| Model Year | 2021 | 2008 | |
| Model | Kia Forte | Toyota Highlander | |
| Engine | turbocharged 1.6L I4 DOHC-4v 201 hp@6000 195 lb-ft@1500 |
3.5L V6 DOHC-4v 270 hp@6200 248 lb-ft@4700 |
|
| Transmission | 7-speed automated manual | 5-speed shiftable automatic | |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | |
| Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr SUV | |
| Difference | |||
| Wheelbase | 106.3 in | 109.8 in | -3.5 in |
| Length | 182.7 in | 188.4 in | -5.7 in |
| Width | 70.9 in | 75.2 in | -4.3 in |
| Height | 56.5 in | 68.1 in | -11.6 in |
| Curb Weight | 3012 lb. | 3979 lb. | -967 lb. |
| Fuel Capacity | 14.0 gal. | 19.2 gal. | -5.2 gal. |
| Headroom, Row 1 | 38.8 in | 40.6 in | -1.8 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 | 37.5 in | 40.1 in | -2.6 in |
| Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 55.3 in | 59.5 in | -4.2 in |
| Hip Room, Row 2 | 51.1 in | 56.5 in | -5.4 in |
| Legroom, Row 2 | 35.7 in | 38.3 in | -2.6 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 | 77.9 in (over 2 rows) | 110.7 in (over 3 rows) | -32.8 in |
| Cargo Volume, Minimum | 15.3 ft3 | 10.3 ft3 | 5 ft3 |
| Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 15.3 | 42.3 ft3 | -27 |
| Cargo Volume, Maximum | 15.3 ft3 | 95.4 ft3 | -80.1 ft3 |
None of our members have yet commented on the seat room and comfort of the 2021 Kia Forte.
| 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 |