Model Year | 2013 | 2008 | |
Model | Toyota Highlander | Nissan Maxima | |
Engine | 3.5L V6 DOHC-4v 270 hp@6200 248 lb-ft@4700 |
3.5L V6 DOHC-4v 255 hp@6000 252 lb-ft@4400 |
|
Transmission | 5-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed shiftable CVT | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr SUV | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 2,789 mm | 2,824 mm | 0 mm |
Length | 4,785 mm | 4,915 mm | 0 mm |
Width | 1,910 mm | 1,821 mm | 0 mm |
Height | 1,730 mm | 1,481 mm | 0 mm |
Curb Weight | 1,835 kg | 1,623 kg | 0 kg |
Fuel Capacity | 73 L | 76 L | -3 L |
Headroom, Row 1 | 1,031 mm | 1,019 mm | 0 mm |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 1,516 mm | 1,471 mm | 0 mm |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 1,440 mm | 1,359 mm | 0 mm |
Legroom, Row 1 | 1,097 mm | 1,115 mm | 0 mm |
Headroom, Row 2 | 1,019 mm | 947 mm | -946 mm |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 1,511 mm | 1,435 mm | 0 mm |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 1,435 mm | 1,392 mm | 0 mm |
Legroom, Row 2 | 973 mm | 927 mm | 46 mm |
Headroom, Row 3 | 922 mm | 0 mm | 922 mm |
Shoulder Room, Row 3 | 1,397 mm | 0 mm | 1 mm |
Hip Room, Row 3 | 1,074 mm | 0 mm | 1 mm |
Legroom, Row 3 | 742 mm | 0 mm | 742 mm |
Total Legroom | 2,812 mm (over 3 rows) | 2,042 mm (over 2 rows) | 0 mm |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 292 L | 439 L | -147 L |
Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 1,198 L | 15.5 | -14.5 L |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 2,701 L | 15.5 | -13.5 L |
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 |
2008 Nissan Maxima Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2009 | 4dr Sedan 290-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable CVT FWD |
Bucket seats hold you in around corners - very supportive. Telescopic steering wheel and power seats ensure you get a great driving position. Both seats and steering wheel are heated. Dual climate control great for passengers. see full Nissan Maxima review |
2009 | 4dr Sedan 290-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable CVT FWD |
It fits everywhere. On a recent trip, I drove all day and was never "seat tired". see full Nissan Maxima review |
2009 | 4dr Sedan 290-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable CVT FWD |
Adjustable everything! Air conditioned driver seat a huge consideration. see full Nissan Maxima review |
2008 Nissan Maxima Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2009 | 4dr Sedan 290-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable CVT FWD |
My tall friends hit there heads on the roofline, they are over 6 foot see full Nissan Maxima review |
2009 | 4dr Sedan 290-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable CVT FWD |
The rear seat of the 7th gen Maxima is slightly smaller than that of the 6th gen Maxima. Still fairly roomy, but slightly smaller. This is understandable because of the major styling change, and the conversion from 'near luxury family sedan' back to 'near luxury family sedan with a sporty edge' that took place between these generations. see full Nissan Maxima review |