Model Year | 2014 | 2011 | |
Model | Toyota Highlander | Ford Taurus | |
Engine | |||
Transmission | |||
Drivetrain | |||
Body | 4dr SUV | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 109.8 in | 112.9 in | -3.1 in |
Length | 191.1 in | 202.9 in | -11.8 in |
Width | 75.8 in | 76.2 in | -0.4 in |
Height | 68.1 in | 60.7 in | 7.4 in |
Curb Weight | 4134 lb. | 4015 lb. | 119 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 19.2 gal. | 20.0 gal. | -0.8 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 40.7 in | 39.0 in | 1.7 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 59.3 in | 57.9 in | 1.4 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 57.2 in | 56.3 in | 0.9 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 44.2 in | 41.9 in | 2.3 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 39.9 in | 37.8 in | 2.1 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 59.6 in | 56.9 in | 2.7 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 57.1 in | 55.8 in | 1.3 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 38.4 in | 38.1 in | 0.3 in |
Headroom, Row 3 | 35.9 in | 0.0 in | 35.9 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 3 | 55.0 in | 0.0 in | 55 in |
Hip Room, Row 3 | 45.6 in | 0.0 in | 45.6 in |
Legroom, Row 3 | 27.7 in | 0.0 in | 27.7 in |
Total Legroom | 110.3 in (over 3 rows) | 80 in (over 2 rows) | 30.3 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 13.8 ft3 | 20.1 ft3 | -6.3 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 42.3 ft3 | 20.1 | 22.2 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 83.7 ft3 | 20.1 ft3 | 63.6 ft3 |
2014 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 |
2014 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 |
2011 Ford Taurus Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2011 | 4dr Sedan 263-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Three adult room in the back seat - comfortably! see full Ford Taurus review |
2010 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 365hp 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
The front and rear seats are very comfortable. The back can be cramped with three passengers. The SL has heated front and rear seats which works great and are needed as the car heater is very slow to initially get warm. The heated steering wheel is also a nice touch. The seat fabric is soft but the light color might not wear well. see full Ford Taurus review |
2010 | 4dr Sedan 263-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Leather appointed seats are like sitting in an easy chair. see full Ford Taurus review |
2010 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 365hp 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Independently adjustable lumbar and cushion supports, individual front seat heaters, coolers and massagers for both the seat cushion and the back. Need I say more? see full Ford Taurus review |
2011 Ford Taurus Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2012 | 0 263-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
The front seats are horrible- similar to airline seats, and no amount of adjusting or adding cushions helped. I'm 6'2 and my wife is 5'3.and neither of us could get comfortable. After 2 weeks, it was actually painful to drive this car. see full Ford Taurus review |
2012 | 0 263-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Not enough headroom for adults in the rear seat. Seat comfort is as poor as the front seats. see full Ford Taurus review |