Model Year | 2013 | 2012 | |
Model | Toyota Highlander | Dodge Grand Caravan | |
Engine | 3.5L V6 DOHC-4v 270 hp@6200 248 lb-ft@4700 |
3.6L V6 DOHC-4v 283 hp@6400 260 lb-ft@4400 |
|
Transmission | 5-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr SUV | 4dr Minivan, ext. | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 109.8 in | 121.2 in | -11.4 in |
Length | 188.4 in | 202.5 in | -14.1 in |
Width | 75.2 in | 78.7 in | -3.5 in |
Height | 68.1 in | 67.9 in | 0.2 in |
Curb Weight | 4045 lb. | 4510 lb. | -465 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 19.2 gal. | 20.0 gal. | -0.8 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 40.6 in | 39.8 in | 0.8 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 59.7 in | 63.7 in | -4 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 56.7 in | 58.4 in | -1.7 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 43.2 in | 40.7 in | 2.5 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 40.1 in | 39.3 in | 0.8 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 59.5 in | 64.1 in | -4.6 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 56.5 in | 65.0 in | -8.5 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 38.3 in | 36.5 in | 1.8 in |
Headroom, Row 3 | 36.3 in | 37.9 in | -1.6 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 3 | 55.0 in | 62.0 in | -7 in |
Hip Room, Row 3 | 42.3 in | 48.7 in | -6.4 in |
Legroom, Row 3 | 29.2 in | 32.7 in | -3.5 in |
Total Legroom | 110.7 in (over 3 rows) | 109.9 in (over 3 rows) | 0.8 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 10.3 ft3 | 33.0 ft3 | -22.7 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 42.3 ft3 | 83.3 ft3 | -41 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 95.4 ft3 | 143.8 ft3 | -48.4 ft3 |
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 |
2012 Dodge Grand Caravan Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2013 | 4dr Minivan, ext. 283-horsepower 3.6L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
I dislike the current emphasis on hard seats (and this applies to most other brands as well- Toyotas and Hondas are the worst). Enthusiast magazines can rave all they want about great support, etc, but the softer seats in friend's '92 Caravan are more comfortable than these in my 2013. I have an SXT model, which is sort of mid level in Grand Caravans, and it does have a power seat. However, that is an OPTION, and it should be standard above the SE model. see full Dodge Grand Caravan review |
2012 | 4dr Minivan, ext. 283-horsepower 3.6L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Nice car, but front seats could be better. Close to a deal breaker. see full Dodge Grand Caravan review |