Model Year | 2020 | 2019 | |
Model | Toyota Highlander | Mazda Mazda6 | |
Engine | 3.5L V6 DOHC-4v 295 hp@6600 263 lb-ft@4700 |
turbocharged 2.5L I4 DOHC-4v 250 hp@5000 310 lb-ft@2000 |
|
Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr SUV | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 112.2 in | 111.4 in | 0.8 in |
Length | 194.9 in | 191.5 in | 3.4 in |
Width | 76.0 in | 72.4 in | 3.6 in |
Height | 68.1 in | 57.1 in | 11 in |
Curb Weight | 4145 lb. | 3580 lb. | 565 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 17.9 gal. | 16.4 gal. | 1.5 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 41.2 in | 38.4 in | 2.8 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 59.0 in | 57.1 in | 1.9 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 57.2 in | 56.1 in | 1.1 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.0 in | 42.2 in | -0.2 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 39.4 in | 37.1 in | 2.3 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 58.7 in | 55.5 in | 3.2 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 57.0 in | 56.1 in | 0.9 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 41.0 in | 38.7 in | 2.3 in |
Headroom, Row 3 | 36.1 in | 0.0 in | 36.1 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 3 | 55.0 in | 0.0 in | 55 in |
Hip Room, Row 3 | 45.6 in | 0.0 in | 45.6 in |
Legroom, Row 3 | 27.7 in | 0.0 in | 27.7 in |
Total Legroom | 110.7 in (over 3 rows) | 80.9 in (over 2 rows) | 29.8 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 16.0 ft3 | 14.8 ft3 | 1.2 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 48.4 ft3 | 14.8 | 33.6 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 84.3 ft3 | 14.8 ft3 | 69.5 ft3 |
2020 Toyota Highlander Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Comment | |
With each redesign (for 2008, 2014, and 2020) Toyota has enlarged the Highlander, yet the crossover's third-row seat remains uncomforably low and tight. For adults to be even passably comfortable in the way-back the second row must be slid forward, rendering legroom there also marginal. Some three-row crossovers have much roomier and more comfortable third-row seats. But if you want to be able to squeeze in eight people, Highlanders with a second-row bench can do this. Because they have significantly narrower third-row seats, the Ford Explorer and Kia Sorento cannot fit three people back there even in a pinch, so in hybrid form the former has a maximum capacity of seven people and the latter only six. (The Sorento PHEV will be able to seat seven.) This noted, if you want your adult passengers to have plenty of room, the practical capacity of each is four people. see full Toyota Highlander review |
2020 Toyota Highlander Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2020 | 4dr SUV 295-horsepower 3.5L V6 8-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
The 3rd row seating is just not for adults at all, and I'm not certain that children would be easy to fit back there as well. I'm not sure what Toyota was thinking, even making the 2020 longer didn't make any difference at all. My one complaint is it is just TOO SMALL! see full Toyota Highlander review |
2019 Mazda Mazda6 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Comment | |
2019 | The Mazda6 has one clear disadvantage compared to the Honda Accord: a much less roomy (if comfortable) rear seat. There are at least three more inches of knee room in the back seat of the Honda, a dramatic difference. Mazda redesigned the Mazda6's front seats for 2018, aiming to make them wider and more comfortable. I found them reasonably comfortable, but not exceptional. The side bolsters are on the small side for a car with some sporting pretensions. see full Mazda Mazda6 review |
2019 Mazda Mazda6 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2019 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 250hp 2.5L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
The Mazda6 has a smaller rear seat, no way around it. That being said, I find it to be more richly appointed than the Legacy's with the same great materials as up-front and cool touches: the USB ports are in the center armrest with a covered storage cubby, and the rear seat heaters are 3-level with controls in the armrest. These touches are reminiscent of very high-end luxury cars and are more convenient locations in general. The Mazda's heated rear seats also seem to be stronger than the Legacy's. --- The seats follow the same theme as the front in both cars- softer/plusher in the Legacy, firmer but well shaped in the Mazda. --- The front seat-backs are more upscale in the Mazda, and the rear seat of the Mazda has ambient lighting in the door pockets (unlike the Legacy). Overall, the rear cabin of the Mazda is snugger but remains comfortable while carrying on the quality and elegance of the front. For space though, the Legacy still grabs a Win here. see full Mazda Mazda6 review |