Model Year | 2009 | 2006 | |
Model | Toyota Highlander | Ford Taurus | |
Engine | |||
Transmission | |||
Drivetrain | |||
Body | 4dr SUV | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 109.8 in | 108.5 in | 1.3 in |
Length | 188.4 in | 197.6 in | -9.2 in |
Width | 75.2 in | 73.0 in | 2.2 in |
Height | 68.1 in | 56.1 in | 12 in |
Curb Weight | 3847 lb. | 3343 lb. | 504 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 19.2 gal. | 18.0 gal. | 1.2 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 40.6 in | 40.0 in | 0.6 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 59.7 in | 57.3 in | 2.4 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 56.7 in | 54.5 in | 2.2 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 43.2 in | 42.2 in | 1 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 40.1 in | 38.1 in | 2 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 59.5 in | 56.6 in | 2.9 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 56.5 in | 55.7 in | 0.8 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 38.3 in | 38.9 in | -0.6 in |
Headroom, Row 3 | 36.3 in | 0.0 in | 36.3 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 3 | 55.0 in | 0.0 in | 55 in |
Hip Room, Row 3 | 42.3 in | 0.0 in | 42.3 in |
Legroom, Row 3 | 29.2 in | 0.0 in | 29.2 in |
Total Legroom | 110.7 in (over 3 rows) | 81.1 in (over 2 rows) | 29.6 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 10.3 ft3 | 17.0 ft3 | -6.7 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 42.3 ft3 | 17.0 | 25.3 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 95.4 ft3 | 17.0 ft3 | 78.4 ft3 |
2009 Toyota Highlander Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
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 |
2008 | 4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Limo-like leg room and captains chairs see full Toyota Highlander review |
2008 | 4dr SUV 209-horsepower 3.3L V6 Hybrid CVT AWD |
The widest seats of all Midsize SUVs (X5, Q7, Tourag, Cayenne, etc.) see full Toyota Highlander review |
2008 | 4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Third row seating and 2nd row has more leg room than the Murano by about 1". see full Toyota Highlander review |
2008 | 4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
4 cup holders see full Toyota Highlander review |
2009 Toyota Highlander Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2009 | 4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Only two seats in the 2nd row, very small leg room in the 3rd row. see full Toyota Highlander review |
2009 | 4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
seats were hard and flat. Even top of the line luxury model seats were a big disappointment . . . one of the principal reasons we did not choose this vehicle see full Toyota Highlander review |
2008 | 4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
3rd row seat is full bench seat and individual side can not be raised or lowered independently. Access and available room much less than MDX. see full Toyota Highlander review |
2006 Ford Taurus Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2006 | 4dr Sedan 153-horsepower 3.0L V6 4-speed automatic FWD |
Seats are above average in comfort. see full Ford Taurus review |
2006 | 4dr Sedan 153-horsepower 3.0L V6 4-speed automatic FWD |
Front seat room is above average. see full Ford Taurus review |
2005 | 4dr Wagon 153-horsepower 3.0L V6 4-speed automatic FWD |
We chose this wagon initially because it was the only sedan we could find that fit 2 carseats and an adult, or 3 carseats comfortably in the rear seat. Also, the two additional seats in the cargo area are nice if there are more kids along. see full Ford Taurus review |
2005 | 4dr Wagon 153-horsepower 3.0L V6 4-speed automatic FWD |
Great for long drives, lots of little "smart" features. see full Ford Taurus review |