Model Year | 2020 | 2008 | |
Model | Toyota Highlander | Mazda RX-8 | |
Engine | 3.5L V6 DOHC-4v 295 hp@6600 263 lb-ft@4700 |
1.3L R2 OHV-2v 212 hp@7500 159 lb-ft@5500 |
|
Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | FWD | RWD | |
Body | 4dr SUV | 4dr Coupe | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 112.2 in | 106.4 in | 5.8 in |
Length | 194.9 in | 174.3 in | 20.6 in |
Width | 76.0 in | 69.7 in | 6.3 in |
Height | 68.1 in | 52.8 in | 15.3 in |
Curb Weight | 4145 lb. | 3075 lb. | 1070 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 17.9 gal. | 15.9 gal. | 2 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 41.2 in | 38.2 in | 3 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 59.0 in | 54.8 in | 4.2 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 57.2 in | 53.3 in | 3.9 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.0 in | 42.7 in | -0.7 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 39.4 in | 36.8 in | 2.6 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 58.7 in | 54.9 in | 3.8 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 57.0 in | 48.1 in | 8.9 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 41.0 in | 32.2 in | 8.8 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) | 74.9 in (over 2 rows) | 35.8 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 16.0 ft3 | 7.6 ft3 | 8.4 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 48.4 ft3 | 7.6 | 40.8 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 84.3 ft3 | 7.6 ft3 | 76.7 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 |
2008 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 |
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 |