Model Year | 2012 | 2011 | |
Model | Nissan Altima | Toyota Highlander | |
Engine | 3.5L V6 DOHC-4v 270 hp@6000 258 lb-ft@4400 |
3.5L V6 DOHC-4v 270 hp@6200 248 lb-ft@4700 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed shiftable CVT | 5-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr SUV | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 109.3 in | 109.8 in | -0.5 in |
Length | 190.7 in | 188.4 in | 2.3 in |
Width | 70.7 in | 75.2 in | -4.5 in |
Height | 57.9 in | 68.1 in | -10.2 in |
Curb Weight | 3357 lb. | 4045 lb. | -688 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 20.0 gal. | 19.2 gal. | 0.8 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 40.6 in | 40.6 in | 0 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 55.7 in | 59.7 in | -4 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 56.8 in | 56.7 in | 0.1 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 44.1 in | 43.2 in | 0.9 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 36.8 in | 40.1 in | -3.3 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 55.5 in | 59.5 in | -4 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 52.5 in | 56.5 in | -4 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 | 79.9 in (over 2 rows) | 110.7 in (over 3 rows) | -30.8 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 |
2012 Nissan Altima Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Comment | |
2013 | I'm already stuck. In just about every other way aside from fuel economy the Altima is a good, even very good car, yet an unremarkable one. Either this, or a strength must be qualified with a "but." The latter is the case with the front seats. Inspired by the "zero gravity" seats designed by NASA for ultra-long-distance travel, the Altima's buckets feel substantial and fit like a glove. BUT...also check the reasons not to buy an Altima. Move to the back seat, and Nissan's midsize sedan has a clearer advantage. The comfortably padded rear seat cushions in both the Altima and the Fushion provide good thigh support--those in many competitors do not. The Altima's rear seat isn't quite the roomiest, but it is roomier than the Fusion's. see full Nissan Altima review |
2012 Nissan Altima Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Comment | |
The NASA-inspired driver's seat is very comfortable and supportive, BUT its headrest juts so far forward that I had to remove it and reinsert it turned around. This severely compromises safety, but otherwise the headrest presses very uncomfortably against the back of my head. For this reason I doubt I could own an Altima. The average person, with a less vertical neck, won't have this problem. Just be sure to pay attention to this during your test drive. see full Nissan Altima review |
2012 Nissan Altima Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2013 | 4dr Sedan 182-horsepower 2.5L I4 CVT FWD |
The seats are very comfortable, I would have been happy if both the driver and passenger were electronic. The lumbar support is fantastic and the driver seats is 8-way adjustable. For tall people this car will be a great ride. see full Nissan Altima review |
2013 | 4dr Sedan 182-horsepower 2.5L I4 CVT FWD |
Huge back seat for a sedan (legroom) and even three abreast is not that terrible. Big guys did not complain. see full Nissan Altima review |
2012 | 4dr Sedan 175-horsepower 2.5L I4 6-speed shiftable CVT FWD |
Roomy front seat room. see full Nissan Altima review |
2012 Nissan Altima Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2013 | 4dr Sedan 182-horsepower 2.5L I4 CVT FWD |
Kids in the back seat love the limoesque space. I do enjoy anchor locks and the well placed seat belts. There is definitely some intelligent design and practice into everything and anything in this car. see full Nissan Altima review |
2012 | 4dr Sedan 175-horsepower 2.5L I4 6-speed shiftable CVT FWD |
Very comfortable. see full Nissan Altima review |
2011 Toyota Highlander Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
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 |
2010 | 4dr SUV 187-horsepower 2.7L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Lots of room in the second row, including seats that recline and move back & forth. Having the third row as an option for occasional use was really the deciding factor. see full Toyota Highlander review |
2011 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 |