Model Year | 2014 | 2012 | |
Model | Mazda Mazda3 | Toyota Highlander | |
Engine | 2.5L I4 DOHC-4v 184 hp@5700 185 lb-ft@3250 |
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 | 175.6 in | 188.4 in | -12.8 in |
Width | 70.7 in | 75.2 in | -4.5 in |
Height | 57.3 in | 68.1 in | -10.8 in |
Curb Weight | 3002 lb. | 4045 lb. | -1043 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 13.2 gal. | 19.2 gal. | -6 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 38.6 in | 40.6 in | -2 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 57.2 in | 59.7 in | -2.5 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 55.5 in | 56.7 in | -1.2 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.2 in | 43.2 in | -1 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.6 in | 40.1 in | -2.5 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 54.4 in | 59.5 in | -5.1 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 53.5 in | 56.5 in | -3 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 35.8 in | 38.3 in | -2.5 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 | 78 in (over 2 rows) | 110.7 in (over 3 rows) | -32.7 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 20.2 ft3 | 10.3 ft3 | 9.9 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 20.2 | 42.3 ft3 | -22.1 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 47.1 ft3 | 95.4 ft3 | -48.3 ft3 |
2014 Mazda Mazda3 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Comment | |
The Mazda3 also isn't a clear choice if a roomy rear seat is a top priority. Sitting behind my 5-9 self, I had little room to spare. The rear seat in the Ford Focus is at least as tight, but has a more comfortably positioned cushion. A Honda Civic, Nissan Sentra, or Toyota Corolla has far more rear seat room. If you like how the Mazda3 looks and drives, but need more rear seat legroom, the Mazda6 offers another three inches for another $2,100 to $3,700 (depending on trim level). see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2014 Mazda Mazda3 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2013 | 4dr Hatch 155-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Nice contoured, form fitting seats offer plenty of support, quite comfortable. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2014 Mazda Mazda3 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2013 | 4dr Hatch 155-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Rear seat a bit tight, needs more room back there. see full Mazda Mazda3 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 |