Model Year | 2006 | 2008 | |
Model | Ford Taurus | Toyota Highlander | |
Engine | |||
Transmission | |||
Drivetrain | |||
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr SUV | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 108.5 in | 109.8 in | -1.3 in |
Length | 197.6 in | 188.4 in | 9.2 in |
Width | 73.0 in | 75.2 in | -2.2 in |
Height | 56.1 in | 68.1 in | -12 in |
Curb Weight | 3343 lb. | 3979 lb. | -636 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 18.0 gal. | 19.2 gal. | -1.2 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 40.0 in | 40.6 in | -0.6 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 57.3 in | 59.7 in | -2.4 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 54.5 in | 56.7 in | -2.2 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.2 in | 43.2 in | -1 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 38.1 in | 40.1 in | -2 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 56.6 in | 59.5 in | -2.9 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 55.7 in | 56.5 in | -0.8 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 38.9 in | 38.3 in | 0.6 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 | 81.1 in (over 2 rows) | 110.7 in (over 3 rows) | -29.6 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 17.0 ft3 | 10.3 ft3 | 6.7 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 17.0 | 42.3 ft3 | -25.3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 17.0 ft3 | 95.4 ft3 | -78.4 ft3 |
2006 Ford Taurus Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2006 | 4dr Sedan 153-horsepower 3.0L V6 4-speed automatic FWD |
Seats are above average in comfort. see full Ford Taurus review |
2006 | 4dr Sedan 153-horsepower 3.0L V6 4-speed automatic FWD |
Front seat room is above average. see full Ford Taurus review |
2005 | 4dr Wagon 153-horsepower 3.0L V6 4-speed automatic FWD |
We chose this wagon initially because it was the only sedan we could find that fit 2 carseats and an adult, or 3 carseats comfortably in the rear seat. Also, the two additional seats in the cargo area are nice if there are more kids along. see full Ford Taurus review |
2005 | 4dr Wagon 153-horsepower 3.0L V6 4-speed automatic FWD |
Great for long drives, lots of little "smart" features. see full Ford Taurus review |
2008 Toyota Highlander Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
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 |
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 Toyota Highlander Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
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 |
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 |
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 |