Model Year | 2015 | 2013 | |
Model | BMW 3-Series | Toyota Highlander | |
Engine | turbocharged 3.0L I6 Hybrid DOHC-4v 335 hp@5800 330 lb-ft@1200 |
3.5L V6 Hybrid DOHC-4v 245 hp@6000 234 lb-ft@4800 |
|
Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | CVT | |
Drivetrain | RWD | AWD | |
Body | 4dr Wagon | 4dr SUV | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 110.6 in | 109.8 in | 0.8 in |
Length | 182.1 in | 188.4 in | -6.3 in |
Width | 71.3 in | 75.2 in | -3.9 in |
Height | 56.5 in | 68.1 in | -11.6 in |
Curb Weight | 4045 lb. | 4641 lb. | -596 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 15.8 gal. | 19.2 gal. | -3.4 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 40.4 in | 40.6 in | -0.2 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 55.1 in | 59.7 in | -4.6 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 0.0 in | 56.7 in | -56.7 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.0 in | 43.2 in | -1.2 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 38.3 in | 40.1 in | -1.8 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 55.1 in | 59.5 in | -4.4 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 0.0 in | 56.5 in | -56.5 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 35.0 in | 38.3 in | -3.3 in |
Headroom, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 36.3 in | -36.3 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 55.0 in | -55 in |
Hip Room, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 42.3 in | -42.3 in |
Legroom, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 29.2 in | -29.2 in |
Total Legroom | 77 in (over 2 rows) | 110.7 in (over 3 rows) | -33.7 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 17.5 ft3 | 10.3 ft3 | 7.2 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 17.5 | 42.3 ft3 | -24.8 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 53.0 ft3 | 95.4 ft3 | -42.4 ft3 |
2015 BMW 3-Series Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Comment | |
2014 | The BMW 3-Series used to be tight inside, but it has grown with each redesign, especially the most recent one. The rear seat of the current sedan isn't nearly as roomy as that in the related 3-Series Gran Turismo hatchback. But it offers considerably more rear legroom than direct competitors like the Audi A4, Cadillac ATS, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. In fact, combined front and rear legroom is the same as in the one size-class up, ten-inch-longer Mercedes E-Class. (You do get a half-inch more rear headroom and nearly two inches more rear shoulder room in the Benz.) Beyond the specs, the BMW's rear seat is comfortably high off the floor, a rarity in the age of sedans with plunging coupe-like roof lines. see full BMW 3-Series review |
None of our members have yet commented on the seat room and comfort of the 2015 BMW 3-Series.
2013 Toyota Highlander Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Comment | |
Toyota replaced the 2013 Highlander's rear struts with control arms to enable a three-inch-wider third-row seat, and then used the extra space to cram in a third seating position. So if you need seats for eight people, only the Highlander will do in this threesome. A top-of-the-line Santa Fe only seats six. Other eight-pass options include the Honda Pilot and GM's large crossovers. But those three people best be small, as the Highlander doesn't have nearly as much rear legroom as the Pathfinder or the Santa Fe. To fit children of even middling size in the third row it's necessary to slide the second row well forward. The second row seat cushion is mounted too low for adult comfort. The Nissan's second row suffers from a similar shortcoming, but the Hyundai's does not. see full Toyota Highlander review |
2013 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 |
2013 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 |