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| Editors' Most Wanted Vehicles for 2002 |
Large SUV
 Winner: Toyota
Sequoia
"Exactly what most buyers of big SUVs need most of the time."
The largest Toyota ever to hit the streets dethrones the venerable Suburban in
our large SUV category. Is nothing sacred? Not when you offer buyers an ultra-refined
drivetrain, incredibly agile handling, comfortable quarters (for eight passengers),
impeccable build quality — all under the magical heading of Toyota reliability.
Powering every Sequoia is a smooth, silent ULEV-certified 4.7-liter V8 good for
240 horsepower and 315 pound-feet of torque (using regular unleaded fuel). A four-speed
automatic is standard, and you can choose between two- and four-wheel drive and
between well-equipped SR5 and luxurious Limited trim. Four-wheel antilock disc
brakes (with electronic brake distribution), stability control and traction control
are standard across the line, while seat-mounted and side-curtain airbags (for
the driver and front passenger) and a power moonroof are optional for all Sequoias.
Limited models come with leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, a premium
JBL sound system, a tow hitch and a roof rack, but you can buy these as options
for the SR5. Besides providing a quiet, feature-laden conveyance for the family,
the Sequoia has a thoughtful arrangement of interior controls and plenty of storage
space. For all its strengths, the Sequoia isn't for everyone, as it doesn't offer
the towing and hauling capacity of the Suburban/Yukon XL. But for most large SUV
buyers, the Sequoia will prove capable for family-hauling and trips to the hardware
store.
Honorable Mention: GMC
Yukon XL
The Chevrolet Suburban and the GMC Yukon XL are corporate twins, and aside from
a few styling differences, they are identical in every way. But we gave the title
to the GMC, largely because of the more extensive Yukon XL lineup — besides
the usual 1500 and 2500 choices, there's the lavish Denali XL. The Yukon XL family
should be your choice, if you need comfortable transportation for the family and
a suitable tow vehicle for the boat — at the 2500 level, these SUVs have
no match for towing and hauling. Half-ton models get a 5.3-liter V8 rated at 285
horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, while three-quarter-ton models get a
choice of either a 6.0-liter V8 rated at 320 horsepower or an 8.1-liter brute
that delivers 340 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque. The all-wheel-drive leather-lined
Denali XL is a half-ton SUV, but it comes with the 2500's 6.0-liter and thus provides
a pleasurable off-the-line rush. In spite of their size, all Yukon XLs provide
competent on-road handling, in addition to their cushy rides. Although interior
build quality is lacking, it's hard to argue with GMC's combination of size and
muscle.
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