning, an 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 is an AM / FM / mp3 / CD with eight speakers, integrated SiriusXM and an auxiliary audio jack / USB port.

The SR5 also has an 8-way power driver’s seat, fog lamps, running boards, a power tilt / slide moonroof, a roof rack and rear spoiler and a leather-trimmed steering wheel with audio and climate controls.

The Sequoia Limited adds front and rear parking sonar, a power rear liftgate with a sliding window, power folding and a reclining 60:40 split third-row seat. 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 steering wheel that integrates controls for the air conditioning system and Bluetooth-capable phones.

The Limited also has as standard a 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. There also is a JBL Synthesis AM / FM 6-disc CD changer system with 14 speakers, SiriusXM, Bluetooth and an auxiliary audio jack / USB port.

The high-grade Platinum model has standard Dynamic Laser Cruise Control, which Toyota says in product literature helps maintain a set distance from vehicles ahead. A standard rear seat DVD entertainment system combines a 9-inch LCD screen with a separate backseat audio system, including dual wireless headphones.

Also standard on the Premium are a 12-way adjustable power driver’s seat and simulated wood-trim, rear load-leveling air suspension, a power seat memory package, second-row heated seats and a steering wheel with simulated wood trim. Platinum also has a standard DVD navigation system with a backup camera and JBL Synthesis AM / FM 4-disc CD changer audio system with 14 speakers, satellite radio and NavTraffic, Bluetooth and an auxiliary audio jack / USB port.

The only option on SR5s grades is a Sport Appearance Package. The package includes 7-passenger seating, 20-inch super chrome alloy wheels, a color-keyed grille and black seat fabric. Exterior colors for the Sport package are black, white and silver.

The Limited's options are a Rear Seat Entertainment System that includes a DVD player with rear audio controls and 115V outlet, a DVD navigation system with a backup camera and JBL Synthesis AM / FM 4-disc CD changer audio system with a subscription to SiriusXM and NavTraffic. Optional captain’s chairs can replace the standard second-row bench seat.

The lone option on the Platinum is a White Pearl exterior.

Headlamp washers are standard on all 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.

All three grades offer two interior color choices of Graphite and Sand Beige. A Red Rock interior is also available on Platinums.

You can reach TN's Hawke Fracassa at [email protected] or (248) 747-1550. Follow him on Twitter @HawkeFracassa.

Image source: Toyota