Model Year | 2021 | 2012 | |
Model | Toyota Highlander | Kia Optima | |
Engine | 2.5L I4 Hybrid DOHC-4v 186 hp@6000 175 lb-ft@4400 |
2.4L I4 Hybrid DOHC-4v 166 hp@6000 154 lb-ft@4250 |
|
Transmission | CVT | 6-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr SUV | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 112.2 in | 110.0 in | 2.2 in |
Length | 194.9 in | 190.7 in | 4.2 in |
Width | 76.0 in | 72.1 in | 3.9 in |
Height | 68.1 in | 57.3 in | 10.8 in |
Curb Weight | 4330 lb. | 3490 lb. | 840 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 17.9 gal. | 18.5 gal. | -0.6 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 41.2 in | 40.0 in | 1.2 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 59.0 in | 57.2 in | 1.8 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 57.2 in | 54.7 in | 2.5 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.0 in | 45.5 in | -3.5 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 39.4 in | 37.6 in | 1.8 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 58.7 in | 55.7 in | 3 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 57.0 in | 54.5 in | 2.5 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 41.0 in | 34.7 in | 6.3 in |
Headroom, Row 3 | 36.1 in | 0.0 in | 36.1 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 | 110.7 in (over 3 rows) | 80.2 in (over 2 rows) | 30.5 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 16.0 ft3 | 15.4 ft3 | 0.6 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 48.4 ft3 | 15.4 | 33 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 84.3 ft3 | 15.4 ft3 | 68.9 ft3 |
2021 Toyota Highlander Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Comment | |
With each redesign (for 2008, 2014, and 2020) Toyota has enlarged the Highlander, yet the crossover's third-row seat remains uncomforably low and tight. For adults to be even passably comfortable in the way-back the second row must be slid forward, rendering legroom there also marginal. Some three-row crossovers have much roomier and more comfortable third-row seats. But if you want to be able to squeeze in eight people, Highlanders with a second-row bench can do this. Because they have significantly narrower third-row seats, the Ford Explorer and Kia Sorento cannot fit three people back there even in a pinch, so in hybrid form the former has a maximum capacity of seven people and the latter only six. (The Sorento PHEV will be able to seat seven.) This noted, if you want your adult passengers to have plenty of room, the practical capacity of each is four people. see full Toyota Highlander review |
2021 Toyota Highlander Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2020 | 4dr SUV 295-horsepower 3.5L V6 8-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
The 3rd row seating is just not for adults at all, and I'm not certain that children would be easy to fit back there as well. I'm not sure what Toyota was thinking, even making the 2020 longer didn't make any difference at all. My one complaint is it is just TOO SMALL! 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.