| Model Year | 2008 | 2009 | |
| Model | Toyota Highlander | Lexus IS | |
| Engine | |||
| Transmission | |||
| Drivetrain | |||
| Body | 4dr SUV | 4dr Sedan | |
| Difference | |||
| Wheelbase | 109.8 in | 107.5 in | 2.3 in |
| Length | 188.4 in | 180.1 in | 8.3 in |
| Width | 75.2 in | 70.9 in | 4.3 in |
| Height | 68.1 in | 56.1 in | 12 in |
| Curb Weight | 3979 lb. | 3455 lb. | 524 lb. |
| Fuel Capacity | 19.2 gal. | 17.2 gal. | 2 gal. |
| Headroom, Row 1 | 40.6 in | 37.2 in | 3.4 in |
| Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 59.7 in | 54.4 in | 5.3 in |
| Hip Room, Row 1 | 56.7 in | 54.1 in | 2.6 in |
| Legroom, Row 1 | 43.2 in | 43.9 in | -0.7 in |
| Headroom, Row 2 | 40.1 in | 36.7 in | 3.4 in |
| Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 59.5 in | 52.7 in | 6.8 in |
| Hip Room, Row 2 | 56.5 in | 53.7 in | 2.8 in |
| Legroom, Row 2 | 38.3 in | 30.6 in | 7.7 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) | 74.5 in (over 2 rows) | 36.2 in |
| Cargo Volume, Minimum | 10.3 ft3 | 13.0 ft3 | -2.7 ft3 |
| Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 42.3 ft3 | 13.0 | 29.3 ft3 |
| Cargo Volume, Maximum | 95.4 ft3 | 13.0 ft3 | 82.4 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 |
| 2009 Lexus IS Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
| Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
| 2010 | 4dr Sedan 204-horsepower 2.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Lousey seats: uncomfortable and build is cheap and not conforming to human posture. But, seems last several years most cars have lousey, cheap and uncomfortable seats. see full Lexus IS review |
| 2010 | 4dr Sedan 204-horsepower 2.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
Legroom felt narrow for passenger over tranny tunnel. see full Lexus IS review |
| 2009 | 4dr Sedan 204-horsepower 2.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Cramped rear seat. Minimal knee and leg room when there is a front driver/passenger. Minimal room for the toddler when sitting in a car seat. Seats 2 small kids at best. see full Lexus IS review |
| 2009 | 4dr Sedan 204-horsepower 2.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
Yeah, the back is small but still big enough to handle for the poor rear seat passengers. see full Lexus IS review |
| 2009 | 4dr Sedan 306-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
This is a small car. Interior seating is comfortable but tight. Unless the driver is very short, forget about the back seat. see full Lexus IS review |
| 2009 | 4dr Sedan 306-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
Don't buy this car if you ever plan on carrying four adults. see full Lexus IS review |
| 2008 | 4dr Sedan 204-horsepower 2.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
The rear seats are very comfortable, but TINY. see full Lexus IS review |
| 2008 | 4dr Sedan 306-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
The rear seat really is too small for adults. The front seats have to be moved forward for adults to sit in the back. see full Lexus IS review |
| 2008 | 4dr Sedan 416-horsepower 5.0L V8 8-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
Not enough rear legroom. see full Lexus IS review |
| 2008 | 4dr Sedan 204-horsepower 2.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Small rear seat. More like a coupe with 4 doors. see full Lexus IS review |