Toyota Highlander Toyota Highlander 2012 Mazda RX-8 Mazda RX-8 2008

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Toyota Highlander (2012) vs. Mazda RX-8 (2008) Specs

How powerful is the engine? How much room is in the back seat? Get the 2012 Toyota Highlander and 2008 Mazda RX-8 specs.

2012 Toyota Highlander and 2008 Mazda RX-8 Specifications

Model Year 2012 2008  
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 174.3 in 14.1 in
Width 75.2 in 69.7 in 5.5 in
Height 68.1 in 52.8 in 15.3 in
Curb Weight 4045 lb. 3075 lb. 970 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

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What Our Members Are Saying about the Seat Room and Comfort of the 2012 Toyota Highlander

2012 Toyota Highlander Seat Room and Comfort: Pros
YearBody/PowertrainComment
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
YearBody/PowertrainComment
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
 

What Our Members Are Saying about the Seat Room and Comfort of the 2008 Mazda RX-8

2008 Mazda RX-8 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros
YearBody/PowertrainComment
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
2007 4dr Coupe 212-horsepower 1.3L R2
6-speed shiftable automatic RWD
Excellent for long trips. Even though I suffer from spinal stenosis, I did a two-day 1800 mile trip with no troubles and felt great on arrival. Most modern cars have comfortable seats, but these also make me feel like I am part of the car. see full Mazda RX-8 review
 
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