BMW X3 (2012) vs. Toyota Highlander (2009) Specs

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2012 BMW X3 and 2009 Toyota Highlander Specifications

Model Year	2012	2009
Model	BMW X3	Toyota Highlander
Engine	turbocharged 3.0L I6 DOHC-4v 300 hp@5800 300 lb-ft@1200	3.5L V6 DOHC-4v 270 hp@6200 248 lb-ft@4700
Transmission	8-speed shiftable automatic	5-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain	AWD	AWD
Body	4dr SUV	4dr SUV
			Difference
Wheelbase	110.6 in	109.8 in	0.8 in
Length	183.0 in	188.4 in	-5.4 in
Width	74.1 in	75.2 in	-1.1 in
Height	65.4 in	68.1 in	-2.7 in
Curb Weight	4222 lb.	4178 lb.	44 lb.
Fuel Capacity	17.7 gal.	19.2 gal.	-1.5 gal.
Headroom, Row 1	40.7 in	40.6 in	0.1 in
Shoulder Room, Row 1	57.3 in	59.7 in	-2.4 in
Hip Room, Row 1	0.0 in	56.7 in	-56.7 in
Legroom, Row 1	39.9 in	43.2 in	-3.3 in
Headroom, Row 2	39.1 in	40.1 in	-1 in
Shoulder Room, Row 2	56.0 in	59.5 in	-3.5 in
Hip Room, Row 2	0.0 in	56.5 in	-56.5 in
Legroom, Row 2	36.8 in	38.3 in	-1.5 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	76.7 in (over 2 rows)	110.7 in (over 3 rows)	-34 in
Cargo Volume, Minimum	27.6 ft³	10.3 ft³	17.3 ft³
Cargo Volume, Behind R2	27.6	42.3 ft³	-14.7
Cargo Volume, Maximum	63.3 ft³	95.4 ft³	-32.1 ft³

2012 BMW X3 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros
Year	Comment
2013	Thanks partly to power-adjustable side bolsters, the X3's optional sport seats are both supportive and comfortable. They're firm where you want them to be firm, yet (unlike those in the Audi and Mercedes-Benz) cushy where you want them to be cushy. The Volvo XC60's seats are also very comfortable, but can't quite match the BMW's lateral support. You sit substantially higher than in a BMW sedan, both relative to the ground and to the instrument panel. The windshield is more distant than in the original X3, making the current one seem considerably larger, but it remains more upright than in most recently designed crossovers. The forward visibility many people buy a crossover to get can be gotten here. Rear seat legroom increased by an inch with the 2011 redesign, and is now competitive. A couple of adults will fit, so there's no compelling functional reason to step up to the X5 unless you require tall people to be comfortable back there. see full BMW X3 review

None of our members have yet commented on the seat room and comfort of the 2012 BMW X3.

2009 Toyota Highlander Seat Room and Comfort: Pros
Year	Body/Powertrain	Comment
2010	4dr SUV 187-horsepower 2.7L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	Lots of room in the second row, including seats that recline and move back & forth. Having the third row as an option for occasional use was really the deciding factor. see full Toyota Highlander review
2008	4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD	Limo-like leg room and captains chairs see full Toyota Highlander review
2008	4dr SUV 209-horsepower 3.3L V6 Hybrid CVT AWD	The widest seats of all Midsize SUVs (X5, Q7, Tourag, Cayenne, etc.) see full Toyota Highlander review
2008	4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD	Third row seating and 2nd row has more leg room than the Murano by about 1". see full Toyota Highlander review
2008	4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD	4 cup holders see full Toyota Highlander review

2009 Toyota Highlander Seat Room and Comfort: Cons
Year	Body/Powertrain	Comment
2009	4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD	Only two seats in the 2nd row, very small leg room in the 3rd row. see full Toyota Highlander review
2009	4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD	seats were hard and flat. Even top of the line luxury model seats were a big disappointment . . . one of the principal reasons we did not choose this vehicle see full Toyota Highlander review
2008	4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD	3rd row seat is full bench seat and individual side can not be raised or lowered independently. Access and available room much less than MDX. see full Toyota Highlander review

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