Model Year | 2008 | 2006 | |
Model | Toyota Highlander | Kia Optima | |
Engine | |||
Transmission | |||
Drivetrain | |||
Body | 4dr SUV | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 109.8 in | 106.3 in | 3.5 in |
Length | 188.4 in | 185.8 in | 2.6 in |
Width | 75.2 in | 71.5 in | 3.7 in |
Height | 68.1 in | 55.5 in | 12.6 in |
Curb Weight | 3979 lb. | 3281 lb. | 698 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 19.2 gal. | 17.2 gal. | 2 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 40.6 in | 39.0 in | 1.6 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 59.7 in | 56.9 in | 2.8 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 56.7 in | 55.8 in | 0.9 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 43.2 in | 43.3 in | -0.1 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 40.1 in | 37.6 in | 2.5 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 59.5 in | 55.7 in | 3.8 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 56.5 in | 54.4 in | 2.1 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 38.3 in | 36.2 in | 2.1 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) | 79.5 in (over 2 rows) | 31.2 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 10.3 ft3 | 13.6 ft3 | -3.3 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 42.3 ft3 | 13.6 | 28.7 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 95.4 ft3 | 13.6 ft3 | 81.8 ft3 |
2008 Toyota Highlander Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
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 |
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 Toyota Highlander Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
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 |
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 |
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 Kia Optima Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 161-horsepower 2.4L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Spacious enough to allow my 84 year old mother to get in and out without injuring herself! see full Kia Optima review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 161-horsepower 2.4L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
After driving the Optima for five days straight for 10+ hours per day, other than the occasional stop, on a road trip, not one time did I get a sore back or thighs. see full Kia Optima review |