Model Year | 2009 | 2012 | |
Model | Toyota Highlander | Kia Optima | |
Engine | 3.3L V6 Hybrid DOHC-4v 209 hp@5600 212 lb-ft@3600 |
2.4L I4 Hybrid DOHC-4v 166 hp@6000 154 lb-ft@4250 |
|
Transmission | CVT | 6-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | AWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr SUV | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 109.8 in | 110.0 in | -0.2 in |
Length | 188.4 in | 190.7 in | -2.3 in |
Width | 75.2 in | 72.1 in | 3.1 in |
Height | 68.1 in | 57.3 in | 10.8 in |
Curb Weight | 4508 lb. | 3490 lb. | 1018 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 19.2 gal. | 18.5 gal. | 0.7 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 40.6 in | 40.0 in | 0.6 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 59.7 in | 57.2 in | 2.5 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 56.7 in | 54.7 in | 2 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 43.2 in | 45.5 in | -2.3 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 | 54.5 in | 2 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 38.3 in | 34.7 in | 3.6 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) | 80.2 in (over 2 rows) | 30.5 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 10.3 ft3 | 15.4 ft3 | -5.1 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 42.3 ft3 | 15.4 | 26.9 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 95.4 ft3 | 15.4 ft3 | 80 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 |
2012 Kia Optima Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Comment | |
The Optima's rear seat is comfortably shaped, and includes plenty of room for passengers to stretch out their legs. Heads are a different matter. Though I'm only 5-9, if I still had much hair it would have been brushing the headliner. The Fusion provides a little more rear headroom, but less knee room. Buyers seeking a rear seat suitable for large adults won't be happy with this aspect of either car. see full Kia Optima review |
None of our members have yet commented on the seat room and comfort of the 2012 Kia Optima.