assume the hydraulic lift is for load leveling the vehicle ?

about the sequoia vs highlander... the sequoia has 8" more legroom overall so no wonder the rows are roomier!

i also didn't know the sequoia has been upgraded pretty extensively over the years, and now has apple carplay, android auto, led lights, adaptive cruise, etc., etc.

Of course 14mpg sucks but it is what it is

 

Yes. Something like that for keeping the ride level while loaded. I think it is a nice feature. I think the KIA/Hyundai design is superior to air suspension on the surface.

The Sequoia always had adaptive cruise since 08. I never knew it had LEDs, but I guess I do now. Sadly, they removed the optitron gauges. I have never disliked the vehicle, but never really adored it. The rear power seats are excellent as there are four locations for the power controls, folds flat into the floor. Unfortunately the Sequoia does not come with 28 air vents. Lol. But it does come with power telescoping steering. And it used to have a HVAC button on the steering wheel. I also think it was one of the first to have built in sunshades in the doors. The rear doors for the second row are ultra wide as well.

 

may be only on top trim, the AoA video i saw showed it was manual (lever/position).

 

why on earth would anyone buy the ancient sequoia especially with the much newer large SUV offerings that are out (expedition) and coming out (new tahoe suburban) that are completely superior

 

Usually the case. I don't think the HL has this feature at all. Or any of the mid-size suvs from mainstream brands.

 

because the sequoia is super reliable.

 

Is Toyota incapable of making something modern AND reliable?

 

of course not, but i guess their view is if it's still selling and highly profitable, why not. just like the 4runner.

 

Best selling 4Runner ever. Makes no sense that is selling so well. It should in theory not be. I would say for Toyota not touch it. Just do incremental tweaks.

It is too bad KIA does not bring back the Boreggo.

 

Because Toyota and Lexus will lose present and future buyers to other brands. People have figured out that reliability is not an issue in this lease happy car buying culture and cars generally do not fall apart in the first 3yrs of ownership.

In a way I'm pretty disappointed by the new Highlander or maybe the new Korean competitors set the bar pretty high. I wish Toyota would have given people more features, like acoustic glass, in the lower trim models since they didnt have to spend a dime on the powertrain. Or stretch the body a few more inches and make the 3rd row usable for actual adults.

 

situman, toyota can do both, keep the old cash cows and introduce new innovative vehicles. the new highlander IS a big step up from the old one, but i agree it should be a bit longer.

 

Certain models like the 4Runner perhaps, but something like the Sequoia or the Land Cruiser, RX, LX, GX, Tundra, Tacoma should not be ignored. Their respective competitors are coming hot and heavy and surpassed what those models have to offer generations ago.

I wouldnt call the Highlander a big step. It is only now offering features that competitors have been offering years ago. Downsizing the Hybrid engine to improve fuel economy...like DUH! I really can't think of 3 things off of the top of my head that says the Highlander leapfrogs the competition.

 

The numbers are solid for the GX and 4Runner. Cheap to produce, supply chains probably the strongest, and warranty costs at this point are basically low and accounted for after being on the market unchanged for the most part for a decade.

Now having said that, as a customer I feel like if your buying it in 2020 close to sticker, its quite a hard pill to swallow, if you do not use a GX or 4R as designed and capable. Lexus makes a solid CUV in the RX thats reliable, and class matching in terms of equipment.

 

I would argue that if you DO buy one close to sticker (aka new) and use it as designed and capable, that's a hard pill to swallow. Since the older ones are pretty much just as capable, and it won't injure your soul quite as badly as getting nasty scratches and rock chips all over your brand-new $60k truck.

 

urh, so what Highlander competitor has hybrid powertrain, let alone a good one and gets 35 mpg in AWD vehicle (Telluridegets 21 MPG?)?

As to surpassing RX, GX, Tacoma "generations ago" then why are they selling so well? RX and Tacoma are best sellers in their class - beating all the competition easily, GX sells crazy good for what it is.

I mean if you are unhappy with every vehicle that largest and most profitable car manufacturer in the world offers, is it possible that you are not their target market?