Toyota Built a Sequoia First-Responder SUV You Can’t Buy

A New Purpose in Life

Ever wondered what happens to test units once their job is done? Well, it depends on the manufacturer. Some are kept, while others are sold off. There are also those who meet an undignified date with the crusher. However, Toyota took a different route with one of its Sequoia testers.

From being driven by people like us, this particular one was turned into a first-responder vehicle. It currently does rounds in Toyota's Arizona proving grounds, and it's there in case of emergencies around the facility. The folks from Car and Driver took a closer look at it, and it's a pretty well-equipped rig for the job.

The Rig

The first-responder Sequoia is based on the Platinum trim, so it's a pretty well-equipped mobile office. But while most of the features are still there, the SUV is stripped of all its badging for a more utilitarian look. But this isn't just a Sequoia with lights and sirens on it; it's much more than that.

The suspension lift is care of Westcott Designs and is actually compatible with the SUV's built-in air suspension. It then rides on 34-inch Falken Wildpeak A/T4W tires in case it has to drive to tricky spots, and there are other accessories fitted such as towing side mirrors, and LED spotlights.

Also, the third-row seats have been chucked out. It's been replaced by a slide-out cargo tray to maximize the SUV's load-carrying abilities and to make room for even more equipment. As for the front half of the cabin, it's been outfitted with lights and siren controls, as well as a radio and PA system.

Should Toyota Enter the Special Service Vehicle Market?

It's a pretty good-looking rig, but it doesn't look like Toyota plans to make more first-responder vehicles from the Sequoia. Still, it's an interesting market it can tap into, given that all its competitors are in on it. It's a small slice of the market, but sales are sales nonetheless.

Chevrolet has two versions of the Tahoe for such duties. There's the SSV or Special Service Vehicle and the PPV (Police Pursuit Vehicle), the latter catering more to law enforcement. Meanwhile, Ford has the Expedition and Expedition Max SSV, and there's no police version of it.

Of course, duty-specific cars require a couple of modifications, and Toyota probably couldn't spare the time to develop one for a relatively small market. Still, the Sequioa does hold potential to be the Fire Chief's next ride. Hopefully, the company sorts out those 3.4 turbo issues, too.

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