SUV decision help

[cp44]

Hey everyone,

My wife and I are in the market for a 7 passenger SUV and we are leaning towards the 2011 Sequoia Platinum or the 2011 Highlander Limited. We test drove both and we were very impressed. My wife will trade her 07 Lexus IS 350 for the SUV.

So here's scenerio:

We currently do not have kids but planning to have kids this year or early next year.

My mom and brother (living with us temporarily) will be moving in with us soon, so if we go on trips we'll take the SUV.

I guess for right now the 2011 Sequoia is not practical for our family yet but we really love it. I know the MPG isnt that great especially how high the gas prices are now. My only concern is with the air suspension going bad, anyone had issues with it so far?????

The Highlander was surprisingly roomy inside and the 3rd row seats had enough room for me (I'm 6'2"). The power was pretty good and it is much cheaper/practical than the Sequoia.

I posted this thread in the Sequoia forum and they recommended that I get a HL so I'm posting it here.

What would you guys choose or do in my situation? Thanks for the advice!

[cp44]

Is there a new generation HL coming out soon, if so should I wait for the new one? If not Ill just pull the trigger on the current generation.

Is the only difference b/ the SE/Sport and the limited is the interior options right?

nevermind I checked the toyota site and it is just interior options that are different

[vinnyd]

Do you EVER plan on towing anything heavier than 4000lbs ?
If so, get the Sequoia.

We have the 2008 Highlander and love all the room for the family. I tow a 4400 lb travel trailer, and it could use more power.

[cp44]

I have a Supra that I might tow around to car meets and house stuff when I move in when its done being built.

My supra is about 3500lbs but not sure how much a trailer would weigh with everything together.

I've been reading about the navigation issue with the HL but as long it gets me from A to B then I have no problem with it. My wife has a navi in her IS350 and she doesn't complain about it.

[sweeneyp]

Originally Posted by cp44

I have a Supra that I might tow around to car meets and house stuff when I move in when its done being built.

My supra is about 3500lbs but not sure how much a trailer would weigh with everything together.

I've been reading about the navigation issue with the HL but as long it gets me from A to B then I have no problem with it. My wife has a navi in her IS350 and she doesn't complain about it.

The navigation will definitely get you from A to B. Some people don't like how it locks you out while the vehicle is moving, but thats easy to get used too, as I'm sure the Lexus one does the exact same thing.
To answer your question about the generation of the vehicle. It will probably be 2-3 years before a whole new generation will come out. The 2nd gen came out in '08 and was only refreshed this year.
I can't offer any advice about the sequoia (except the whole mpg thing is a biggy in my books). But I can say I love my highlander, even though its not as big as a sequoia, has been able to hold everything I need and get me there without issue. I personally like its has SUV capability, but not quite as big as a full size body on frame SUV

[Judy H]

If I had a choice, I would take the Sequoia with the air suspension. You also said you will be towing , so most practical would be go with the sequoia.

01 HL V6 4WD
97 tacoma xcab V6 4x4
88 tacoma 4x4 V6
~Judy in MI~

[mctommy]

I'd get the HL for the next few years and when the family grows, potentially think about getting the bigger Sequoia.

[bingo883]

Reasons for a Sequoia:
Bigger in luggage space
Bigger in passager space
Bigger engine
Bigger in gas bill..

Reasons for a Highlander:
Comfortable in many people standard
Smaller in size so you don't feel too stupid when driving alone
Car like ride

I enjoy my highlander very much. Just a little dissapointed on luggage space when 3rd roll up. My solution, add a roof box and problem solved.

Good Luck!

[becks]

Short answer: Sequoia.

[Loudog2]

Originally Posted by bingo883

Reasons for a Sequoia:
Bigger in luggage space
Bigger in passager space
Bigger engine
Bigger in gas bill..

Reasons for a Highlander:
Comfortable in many people standard
Smaller in size so you don't feel too stupid when driving alone
Car like ride

I enjoy my highlander very much. Just a little dissapointed on luggage space when 3rd roll up. My solution, add a roof box and problem solved.

Good Luck!

Don't forget the $20k+ price difference(platinum Sequoia vs. HL limited)

[JMSinMD]

I have both a 2008 Sequoia Platinum and 2009 Highlander Sport. If I had to give up 1 it would be the Sequoia.

[Yazon]

I wouldn't get either one. Sequia is gigantic - hard to park, takes up an incredible amount of space in garage and may be hard to fit, MPG is not great.

Highlander - low quality of materials, noises from interior parts, wierd 19" wheel size making tire choices very limited, 3-d row is OK, but not great.

I would go with either Acura MDX or Audi Q7.

[cp44]

Originally Posted by Yazon

I wouldn't get either one. Sequia is gigantic - hard to park, takes up an incredible amount of space in garage and may be hard to fit, MPG is not great.

Highlander - low quality of materials, noises from interior parts, wierd 19" wheel size making tire choices very limited, 3-d row is OK, but not great.

I would go with either Acura MDX or Audi Q7.

I test drove the 2011 MDX and it was not worth the money in my opinion. The third row seat is very tight and the second row doesnt slide forward. The center console is very busy looking and the horsepower is ok.

Not a fan of Audi, everyone that I know who that has an Audi had some kind of problem within months of ownership.

[Thunderchief]

Sequoia listed on yahoo yesterday as one of the cars that cost over 100 dollars at the pump to fill up. Run Forest Run!

[Yazon]

I understand that you didn't like Acura and heard of problems with Audi.

Since I drive HL and two of my good friends have those other brands, I wish i didn't buy HL.

HL is nosier than MDX and Q7
HL has lower grade of materials
Quatro on Audi seems to be better in adverse conditions
MDX and Q7 both have better, more refined ride
MDX has excellent suspension (at grand canyon it was riding on unpaved road better and could go faster than almost any truck and SUV. Which surprised the hell out of me).

HL is cheaper to buy and cheaper to maintain though, which is good.

Friend with Acura has had 0 problems
Friend with Audi had 2 problems - OEM tires lasted 15K (similar to Toyo on HL) and then his passenger AirBag light would not come on.