Model Year | 2013 | 2016 | |
Model | Toyota Highlander | Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
Engine | 3.5L V6 DOHC-4v 270 hp@6200 248 lb-ft@4700 |
2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 155 hp@6000 148 lb-ft@4600 |
|
Transmission | 5-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | FWD | RWD | |
Body | 4dr SUV | 2dr Convertible | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 2,789 mm | 2,309 mm | 0 mm |
Length | 4,785 mm | 3,914 mm | 1 mm |
Width | 1,910 mm | 1,735 mm | 0 mm |
Height | 1,730 mm | 1,234 mm | 0 mm |
Curb Weight | 1,835 kg | 1,080 kg | 0 kg |
Fuel Capacity | 73 L | 45 L | 28 L |
Headroom, Row 1 | 1,031 mm | 950 mm | -949 mm |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 1,516 mm | 1,326 mm | 0 mm |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 1,440 mm | 1,321 mm | 0 mm |
Legroom, Row 1 | 1,097 mm | 1,095 mm | 0 mm |
Headroom, Row 2 | 1,019 mm | 0 mm | 1 mm |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 1,511 mm | 0 mm | 1 mm |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 1,435 mm | 0 mm | 1 mm |
Legroom, Row 2 | 973 mm | 0 mm | 973 mm |
Headroom, Row 3 | 922 mm | 0 mm | 922 mm |
Shoulder Room, Row 3 | 1,397 mm | 0 mm | 1 mm |
Hip Room, Row 3 | 1,074 mm | 0 mm | 1 mm |
Legroom, Row 3 | 742 mm | 0 mm | 742 mm |
Total Legroom | 2,812 mm (over 3 rows) | 1,095 mm (over 1 row) | 1 mm |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 292 L | 130 L | 162 L |
Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 1,198 L | 4.6 | -3.6 L |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 2,701 L | 4.6 | -2.6 L |
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 |
2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Comment | |
The most obvious reason not to buy any Mazda MX-5 Miata? The thing that kept me from buying one: no back seat. The MINI Roadster also had not back seat, while the MINI Convertible and Scion FR-S have vestigial perches on which only my smallest child might sit semi-comfortably. In contrast, I can fit all three of my teenagers into my Mazda RX-8. But if my wife also wants to come along, we have to take our other car. see full Mazda MX-5 Miata review |
None of our members have yet commented on the seat room and comfort of the 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata.