Model Year | 2008 | 2009 | |
Model | Toyota Highlander | Mazda RX-8 | |
Engine | 3.5L V6 DOHC-4v 270 hp@6200 248 lb-ft@4700 |
1.3L R2 OHV-2v 212 hp@7500 159 lb-ft@5500 |
|
Transmission | 5-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | FWD | RWD | |
Body | 4dr SUV | 4dr Coupe | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 109.8 in | 106.4 in | 3.4 in |
Length | 188.4 in | 175.6 in | 12.8 in |
Width | 75.2 in | 69.7 in | 5.5 in |
Height | 68.1 in | 52.8 in | 15.3 in |
Curb Weight | 3979 lb. | 3094 lb. | 885 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 19.2 gal. | 15.9 gal. | 3.3 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 40.6 in | 38.2 in | 2.4 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 59.7 in | 54.8 in | 4.9 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 56.7 in | 53.3 in | 3.4 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 43.2 in | 42.7 in | 0.5 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 40.1 in | 36.8 in | 3.3 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 59.5 in | 54.9 in | 4.6 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 56.5 in | 48.1 in | 8.4 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 38.3 in | 32.2 in | 6.1 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) | 74.9 in (over 2 rows) | 35.8 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 10.3 ft3 | 7.6 ft3 | 2.7 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 42.3 ft3 | 7.6 | 34.7 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 95.4 ft3 | 7.6 ft3 | 87.8 ft3 |
2008 Toyota Highlander Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
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 |
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 Toyota Highlander Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
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 |
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 |
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 |
2009 Mazda RX-8 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2009 | 4dr Coupe 232-horsepower 1.3L R2 6-speed manual RWD |
Very comfortable Recaro seats, even on long drives. Larger people may not be comfortable so beware. see full Mazda RX-8 review |
2009 | 4dr Coupe 232-horsepower 1.3L R2 6-speed manual RWD |
Given the RX-8's compact dimensions, you wouldn't expect rear seat space to be a strength. But thanks to clever packaging and a subtly high roofline, there is actually space for real adults in back, provided those up front are short or move their seats up somewhat. With a pair of pickup-like rear-opening "half" rear doors, ingress and egress for rear seat passengers is a snap. For those who want a sports car but have children or need to transport a few friends occassionally, the RX-8 fits the bill nicely. see full Mazda RX-8 review |
2009 Mazda RX-8 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2010 | 4dr Coupe 232-horsepower 1.3L R2 6-speed manual RWD |
The R3 Recaro seats had side bolsters that were a bit tight for us. I am below average in size as a male, and my wife is also very small and we found the bolsters cut into our hips far more than was comfortable. The seats are racing oriented only. see full Mazda RX-8 review |