Model Year | 2014 | 2008 | |
Model | Toyota Highlander | Kia Optima | |
Engine | 3.5L V6 DOHC-4v 270 hp@6200 248 lb-ft@4700 |
2.7L V6 DOHC-4v 185 hp@6000 183 lb-ft@4000 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 5-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr SUV | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 2,789 mm | 2,720 mm | 0 mm |
Length | 4,854 mm | 4,735 mm | 0 mm |
Width | 1,925 mm | 1,806 mm | 0 mm |
Height | 1,730 mm | 1,481 mm | 0 mm |
Curb Weight | 1,920 kg | 1,491 kg | 0 kg |
Fuel Capacity | 73 L | 64 L | 9 L |
Headroom, Row 1 | 1,034 mm | 1,011 mm | 0 mm |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 1,506 mm | 1,450 mm | 0 mm |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 1,453 mm | 1,384 mm | 0 mm |
Legroom, Row 1 | 1,123 mm | 1,110 mm | 0 mm |
Headroom, Row 2 | 1,013 mm | 965 mm | -964 mm |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 1,514 mm | 1,430 mm | 0 mm |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 1,450 mm | 1,389 mm | 0 mm |
Legroom, Row 2 | 975 mm | 960 mm | 15 mm |
Headroom, Row 3 | 912 mm | 0 mm | 912 mm |
Shoulder Room, Row 3 | 1,397 mm | 0 mm | 1 mm |
Hip Room, Row 3 | 1,158 mm | 0 mm | 1 mm |
Legroom, Row 3 | 704 mm | 0 mm | 704 mm |
Total Legroom | 2,802 mm (over 3 rows) | 2,070 mm (over 2 rows) | 0 mm |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 391 L | 419 L | -28 L |
Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 1,198 L | 14.8 | -13.8 L |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 2,370 L | 14.8 | -12.8 L |
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 |
2008 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 |