Model Year | 2021 | 2012 | |
Model | Toyota Highlander | Nissan Altima | |
Engine | 3.5L V6 DOHC-4v 295 hp@6600 263 lb-ft@4700 |
3.5L V6 DOHC-4v 270 hp@6000 258 lb-ft@4400 |
|
Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed shiftable CVT | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr SUV | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 112.2 in | 109.3 in | 2.9 in |
Length | 194.9 in | 190.7 in | 4.2 in |
Width | 76.0 in | 70.7 in | 5.3 in |
Height | 68.1 in | 57.9 in | 10.2 in |
Curb Weight | 4145 lb. | 3357 lb. | 788 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 17.9 gal. | 20.0 gal. | -2.1 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 41.2 in | 40.6 in | 0.6 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 59.0 in | 55.7 in | 3.3 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 57.2 in | 56.8 in | 0.4 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.0 in | 44.1 in | -2.1 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 39.4 in | 36.8 in | 2.6 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 58.7 in | 55.5 in | 3.2 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 57.0 in | 52.5 in | 4.5 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 41.0 in | 35.8 in | 5.2 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) | 79.9 in (over 2 rows) | 30.8 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 16.0 ft3 | 15.3 ft3 | 0.7 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 48.4 ft3 | 15.3 | 33.1 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 84.3 ft3 | 15.3 ft3 | 69 ft3 |
2021 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 |
2021 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 |
2012 Nissan Altima Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Comment | |
2013 | I'm already stuck. In just about every other way aside from fuel economy the Altima is a good, even very good car, yet an unremarkable one. Either this, or a strength must be qualified with a "but." The latter is the case with the front seats. Inspired by the "zero gravity" seats designed by NASA for ultra-long-distance travel, the Altima's buckets feel substantial and fit like a glove. BUT...also check the reasons not to buy an Altima. Move to the back seat, and Nissan's midsize sedan has a clearer advantage. The comfortably padded rear seat cushions in both the Altima and the Fushion provide good thigh support--those in many competitors do not. The Altima's rear seat isn't quite the roomiest, but it is roomier than the Fusion's. see full Nissan Altima review |
2012 Nissan Altima Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Comment | |
The NASA-inspired driver's seat is very comfortable and supportive, BUT its headrest juts so far forward that I had to remove it and reinsert it turned around. This severely compromises safety, but otherwise the headrest presses very uncomfortably against the back of my head. For this reason I doubt I could own an Altima. The average person, with a less vertical neck, won't have this problem. Just be sure to pay attention to this during your test drive. see full Nissan Altima review |
2012 Nissan Altima Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2013 | 4dr Sedan 182-horsepower 2.5L I4 CVT FWD |
The seats are very comfortable, I would have been happy if both the driver and passenger were electronic. The lumbar support is fantastic and the driver seats is 8-way adjustable. For tall people this car will be a great ride. see full Nissan Altima review |
2013 | 4dr Sedan 182-horsepower 2.5L I4 CVT FWD |
Huge back seat for a sedan (legroom) and even three abreast is not that terrible. Big guys did not complain. see full Nissan Altima review |
2012 | 4dr Sedan 175-horsepower 2.5L I4 6-speed shiftable CVT FWD |
Roomy front seat room. see full Nissan Altima review |
2012 Nissan Altima Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2013 | 4dr Sedan 182-horsepower 2.5L I4 CVT FWD |
Kids in the back seat love the limoesque space. I do enjoy anchor locks and the well placed seat belts. There is definitely some intelligent design and practice into everything and anything in this car. see full Nissan Altima review |
2012 | 4dr Sedan 175-horsepower 2.5L I4 6-speed shiftable CVT FWD |
Very comfortable. see full Nissan Altima review |