Toyota Highlander Toyota Highlander 2009 Volkswagen Passat Volkswagen Passat 2012

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Toyota Highlander (2009) vs. Volkswagen Passat (2012) Specs

How powerful is the engine? How much room is in the back seat? Get the 2009 Toyota Highlander and 2012 Volkswagen Passat specs.

2009 Toyota Highlander and 2012 Volkswagen Passat Specifications

Model Year 2009 2012  
Model Toyota Highlander Volkswagen Passat  
Engine 3.5L V6
DOHC-4v
270 hp@6200
248 lb-ft@4700
3.6L V6
DOHC-4v
280 hp@6200
258 lb-ft@2500
 
Transmission 5-speed shiftable automatic 6-speed automated manual  
Drivetrain FWD FWD  
Body 4dr SUV 4dr Sedan  
      Difference
Wheelbase 109.8 in 110.4 in -0.6 in
Length 188.4 in 191.6 in -3.2 in
Width 75.2 in 72.2 in 3 in
Height 68.1 in 58.5 in 9.6 in
Curb Weight 3979 lb. 3446 lb. 533 lb.
Fuel Capacity 19.2 gal. 18.5 gal. 0.7 gal.
Headroom, Row 1 40.6 in 38.3 in 2.3 in
Shoulder Room, Row 1 59.7 in 56.9 in 2.8 in
Hip Room, Row 1 56.7 in 0.0 in 56.7 in
Legroom, Row 1 43.2 in 42.4 in 0.8 in
Headroom, Row 2 40.1 in 37.8 in 2.3 in
Shoulder Room, Row 2 59.5 in 57.0 in 2.5 in
Hip Room, Row 2 56.5 in 0.0 in 56.5 in
Legroom, Row 2 38.3 in 39.1 in -0.8 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) 81.5 in (over 2 rows) 29.2 in
Cargo Volume, Minimum 10.3 ft3 15.9 ft3 -5.6 ft3
Cargo Volume, Behind R2 42.3 ft3 15.9 26.4 ft3
Cargo Volume, Maximum 95.4 ft3 15.9 ft3 79.5 ft3

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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
 

TrueDelta Reviews the Seat Room and Comfort of the 2012 Volkswagen Passat

2012 Volkswagen Passat Seat Room and Comfort: Pros
YearComment
2012 Volkswagen's research must have found that Americans highly value rear legroom, because the Passat has an abundance of it. Unless you're an NBA center you'll have plenty of room to stretch out in the back of this sedan. see full Volkswagen Passat review
 

What Our Members Are Saying about the Seat Room and Comfort of the 2012 Volkswagen Passat

2012 Volkswagen Passat Seat Room and Comfort: Pros
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2013 4dr Sedan turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel
6-speed automated manual FWD
SEL Premium seating is fantastic. Definitely worth the cost of the upgrade over the mid-grade seats. see full Volkswagen Passat review
2013 4dr Sedan turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel
6-speed manual FWD
rear seat room is exceptional. can handle long-legged folks with ease and those with large shoe sizes. enter and exiting with larger folks not a problem either. see full Volkswagen Passat review
2012 4dr Sedan 170-horsepower 2.5L I5
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
Older teenagers like the extra room see full Volkswagen Passat review
2012 4dr Sedan 170-horsepower 2.5L I5
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
HUGE amount of rear legroom! see full Volkswagen Passat review
2012 4dr Sedan 170-horsepower 2.5L I5
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
Tons of room while driving. I am 6'4" and have plenty of leg and headroom. see full Volkswagen Passat review
 
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