(TORONTO, Ontario) - Toyota Canada Inc. today introduced the all-new 2008 Toyota Sequoia. The strong, comfortable and capable full-size SUV was conceived for North America and built in North America specifically for people who carry many passengers and sizeable loads. Featuring an available powerful 5.7 litre V8 that delivers both substantial power and performance and interior volume, the 2008 Sequoia has even greater utility. Moreover, a new base MSRP of $44,675 - the lowest starting price in Canada since 2001 - makes this strong and comfortable SUV an even more compelling choice for Canadian families.

"Conventional wisdom says a strong, powerful SUV and a stylish, comfortable SUV are mutually exclusive, but Toyota Sequoia owners know that with this full-size SUV, all things are possible," said Tony Wearing, Managing Director of Toyota Canada Inc. "There are many larger families out there who need a vehicle that is not only a comfortable people-mover, but has the power to carry the loads that they require. So, for the all-new 2008 Sequoia, we listened to customers across North America to better understand what they required of their SUV. So, we decided to make things better with an available larger engine and matching six-speed automatic transmission that work together to deliver remarkable performance. We have then married this increased capability with greater interior volume plus new comfort and utility that will keep drivers and passengers comfortable behind the wheel for longer distances. Finally, we wrapped the whole package in a strong and dynamic design with a great new price to create a truly full-size SUV that's distinctly Toyota."

The all-new Sequoia comes in three models: the Sequoia SR5, Sequoia Limited, and the range-topping Sequoia Platinum. Regardless of model, the all-new 2008 Sequoia combines Toyota's reputation for quality design and engineering with generous performance, utility, comfort, styling, and safety features*.

Performance:

• A choice of a 4.7-litre V8 or an all-new 5.7-litre V8 to deliver superior horsepower and towing capability.
• A choice of five-speed automatic or an all-new six-speed automatic transmissions.
• All models feature the flexible utility, fuel efficiency, and added safety of one-touch four-wheel-drive.
• Upgraded front and rear suspensions including available adaptive variable front and rear suspensions for superior handling.
• New for 2008: rear suspension is now independent.
• Excellent turning circle of 12.5 metres.
• An excellent towing rating of 4,125 kilograms (9,095 pounds).

Utility, Comfort, and Styling:

• A strong, distinctive exterior informed by Toyota's Vibrant Clarity design language, featuring a dynamic presence that is immediately recognizable from a distance.
• A premium, high-quality interior that is rugged yet stylish, with easy to use instrumentation and leather seat surfaces on all models.
• Available Optitron electronic analogue gauges with multi-function display.
• Abundant interior volume, with a cargo capacity of 3.42 m3 with all rear seats stowed.
• Generous seating for up to seven or eight passengers, depending on model, making the new Sequoia versatile and comfortable - even for long distance driving.
• Redesigned 2nd row doors that open further for increased ease of entry and exit.
• Power fold flat 3rd row seats for ease of conversion from passenger carrier to cargo hauler.
• Newly-developed air conditioning system with automatic three-zone climate control.
• All models are equipped with many amenities, including a six-disc CD changer, leather interior, 3 zone climate control, power tilting/sliding moon roof, roof rack with roof rails, a towing hitch and trailer wiring harnesses, 18 inch alloy wheels, headlamp washers.

Safety:

• An all-new headlamp design delivering impressive brightness levels All models are standard-equipped with fog lamps.
• Newly-designed windshield wipers that maintain even pressure along the entire blade for superior performance even at low temperatures and in snowy or icy conditions.
• All models are equipped with Toyota's Vehicle Stability Control and Active Traction Control Systems for excellent manoeuvring and stopping abilities and a confident driving feel.
• An impressive suite of standard-equipped braking technologies, including Toyota's Power Assisted Anti-lock Braking System with Brake Assist and Electronic Brake Force Distribution.
• Six airbags, including dual-stage airbags in the driver and front passenger positions, front seat mounted side air bags, and roll-sensing front and rear head / side curtain shield airbags that protect all three rows.
• Three-point seat belts in all positions, including front seatbelt pre-tensioners and force limiters and adjustable B pillar shoulder belt anchors.
• A pedestrian protection structure for the engine hood and front fender.
• All models are equipped with clearance and back-up sensors to help drivers spot objects and people around the vehicle.
• All models feature a direct tire pressure monitoring system as standard equipment.

"The Toyota Sequoia is the strong and comfortable sport utility vehicle at the top of our five-model SUV strategy, which also includes the RAV4, Highlander/Highlander Hybrid, 4Runner and FJ Cruiser," Mr. Wearing explained. "The Sequoia has already earned a reputation for power and comfort with Canadians. For the 2008 model year we make things better to create an all-new, 'Never Quit' Sequoia that's the perfect partner for an active lifestyle."

The 2008 Toyota Sequoia is now on sale at Toyota dealers across Canada. The 2008 Sequoia SR5 starts at a base MSRP of $44,675; this represents a base MSRP adjustment of $13,535 versus the comparable 2006 model year base Sequoia SR5 (the last model year that the SR5 was previously offered). The Limited model starts at $54,200, which is a base MSRP adjustment of $10,900 versus the 2007 Limited model. Finally, the all-new fully-loaded Platinum model carries an MSRP of $59,900.