Toyota Highlander Toyota Highlander 2009 Volkswagen Golf / GTI Volkswagen Golf / GTI 2011

We are 103,000+ car owners sharing real-world car information.

Join Us

Toyota Highlander (2009) vs. Volkswagen Golf / GTI (2011) Specs

How powerful is the engine? How much room is in the back seat? Get the 2009 Toyota Highlander and 2011 Volkswagen Golf / GTI specs.

2009 Toyota Highlander and 2011 Volkswagen Golf / GTI Specifications

Model Year 2009 2011  
Model Toyota Highlander Volkswagen Golf / GTI  
Engine 3.5L V6
DOHC-4v
270 hp@6200
248 lb-ft@4700
turbocharged
2.0L I4
DOHC-4v
200 hp@5100
207 lb-ft@1800
 
Transmission 5-speed shiftable automatic 6-speed automated manual  
Drivetrain FWD FWD  
Body 4dr SUV 4dr Hatch  
      Difference
Wheelbase 109.8 in 101.5 in 8.3 in
Length 188.4 in 165.4 in 23 in
Width 75.2 in 70.3 in 4.9 in
Height 68.1 in 58.3 in 9.8 in
Curb Weight 3979 lb. 3090 lb. 889 lb.
Fuel Capacity 19.2 gal. 14.5 gal. 4.7 gal.
Headroom, Row 1 40.6 in 39.3 in 1.3 in
Shoulder Room, Row 1 59.7 in 54.7 in 5 in
Hip Room, Row 1 56.7 in 0.0 in 56.7 in
Legroom, Row 1 43.2 in 41.2 in 2 in
Headroom, Row 2 40.1 in 38.5 in 1.6 in
Shoulder Room, Row 2 59.5 in 52.8 in 6.7 in
Hip Room, Row 2 56.5 in 0.0 in 56.5 in
Legroom, Row 2 38.3 in 35.5 in 2.8 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) 76.7 in (over 2 rows) 34 in
Cargo Volume, Minimum 10.3 ft3 15.0 ft3 -4.7 ft3
Cargo Volume, Behind R2 42.3 ft3 15.0 27.3 ft3
Cargo Volume, Maximum 95.4 ft3 46.0 ft3 49.4 ft3

Return to top

What Our Members Are Saying about the Seat Room and Comfort of the 2009 Toyota Highlander

2009 Toyota Highlander Seat Room and Comfort: Pros
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2010 4dr SUV 187-horsepower 2.7L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
Lots of room in the second row, including seats that recline and move back & forth. Having the third row as an option for occasional use was really the deciding factor. see full Toyota Highlander review
2008 4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6
5-speed shiftable automatic AWD
Limo-like leg room and captains chairs see full Toyota Highlander review
2008 4dr SUV 209-horsepower 3.3L V6 Hybrid
CVT AWD
The widest seats of all Midsize SUVs (X5, Q7, Tourag, Cayenne, etc.) see full Toyota Highlander review
2008 4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6
5-speed shiftable automatic AWD
Third row seating and 2nd row has more leg room than the Murano by about 1". see full Toyota Highlander review
2008 4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6
5-speed shiftable automatic AWD
4 cup holders see full Toyota Highlander review
2009 Toyota Highlander Seat Room and Comfort: Cons
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2009 4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6
5-speed shiftable automatic AWD
Only two seats in the 2nd row, very small leg room in the 3rd row. see full Toyota Highlander review
2009 4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6
5-speed shiftable automatic AWD
seats were hard and flat. Even top of the line luxury model seats were a big disappointment . . . one of the principal reasons we did not choose this vehicle see full Toyota Highlander review
2008 4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6
5-speed shiftable automatic AWD
3rd row seat is full bench seat and individual side can not be raised or lowered independently. Access and available room much less than MDX. see full Toyota Highlander review
 

What Our Members Are Saying about the Seat Room and Comfort of the 2011 Volkswagen Golf / GTI

2011 Volkswagen Golf / GTI Seat Room and Comfort: Pros
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2012 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed manual FWD
Four adults can easily and comfortably fit in this car, with plenty of room for luggage. see full Volkswagen Golf / GTI review
2011 2dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed manual FWD
I have MS, so comfortable seats are a must. This is the only car that I've been in where I could do a non-stop trip from Michigan to Washington DC in. No fatigue, no stopping for a stretch. It's that good, and VW throws in standard heated seats for the GTI. And they do mean "heated" seats, not "warmed" seats, not "take-the-edge-off" seats. Turn them on full and your bum will be roasting with in a few minutes. see full Volkswagen Golf / GTI review
2011 2dr Hatch 170-horsepower 2.5L I5
5-speed manual FWD
Seats actually fit your body and have proper bolstering, unlike most other seats in this price range which are more like shelves for oversized American behinds. see full Volkswagen Golf / GTI review
2011 4dr Hatch turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel
6-speed automated manual FWD
Good leg room and supportive seats. see full Volkswagen Golf / GTI review
2011 4dr Hatch turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel
6-speed automated manual FWD
Good leg room for a small car. Supportive seats. see full Volkswagen Golf / GTI review
2011 4dr Hatch turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel
6-speed automated manual FWD
Firm, supportive seats. Not too hard. Should be excellent for long road trips. see full Volkswagen Golf / GTI review
2011 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed automated manual FWD
Firm, yet comfortable. Excellent lateral support in the turns. Excellent thigh support fro taller driver. Can sit for hours and still feel comfortable. see full Volkswagen Golf / GTI review
2010 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed automated manual FWD
They are supportive with good leg support. The seat side bolsters hold driver in place. see full Volkswagen Golf / GTI review
2010 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed automated manual FWD
Good room for a small car. Four adults can ride comfortably. Plenty of cargo room with the rear seats down. see full Volkswagen Golf / GTI review
2010 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed automated manual FWD
A lot of rear leg rrom when compared to the Mazda3 and A3 which I also looked at. see full Volkswagen Golf / GTI review
 
See TrueDelta's information for all SUVs
See TrueDelta's information for all Toyota models.