The first thing you notice is the engine.
The 5.7L V8 produces 381 horsepower and 543 Nm, and it moves the Sequoia with considerably more authority than its size suggests. Press the accelerator and the big Toyota gathers speed with the effortless character of a locomotive.
The six-speed automatic is not modern by today's standards, but it suits the V8 well. There is enough torque that the engine rarely needs to work desperately hard.
In Bangladesh, the Sequoia is at its best on open roads. Long highway journeys are where the large cabin, powerful engine and stable ride make sense. The independent rear suspension also gives the vehicle a smoother ride than you might expect from something this large.
In Dhaka traffic, the story changes.
The engine is still effortless, but the fuel consumption becomes painful. Stop-start traffic, air-conditioning and repeated acceleration are exactly what a 5.7L V8 does not need.
Then there is the size. A Sequoia requires awareness in narrow streets and car parks. You can drive it through the city, but you cannot pretend it is a small SUV.
The available 4WD system adds confidence on poor surfaces and rough roads, although most city owners will rarely exploit its full capability.
Overall, the Sequoia drives like a traditional American-style full-size SUV with Toyota engineering underneath: powerful, comfortable, stable and surprisingly capable.
Just keep a close eye on the fuel gauge.
