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| Toyota Sequoia |
It's perfect for big families, long commutes, and the hustle and bustle of city life. But have you ever wondered how this heavy vehicle would perform on a rally track? Wyatt Knox, head instructor at Team O'Neil Rally School in New Hampshire, set out to answer that question, and the results were interesting.
Wyatt Knox took control of a 2012 Toyota Sequoia Limited, which is powered by a six-speed automatic transmission and a V-8 engine. However, the SUV is built to tow nearly 6,000 pounds, making it less than ideal for rally driving. Still, Knox dared to take it on a rally track.
First, Knox removed some fuses to disable the SUV's anti-lock brakes and 4WD system, sending all power to the rear wheels. This setup made the Sequoia surprisingly playful. However, left-foot braking remained a challenge, as the SUV would cut off power when the brake and throttle pedals were pressed simultaneously.
On the rally track, the Sequoia's weight and size became immediately apparent. The car was difficult to stop and turn, especially due to the soft suspension. Still, Knox drove the Sequoia around Team O'Neal's rally stage course in a time of 1:58.9 minutes, which was much faster than he expected. The time was so fast that it even beat legitimate off-roaders like the Tacoma and Bronco Raptor when they were in 2WD mode.
However, this time still lagged behind vehicles like the Subaru WRX and CanAm Maverick, which are true performance vehicles. Yet, the Sequoia proves that if you have the courage and confidence, anything can become a rally car.
This unique experience proved that even a heavy and comfortable SUV like the Toyota Sequoia can perform on a rally track. It shows that true performance lies not only in the design and features of the vehicle but also in the courage and skill of the driver.
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