Autogroup International lets you pre-order the large Toyota Sequoia
As the second-largest full-size Toyota SUV, just behind the military-focused Mega Cruiser, the Sequoia is one large vehicle. So much so, it makes the Land Cruiser 300 (Toyota SA’s biggest SUV product) look like a toy. But there’s a catch: it’s exclusively built for North American markets.
While we had hoped to drive something like that in South Africa, the fact that it was a left-hand-drive-only SUV meant we could only admire it from afar. That’s about to change. Autogroup International, the specialist right-hand-drive conversion company, has made it possible to pre-order the Sequoia in SA.
If the name sounds familiar, it’s because it’s the same company that’s behind bringing heavyweights like the Ford F-150, Toyota Tundra, and even the electric GMC Hummer EV SUV to South Africa. Now, in a recent move to expand its reach, AGI has partnered with Rospa International as its official SA distributor. Rospa, headquartered in Durban, manages the entire ownership journey, offering bank-approved financing, a 3-year/100,000km warranty, and nationwide after-sales support via its technician network in Joburg, Durban, and Cape Town.
As for the Sequoia, it’s powered by a 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 hybrid engine with 325kW and 790Nm. It comes equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission, and it’s poised to become a fully capable bruiser off the beaten path, thanks to full-time 4WD, a locking rear diff, Crawl Control, and Multi-Terrain Select.
Beyond the impressive numbers, the Sequoia is offered in two trim levels: the TRD Pro, which is off-road ready right from the factory, and the Capstone, a luxury-focused flagship. Both variants come with spacious 3-row seating that can accommodate up to eight passengers, including second-row captain’s chairs for that extra touch of comfort.
As for making the Land Cruiser 300 look small, well, the Sequoia stretches to over 5.2 metres long, jutting past the LC 300’s 4.99 metres. That massive size should make it perfect for executive transport, government fleets, or large families who want a proper mix of space, comfort, and presence.
According to Rospa, in partnership with Autogroup International, South Africans can now pre-order a range of heavy hitters like the Ford F-350, GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 HD, and of course, the Toyota Tundra. The Tundra, in particular, will appeal more to current Hilux owners looking for something bigger and bolder. It’s poised to become a serious step up, offering more power, more space, modern tech, and a commanding presence both on and off the road.
While Rospa International and Autogroup International haven’t released official pricing for the Sequoia just yet, we can safely expect it to come in at a premium. Given the size, powertrain, level of tech, and the cost involved in converting it to right-hand drive, it won’t come cheap. Still, it’s exciting to know that the days of admiring such vehicles from afar, simply because they were left-hand-drive only, are gradually becoming a thing of the past.
