Sport-utility wagons and minivans behind the badge of Toyota for 2005 consist of truck-based and car-based vehicles segmented into six names. Toyota's largest truck-based SUV is the Sequoia, but the Land Cruiser is a full-size wagon and 4Runner fits in the mid-size class. Car-based wagons from Toyota include the mid-size Highlander and compact-class RAV-4, while Toyota's popular minivan carries the tag of Sienna.

Super-size Sequoia shares a structure with the Tundra truck forward of the cabin's second pillars, yet the wagon differs in composition behind those pillars as it's a vast space organized with three rows of seats for as many as eight passengers plus a cargo bay in the rear accessible through a big lift gate. Sequoia's editions of 2005 look fresh with face-lift features like a new front grille and fascia.

There's more power under the hood as Sequoia scores Tundra's 4.7-liter V8 engine featuring valve wizardry labeled VVTL-i for variable valve timing and lift with intelligence. It increases the output by 42 hp to 282 hp. Either conventional rear two-wheel-drive (2WD) or four-wheel-drive (4WD) traction works for Sequoia's two trim designations of SR5 and Limited. For SR5 a new Sport package adds fog lamps, tubular running boards, a front skid plate, rear height-control suspension and 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels plus a JBL audio system with cassette and CD decks and ten speakers. For the Limited a package of luxury gear puts leather bucket seats on the second row with memory settings for the driver's seats and exterior mirrors plus optritron meters and rear height-control suspension.

With its high-hiking pose, torque-heavy engine and 4WD traction, Toyota's Land Cruiser is capable of crossing a rugged outback route in safety and comfort. Current issues, tracing to a generational upgrade in 1998, provide a vast and cushy passenger compartment that accommodates seven riders on three tiers of seats.

For strength, Land Cruiser totes a V8 rated at 235 hp with a five-speed automatic transmission. The full-time 4WD traction mechanism has an electronic control unit called Active TRAC that automatically transfers engine torque to wheels that maintain the best grip. Editions of 2005 roll on standard 18-inch alloy wheels.

Toyota's rugged SUV of mid-size dimensions is a truck-tough vehicle designed for serious work on dirt or pavement. For 2005, the 4Runner gains Sequoia's forceful 4.7-liter VVT-i V8 with 270 hp or a new five-speed automatic transmission added to the base powertrain, a 4.0-liter V6 pumping 245 hp. Both 2WD and 4WD versions of 4Runner are available. For the V6 a multi-mode 4WD system with limited-slip center differential can selectively switch between 4WD and 2WD modes.

The V8's 4WD mechanism is a full-time system as used by Land Cruiser. Exterior changes for 2005 range from SR5 grade with a chrome grille, body-color bumpers, black running boards and optional roof rack to the Sport edition with color-keyed grille and black running boards. The Deluxe Limited shows a body-color grille and bumpers plus black running boards and a black roof rack. A third-row bench seat is available in the cabin, along with an updated navigation system that adds a camera on the back bumper to display 4Runner's reverse view on the dashboard screen.

Read our Review: Toyota 4Runner