2012 Toyota Sequoia PLATINUM PACKAGE WITH DVD & NAVIGATION $28,990

Like the giant redwood that is its namesake, the 2012 Toyota Sequoia is big, impressive and hard to ignore. What's really surprising, however, is just how refined this full-size truck-based SUV can be. Inside, the Sequoia offers a huge, well-equipped cabin with comfortable seating for eight passengers (or seven with the available second-row captain's chairs). Equally noteworthy is the Sequoia's ride quality, which, thanks to its independent rear suspension, is markedly better than a number of other big SUVs. This is especially true of the Sequoia's top-of-the-line Platinum models fitted with the three-mode "adaptive" suspension. Of course, few buy a full-size SUV primarily for comfort. The Sequoia has the hard-working angle covered, too, with an available 381-horsepower 5.7-liter V8 engine that delivers strong acceleration and a 7,400-pound towing capacity. An available four-wheel-drive system with a low-range transfer case and a healthy 10 inches of ground clearance also makes this beast reasonably capable off-road. An enormous cargo bay with second- and third-row seats that fold to create a flat load floor adds yet more practicality. Truth be told, most buyers would likely be better served by one of the impressive large car-based crossover SUVs that are easier to drive, boast stronger fuel economy and offer similar interior accommodations. These include the Chevrolet Traverse (or its Buick Enclave and GMC Arcadia siblings), Ford Flex and Honda Pilot. However, should you need the added utility and capability that only a big, truck-based SUV can provide, then the 2012 Toyota Sequoia is in many ways the top choice when stacked up against competitors like the Chevy Tahoe and Ford Expedition.