It dawned on me after driving the 2008 Toyota Sequoia that it’s the anti-bling bling version of the Cadillac Escalade. This is the SUV for the people who want all the room and functionality without screaming “Look at me.” The Sequoia is all-new from the inside out for 2008. Toyota introduced it to journalists in October in Cary, N.C. and then rolled it out in mid-November at the L.A. Auto Show for its introduction to the world. Driving it around the streets of Durham, N.C. and up and down boat ramps reinforced to me what a good vehicle this is. It’s one of the best full-size SUVs on the market. It’s overall length, width and height have been increased. The passenger compartment has also grown with the increase in its wheelbase and the reduction in the front and rear overhangs. The front and rear tracks have also been widened. It’s beefier, yet drives like a much smaller vehicle. It almost feels like the Highlander to me. Now, Toyota is rightfully going to come under some criticism for unveiling such a big beast of a vehicle at a time of rising fuel prices. The problem is people are going to keep buying them. Full-size SUV owners want vehicles that can tow 10,000 lbs. while sitting six adults comfortably and hauling their luggage. Give Toyota some credit, though. It has managed to deliver a 5.7-liter V8 that actually gets better fuel economy than its 4.7-liter counterpart. The mileage figures for the 5.7-liter engine are 14 city and 19 highway vs. 14 city and 17 highway for the 4.7-liter engine. Part of that is attributable to the six-speed automatic transmission on the 5.7-liter vs. the five-speed on the 4.7-liter engine. Pain at the pump is reduced somewhat by the Sequoia’s use of regular unleaded gas. Over the course of the year that’s going to save you $411 if you have to fill the 26.4-gallon tank weekly. The dual overhead cam 5.7-liter V8 produces 381 horsepower and 401 lb. ft. of torque. (The 4.7-liter V8, continued from last year, has 276 horsepower and 314 lb. ft. of torque.) It has strong acceleration and likes to run at about 80 mph on the highway. Fortunately, cruise control is standard on the Sequoia. Otherwise, with its quiet interior it would be easy to lose track of your speed. The Sequoia sits on an all-new platform with front and rear independent suspension. That creates the better ride and handling characteristics. Even on a mildly difficult off-road course, I found the Sequoia pleasing. The new suspension also allows the Sequoia to be equipped to Category:Home › Home • Will higher gasoline prices mean lower sales for new cars? — part 2 • Will higher gasoline prices mean lower sales for new cars? — part 1 • Should the crew of the Sea Shepherd board whaling ships? • Which makes a better pet: A dog or a cat? — part 13 • Grandparents: Can blogging chronicle your genealogy? • Which makes a better pet: A dog or a cat? — part 12 • Are teachers unions the cause of public school problems today? • Which makes a better pet: A dog or a cat? — part 11