Model Year | 2013 | 2008 | |
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 | 3946 lb. | 3455 lb. | 491 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 |
2013 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 |
2013 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 |
2012 | 4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
I am 6 foot tall, and there is plenty of head and leg room in the driving position. Easy access as well. see full Toyota Highlander review |
2013 Toyota Highlander Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2012 | 4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
3rd row seats are useless to me. Too little room for adults. Should have been an option for families with small children. With 3rd row seating, you lose storage space. see full Toyota Highlander review |
2008 Lexus IS Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 306-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
The seats are very comfortable for the size car. see full Lexus IS review |
2008 Lexus IS Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
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 |
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 |
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 416-horsepower 5.0L V8 8-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
Not enough rear legroom. 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 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 |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 204-horsepower 2.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Even large children will struggle to fit. see full Lexus IS review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 204-horsepower 2.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
We do not have small children, and only small children could fit back there. see full Lexus IS review |