Model Year | 2014 | 2012 | |
Model | Toyota Highlander | Toyota Avalon | |
Engine | 3.5L V6 DOHC-4v 270 hp@6200 248 lb-ft@4700 |
3.5L V6 DOHC-4v 268 hp@6200 248 lb-ft@4700 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr SUV | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 109.8 in | 111.0 in | -1.2 in |
Length | 191.1 in | 197.6 in | -6.5 in |
Width | 75.8 in | 72.8 in | 3 in |
Height | 68.1 in | 58.5 in | 9.6 in |
Curb Weight | 4233 lb. | 3572 lb. | 661 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 19.2 gal. | 18.5 gal. | 0.7 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 40.7 in | 38.9 in | 1.8 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 59.3 in | 59.4 in | -0.1 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 57.2 in | 55.8 in | 1.4 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 44.2 in | 41.3 in | 2.9 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 39.9 in | 37.5 in | 2.4 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 59.6 in | 58.2 in | 1.4 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 57.1 in | 56.2 in | 0.9 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 38.4 in | 40.9 in | -2.5 in |
Headroom, Row 3 | 35.9 in | 0.0 in | 35.9 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 | 110.3 in (over 3 rows) | 82.2 in (over 2 rows) | 28.1 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 13.8 ft3 | 14.4 ft3 | -0.6 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 42.3 ft3 | 14.4 | 27.9 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 83.7 ft3 | 14.4 ft3 | 69.3 ft3 |
2014 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 |
2014 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 Toyota Avalon Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Comment | |
Compounding the Avalon's lack of suspension compliance, its seats are also firm, yet lacking in lateral support. You very much sit on them rather than in them. On a long drive my rear end reported impinged circulation. The front passenger is even worse off, as the tilt of that seat can be adjusted only in the Limited. Rear seat passengers also complained about overly firm, insufficiently contoured cushions. see full Toyota Avalon review |
2012 Toyota Avalon Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2011 | 4dr Sedan 268-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Heated seats are wonderful in winter. Dual zone heater/air conditioner a plus for driver/passenger comfort. Back-up camera is handy for checking what the mirrors don't pick up. Quiet, smooth engine/transmission. Comfortable seats are easily adjustable. Easy access and good leg-room in rear seats. see full Toyota Avalon review |
2011 | 4dr Sedan 268-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Heated seats are wonderful in winter. Dual zone heater/air conditioner a plus for driver/passenger comfort. Back-up camera is handy for checking what the mirrors don't pick up. Quiet, smooth engine/transmission. Comfortable seats are easily adjustable. Easy access and good leg-room in rear seats. see full Toyota Avalon review |