Model Year | 2014 | 2013 | |
Model | Mazda Mazda6 | Toyota Highlander | |
Engine | 2.5L I4 DOHC-4v 137 kW@5700 251 Nm@3250 |
3.5L V6 DOHC-4v 201 kW@6200 336 Nm@4700 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 5-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr SUV | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 2,830 mm | 2,789 mm | 0 mm |
Length | 4,864 mm | 4,785 mm | 0 mm |
Width | 1,839 mm | 1,910 mm | 0 mm |
Height | 1,450 mm | 1,730 mm | 0 mm |
Curb Weight | 1,466 kg | 1,835 kg | 0 kg |
Fuel Capacity | 62 L | 73 L | -11 L |
Headroom, Row 1 | 975 mm | 1,031 mm | 974 mm |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 1,450 mm | 1,516 mm | 0 mm |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 1,425 mm | 1,440 mm | 0 mm |
Legroom, Row 1 | 1,072 mm | 1,097 mm | 0 mm |
Headroom, Row 2 | 942 mm | 1,019 mm | 941 mm |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 1,410 mm | 1,511 mm | 0 mm |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 1,425 mm | 1,435 mm | 0 mm |
Legroom, Row 2 | 983 mm | 973 mm | 10 mm |
Headroom, Row 3 | 0 mm | 922 mm | -922 mm |
Shoulder Room, Row 3 | 0 mm | 1,397 mm | -1 mm |
Hip Room, Row 3 | 0 mm | 1,074 mm | -1 mm |
Legroom, Row 3 | 0 mm | 742 mm | -742 mm |
Total Legroom | 2,055 mm (over 2 rows) | 2,812 mm (over 3 rows) | 0 mm |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 419 L | 292 L | 127 L |
Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 14.8 | 1,198 L | 13.8 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 14.8 | 2,701 L | 12.8 |
2014 Mazda Mazda6 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Comment | |
This one, again borrowed from the earlier review, won't be an issue with most potential buyers: The Mazda6's svelte, athletically proportioned body comes at a typical price: rear seat room, as in the Ford Fusion, is merely adequate. Sitting behind my 5-9 self, my knees and head have only an inch or two of clearance, my shins none. Among major competitors, only the Chevrolet Malibu has a tighter rear seat. To carve out even this much room beneath the plunging rear roofline the new Mazda6's rear seat cushion is slightly undersized and positioned too low. That in the Fusion is more supportive. A deal killer? Unless space for large adults is a priority, no. If, on the other hand, space for large adults is a priority, then the Honda Accord and VW Passat are better bets. Even for small passengers, the Mazda6 Sport's rear seat has a key shortcoming. Unlike in the Touring and Grand Touring, there's no rear air vent to help cool the aft cabin in the summer. see full Mazda Mazda6 review |
2014 Mazda Mazda6 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2013 | 4dr Sedan 170-horsepower 2.5L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
I am six feet tall with a long torso and legs, so I usually have the seat pretty far back. With the front seat in a comfortable position, the rear seats have plenty of leg and head room for adults, even more so for my kids. see full Mazda Mazda6 review |
2013 Toyota Highlander Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Comment | |
Toyota replaced the 2013 Highlander's rear struts with control arms to enable a three-inch-wider third-row seat, and then used the extra space to cram in a third seating position. So if you need seats for eight people, only the Highlander will do in this threesome. A top-of-the-line Santa Fe only seats six. Other eight-pass options include the Honda Pilot and GM's large crossovers. But those three people best be small, as the Highlander doesn't have nearly as much rear legroom as the Pathfinder or the Santa Fe. To fit children of even middling size in the third row it's necessary to slide the second row well forward. The second row seat cushion is mounted too low for adult comfort. The Nissan's second row suffers from a similar shortcoming, but the Hyundai's does not. see full Toyota Highlander review |
2013 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 |
2013 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 |