Model Year | 2013 | 2010 | |
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 | 4045 lb. | 3094 lb. | 951 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 |
2013 Toyota Highlander Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Comment | |
Toyota replaced the 2013 Highlander's rear struts with control arms to enable a three-inch-wider third-row seat, and then used the extra space to cram in a third seating position. So if you need seats for eight people, only the Highlander will do in this threesome. A top-of-the-line Santa Fe only seats six. Other eight-pass options include the Honda Pilot and GM's large crossovers. But those three people best be small, as the Highlander doesn't have nearly as much rear legroom as the Pathfinder or the Santa Fe. To fit children of even middling size in the third row it's necessary to slide the second row well forward. The second row seat cushion is mounted too low for adult comfort. The Nissan's second row suffers from a similar shortcoming, but the Hyundai's does not. see full Toyota Highlander review |
2013 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 |
2013 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 |
2010 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 |
2010 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 |