Model Year | 2012 | 2016 | |
Model | Toyota Highlander | Nissan Maxima | |
Engine | |||
Transmission | |||
Drivetrain | |||
Body | 4dr SUV | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 109.8 in | 109.3 in | 0.5 in |
Length | 188.4 in | 192.8 in | -4.4 in |
Width | 75.2 in | 73.2 in | 2 in |
Height | 68.1 in | 56.5 in | 11.6 in |
Curb Weight | 3946 lb. | 3471 lb. | 475 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 19.2 gal. | 18.0 gal. | 1.2 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 40.6 in | 39.4 in | 1.2 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 59.7 in | 56.7 in | 3 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 56.7 in | 54.2 in | 2.5 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 43.2 in | 45.0 in | -1.8 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 40.1 in | 36.7 in | 3.4 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 59.5 in | 55.7 in | 3.8 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 56.5 in | 53.5 in | 3 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 38.3 in | 34.2 in | 4.1 in |
Headroom, Row 3 | 36.3 in | 0.0 in | 36.3 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 3 | 55.0 in | 0.0 in | 55 in |
Hip Room, Row 3 | 42.3 in | 0.0 in | 42.3 in |
Legroom, Row 3 | 29.2 in | 0.0 in | 29.2 in |
Total Legroom | 110.7 in (over 3 rows) | 79.2 in (over 2 rows) | 31.5 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 10.3 ft3 | 14.3 ft3 | -4 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 42.3 ft3 | 14.3 | 28 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 95.4 ft3 | 14.3 ft3 | 81.1 ft3 |
2012 Toyota Highlander Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2013 | 4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Perfect for two car seats. Really neat trick - the middle seat for the 2nd row rolls up into the center console. I did not remove it nor attempt to sit in it but that does make the 3rd row more likely to be used for those with car seats. I did not attempt to sit in the 3rd row (looked at it before folding into the floor for cargo space for the entire trip) so cannot opine on it. Use at your own risk. see full Toyota Highlander review |
2012 | 4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
I am 6 foot tall, and there is plenty of head and leg room in the driving position. Easy access as well. see full Toyota Highlander review |
2012 Toyota Highlander Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2012 | 4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
3rd row seats are useless to me. Too little room for adults. Should have been an option for families with small children. With 3rd row seating, you lose storage space. see full Toyota Highlander review |
2011 | 4dr SUV 245-horsepower 3.5L V6 Hybrid CVT AWD |
Third row minimal legroom see full Toyota Highlander review |
2016 Nissan Maxima Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Comment | |
2016 | Starting with the 2013 Altima and continuing with the 2015 Murano, the latest Nissans have had exceptionally comfortable front seats. The new Maxima's seats are based on the Altima's, but have some additional padding. While they don't feel as cushy and form-fitting to me as the Murano's, they're still more comfortable than the Acura TLX's front seats, which are themselves pretty good. The side bolsters are of similarly moderate size and aggressiveness in both cars, but the Maxima SR's Alcantara upholstery prevents sliding much better than the TLX's leather. see full Nissan Maxima review |
2016 Nissan Maxima Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Comment | |
If you need an especially roomy rear seat, then the Maxima isn't your best bet. The Nissan does have an inch or two more rear knee room than the Acura TLX, and about an inch more rear headroom than the Lincoln MKZ (perhaps enough for someone six-feet tall), but the LaCrosse, Azera, and Avalon offer enough rear seat space for adults to not only fit but stretch out. see full Nissan Maxima review |
None of our members have yet commented on the seat room and comfort of the 2016 Nissan Maxima.