Model Year | 2012 | 2006 | |
Model | Toyota Highlander | Volkswagen Jetta / Golf / GTI | |
Engine | 3.5L V6 DOHC-4v 270 hp@6200 248 lb-ft@4700 |
turbocharged 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 200 hp@5500 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 | 98.9 in | 10.9 in |
Length | 188.4 in | 164.9 in | 23.5 in |
Width | 75.2 in | 68.3 in | 6.9 in |
Height | 68.1 in | 56.7 in | 11.4 in |
Curb Weight | 4045 lb. | 3078 lb. | 967 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 19.2 gal. | 14.5 gal. | 4.7 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 40.6 in | 38.6 in | 2 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 59.7 in | 53.7 in | 6 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 56.7 in | 0.0 in | 56.7 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 43.2 in | 41.5 in | 1.7 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 40.1 in | 37.4 in | 2.7 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 59.5 in | 52.4 in | 7.1 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 56.5 in | 0.0 in | 56.5 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 38.3 in | 33.5 in | 4.8 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) | 75 in (over 2 rows) | 35.7 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 10.3 ft3 | 18.0 ft3 | -7.7 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 42.3 ft3 | 18.0 | 24.3 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 95.4 ft3 | 41.8 ft3 | 53.6 ft3 |
2012 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 |
2012 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 |
2011 | 4dr SUV 245-horsepower 3.5L V6 Hybrid CVT AWD |
Third row minimal legroom see full Toyota Highlander review |
2006 Volkswagen Jetta / Golf / GTI Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2007 | 4dr Hatch 150-horsepower 2.5L I5 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
most comfortable seats out of the Totoya Matrix, Mazda 3, Honda fit, Nissan Versa see full Volkswagen Jetta / Golf / GTI review |
2007 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual FWD |
Excellent seats and comfort, however occasionally find the seats a bit narrow and the foot well can be tight in some shoes. see full Volkswagen Jetta / Golf / GTI review |
2007 | 2dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual FWD |
The front seats offer great lateral support. see full Volkswagen Jetta / Golf / GTI review |
2007 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
The sport seats in the basic black leatherette are nicely bolstered though not overly enveloping like seats in my FR-S. This means it hits a nice middle ground of comfort but still keeping you from being thrown around in aggressive driving. The manually adjusted seats are easily positioned to a comfortable state after you figure out which of the 4 levers is doing what. The adjustible thigh support is especially nice and not something I often see in this segment. see full Volkswagen Jetta / Golf / GTI review |
2007 | 2dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual FWD |
Zero fatigue on long drives, natural driving position see full Volkswagen Jetta / Golf / GTI review |
2007 | 2dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual FWD |
Same as a small sedan, dead pedal, loads of head room see full Volkswagen Jetta / Golf / GTI review |
2007 | 2dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual FWD |
High roof line gives sedan-like head room, lots of foot room. see full Volkswagen Jetta / Golf / GTI review |
2006 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 100hp 1.9L I4 Diesel 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Good Shoulder width, okay leg room. see full Volkswagen Jetta / Golf / GTI review |
2006 Volkswagen Jetta / Golf / GTI Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2007 | 2dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual FWD |
Great for my kids (4 and 7) but small for adults. see full Volkswagen Jetta / Golf / GTI review |
2006 | 4dr Hatch 115-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD |
Seats could be firmer though adequate. It has no lumbar support and expended use probably will change the shape of the foam used in the seat. see full Volkswagen Jetta / Golf / GTI review |