Kia Forte (2015) vs. Toyota Highlander (2012) Specs

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2015 Kia Forte and 2012 Toyota Highlander Specifications

Model Year	2015	2012
Model	Kia Forte	Toyota Highlander
Engine	turbocharged 1.6L I4 DOHC-4v 201 hp@6000 195 lb-ft@1750	3.5L V6 DOHC-4v 270 hp@6200 248 lb-ft@4700
Transmission	6-speed shiftable automatic	5-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain	FWD	FWD
Body	4dr Hatch	4dr SUV
			Difference
Wheelbase	106.3 in	109.8 in	-3.5 in
Length	171.3 in	188.4 in	-17.1 in
Width	70.1 in	75.2 in	-5.1 in
Height	57.1 in	68.1 in	-11 in
Curb Weight	3122 lb.	4045 lb.	-923 lb.
Fuel Capacity	13.2 gal.	19.2 gal.	-6 gal.
Headroom, Row 1	39.4 in	40.6 in	-1.2 in
Shoulder Room, Row 1	56.1 in	59.7 in	-3.6 in
Hip Room, Row 1	53.0 in	56.7 in	-3.7 in
Legroom, Row 1	42.2 in	43.2 in	-1 in
Headroom, Row 2	38.7 in	40.1 in	-1.4 in
Shoulder Room, Row 2	54.9 in	59.5 in	-4.6 in
Hip Room, Row 2	53.1 in	56.5 in	-3.4 in
Legroom, Row 2	35.9 in	38.3 in	-2.4 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	78.1 in (over 2 rows)	110.7 in (over 3 rows)	-32.6 in
Cargo Volume, Minimum	23.2 ft³	10.3 ft³	12.9 ft³
Cargo Volume, Behind R2	23.2	42.3 ft³	-19.1
Cargo Volume, Maximum	56.4 ft³	95.4 ft³	-39 ft³

2015 Kia Forte Seat Room and Comfort: Pros
Year	Comment
2014	People who need a roomy rear seat don't often buy coupes. So with the Civic Si the coupe is an inch and a half shorter (in both height and length) than the sedan, which translates to nearly three inches less headroom and nearly five inches less legroom in back, making it a very tight fit for even modestly sized adults. Those who do want a roomy rear seat in their coupe will be much happier with the Forte. Compared to the sedan, Kia shaved the Koup's roofline an inch but kept the wheelbase the same. Sitting behind my 5-9 self, I had about an inch of clearance over my head and a hand's-width ahead of my knees. Switch to the four-door body styles, and both cars are about equally roomy in back. But only Forte rear seat passengers enjoy rear air vents--in every body style. see full Kia Forte review

2015 Kia Forte Seat Room and Comfort: Pros
Year	Body/Powertrain	Comment
2014	4dr Sedan 148-horsepower 1.8L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	One of the best of his kind. Almost unbeatable for a car of this price. see full Kia Forte review

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

See TrueDelta's information for all Sedans, Coupes, and Hatchbacks.

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