Model Year | 2009 | 2014 | |
Model | Toyota Highlander | Mazda Mazda3 | |
Engine | 3.5L V6 DOHC-4v 270 hp@6200 248 lb-ft@4700 |
2.5L I4 DOHC-4v 184 hp@5700 185 lb-ft@3250 |
|
Transmission | 5-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr SUV | 4dr Hatch | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 109.8 in | 106.3 in | 3.5 in |
Length | 188.4 in | 175.6 in | 12.8 in |
Width | 75.2 in | 70.7 in | 4.5 in |
Height | 68.1 in | 57.3 in | 10.8 in |
Curb Weight | 3979 lb. | 3002 lb. | 977 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 19.2 gal. | 13.2 gal. | 6 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 40.6 in | 38.6 in | 2 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 59.7 in | 57.2 in | 2.5 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 56.7 in | 55.5 in | 1.2 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 43.2 in | 42.2 in | 1 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 40.1 in | 37.6 in | 2.5 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 59.5 in | 54.4 in | 5.1 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 56.5 in | 53.5 in | 3 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 38.3 in | 35.8 in | 2.5 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) | 78 in (over 2 rows) | 32.7 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 10.3 ft3 | 20.2 ft3 | -9.9 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 42.3 ft3 | 20.2 | 22.1 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 95.4 ft3 | 47.1 ft3 | 48.3 ft3 |
2009 Toyota Highlander Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2010 | 4dr SUV 187-horsepower 2.7L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Lots of room in the second row, including seats that recline and move back & forth. Having the third row as an option for occasional use was really the deciding factor. 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 | 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 |
2009 Toyota Highlander Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
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 |
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 |
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 |
2014 Mazda Mazda3 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Comment | |
The Mazda3 also isn't a clear choice if a roomy rear seat is a top priority. Sitting behind my 5-9 self, I had little room to spare. The rear seat in the Ford Focus is at least as tight, but has a more comfortably positioned cushion. A Honda Civic, Nissan Sentra, or Toyota Corolla has far more rear seat room. If you like how the Mazda3 looks and drives, but need more rear seat legroom, the Mazda6 offers another three inches for another $2,100 to $3,700 (depending on trim level). see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2014 Mazda Mazda3 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2013 | 4dr Hatch 155-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Nice contoured, form fitting seats offer plenty of support, quite comfortable. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2014 Mazda Mazda3 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2013 | 4dr Hatch 155-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Rear seat a bit tight, needs more room back there. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |