Model Year | 2013 | 2006 | |
Model | Toyota Highlander | Ford Explorer | |
Engine | 3.5L V6 DOHC-4v 201 kW@6200 336 Nm@4700 |
4.6L V8 OHC-3v 218 kW@5750 407 Nm@3950 |
|
Transmission | 5-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed automatic | |
Drivetrain | AWD | 4WD w/low range | |
Body | 4dr SUV | 4dr SUV | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 2,789 mm | 2,888 mm | 0 mm |
Length | 4,785 mm | 4,912 mm | 0 mm |
Width | 1,910 mm | 1,872 mm | 0 mm |
Height | 1,730 mm | 1,849 mm | 0 mm |
Curb Weight | 1,935 kg | 2,135 kg | -1 kg |
Fuel Capacity | 73 L | 85 L | -12 L |
Headroom, Row 1 | 1,031 mm | 1,011 mm | 0 mm |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 1,516 mm | 1,499 mm | 0 mm |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 1,440 mm | 1,407 mm | 0 mm |
Legroom, Row 1 | 1,097 mm | 1,077 mm | 0 mm |
Headroom, Row 2 | 1,019 mm | 983 mm | -982 mm |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 1,511 mm | 1,496 mm | 0 mm |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 1,435 mm | 1,410 mm | 0 mm |
Legroom, Row 2 | 973 mm | 937 mm | 36 mm |
Headroom, Row 3 | 922 mm | 950 mm | -28 mm |
Shoulder Room, Row 3 | 1,397 mm | 1,349 mm | 0 mm |
Hip Room, Row 3 | 1,074 mm | 1,151 mm | 0 mm |
Legroom, Row 3 | 742 mm | 886 mm | -144 mm |
Total Legroom | 2,812 mm (over 3 rows) | 2,901 mm (over 3 rows) | 0 mm |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 292 L | 385 L | -93 L |
Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 1,198 L | 1,243 L | 0 L |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 2,701 L | 2,370 L | 0 L |
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 |
2006 Ford Explorer Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2006 | 4dr SUV 292-horsepower 4.6L V8 6-speed automatic 4WD w/low range |
Have driven from Maryland to Florida and back a couple of times, as well as 3-4 hours trips routinely. Seats are comfortable with no backache and don't have to stop every couple of hours due to fatigue. Could drive and be comfortable all day long. see full Ford Explorer review |
2005 | 4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range |
Lots of room. Great even in the 3rd rear bench see full Ford Explorer review |
2005 | 4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic RWD |
Plenty of leg room see full Ford Explorer review |