Model Year | 2008 | 2015 | |
Model | Mazda RX-8 | Toyota Highlander | |
Engine | |||
Transmission | |||
Drivetrain | |||
Body | 4dr Coupe | 4dr SUV | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 106.4 in | 109.8 in | -3.4 in |
Length | 174.3 in | 191.1 in | -16.8 in |
Width | 69.7 in | 75.8 in | -6.1 in |
Height | 52.8 in | 68.1 in | -15.3 in |
Curb Weight | 3045 lb. | 4134 lb. | -1089 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 15.9 gal. | 19.2 gal. | -3.3 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 38.2 in | 40.7 in | -2.5 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 54.8 in | 59.3 in | -4.5 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 53.3 in | 57.2 in | -3.9 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.7 in | 44.2 in | -1.5 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 36.8 in | 39.9 in | -3.1 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 54.9 in | 59.6 in | -4.7 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 48.1 in | 57.1 in | -9 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 32.2 in | 38.4 in | -6.2 in |
Headroom, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 35.9 in | -35.9 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 55.0 in | -55 in |
Hip Room, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 45.6 in | -45.6 in |
Legroom, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 27.7 in | -27.7 in |
Total Legroom | 74.9 in (over 2 rows) | 110.3 in (over 3 rows) | -35.4 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 7.6 ft3 | 13.8 ft3 | -6.2 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 7.6 | 42.3 ft3 | -34.7 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 7.6 ft3 | 83.7 ft3 | -76.1 ft3 |
2008 Mazda RX-8 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2009 | 4dr Coupe 232-horsepower 1.3L R2 6-speed manual RWD |
Very comfortable Recaro seats, even on long drives. Larger people may not be comfortable so beware. see full Mazda RX-8 review |
2009 | 4dr Coupe 232-horsepower 1.3L R2 6-speed manual RWD |
Given the RX-8's compact dimensions, you wouldn't expect rear seat space to be a strength. But thanks to clever packaging and a subtly high roofline, there is actually space for real adults in back, provided those up front are short or move their seats up somewhat. With a pair of pickup-like rear-opening "half" rear doors, ingress and egress for rear seat passengers is a snap. For those who want a sports car but have children or need to transport a few friends occassionally, the RX-8 fits the bill nicely. see full Mazda RX-8 review |
2007 | 4dr Coupe 212-horsepower 1.3L R2 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
Excellent for long trips. Even though I suffer from spinal stenosis, I did a two-day 1800 mile trip with no troubles and felt great on arrival. Most modern cars have comfortable seats, but these also make me feel like I am part of the car. see full Mazda RX-8 review |
2015 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 |
None of our members have yet commented on the seat room and comfort of the 2015 Toyota Highlander.