Toyota Highlander (2012) vs. Mazda Mazda6 (2006) Specs

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2012 Toyota Highlander and 2006 Mazda Mazda6 Specifications

Model Year	2012	2006
Model	Toyota Highlander	Mazda Mazda6
Engine	3.5L V6 DOHC-4v 270 hp@6200 248 lb-ft@4700	turbocharged 2.3L I4 DOHC-4v 274 hp@5500 280 lb-ft@3000
Transmission	5-speed shiftable automatic	6-speed manual
Drivetrain	AWD	AWD
Body	4dr SUV	4dr Wagon
			Difference
Wheelbase	109.8 in	105.3 in	4.5 in
Length	188.4 in	187.8 in	0.6 in
Width	75.2 in	70.1 in	5.1 in
Height	68.1 in	57.3 in	10.8 in
Curb Weight	4266 lb.	3706 lb.	560 lb.
Fuel Capacity	19.2 gal.	18.0 gal.	1.2 gal.
Headroom, Row 1	40.6 in	38.7 in	1.9 in
Shoulder Room, Row 1	59.7 in	56.1 in	3.6 in
Hip Room, Row 1	56.7 in	54.7 in	2 in
Legroom, Row 1	43.2 in	42.3 in	0.9 in
Headroom, Row 2	40.1 in	38.6 in	1.5 in
Shoulder Room, Row 2	59.5 in	54.9 in	4.6 in
Hip Room, Row 2	56.5 in	54.1 in	2.4 in
Legroom, Row 2	38.3 in	36.5 in	1.8 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)	78.8 in (over 2 rows)	31.9 in
Cargo Volume, Minimum	10.3 ft³	33.7 ft³	-23.4 ft³
Cargo Volume, Behind R2	42.3 ft³	33.7	8.6 ft³
Cargo Volume, Maximum	95.4 ft³	60.5 ft³	34.9 ft³

2012 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

2012 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
2011	4dr SUV 245-horsepower 3.5L V6 Hybrid CVT AWD	Third row minimal legroom see full Toyota Highlander review

2006 Mazda Mazda6 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros
Year	Body/Powertrain	Comment
2006	4dr Sedan turbocharged 274hp 2.3L I4 6-speed manual AWD	It took a while for me to adjust the seat properly, but after I did, I have to say the seating position and comfort rivaled many European sedans I have driven. I was not used to this level of comfort from an Asian-designed automobile. see full Mazda Mazda6 review
2005	4dr Sedan 160-horsepower 2.3L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD	I can fit three car seats in it. I can put my seat as far back as I need to and most adults can still sit comfortably in the back. see full Mazda Mazda6 review
2005	4dr Sedan 160-horsepower 2.3L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD	Large enough for a six foot fiver and still room in the back. see full Mazda Mazda6 review

2006 Mazda Mazda6 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons
Year	Body/Powertrain	Comment
2007	4dr Sedan 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD	front seat is designed to short for taller people. see full Mazda Mazda6 review
2006	4dr Sedan turbocharged 274hp 2.3L I4 6-speed manual AWD	For short trips the Speed6 is fine. Longer than 2 hours in the car kills my back. Maybe the seats are cheaper in the Sport vs. the GT. Fortunately I've only taken 1 or 2 very long trips in it. see full Mazda Mazda6 review
2006	4dr Sedan turbocharged 274hp 2.3L I4 6-speed manual AWD	Too small for adults. see full Mazda Mazda6 review

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