Model Year | 2011 | 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 | 2,789 mm | 2,804 mm | 0 mm |
Length | 4,785 mm | 4,867 mm | 0 mm |
Width | 1,910 mm | 1,834 mm | 0 mm |
Height | 1,730 mm | 1,486 mm | 0 mm |
Curb Weight | 1,835 kg | 1,563 kg | 0 kg |
Fuel Capacity | 73 L | 70 L | 3 L |
Headroom, Row 1 | 1,031 mm | 973 mm | -972 mm |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 1,516 mm | 1,445 mm | 0 mm |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 1,440 mm | 0 mm | 1 mm |
Legroom, Row 1 | 1,097 mm | 1,077 mm | 0 mm |
Headroom, Row 2 | 1,019 mm | 960 mm | -959 mm |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 1,511 mm | 1,448 mm | 0 mm |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 1,435 mm | 0 mm | 1 mm |
Legroom, Row 2 | 973 mm | 993 mm | -20 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) | 2,070 mm (over 2 rows) | 0 mm |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 292 L | 450 L | -158 L |
Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 1,198 L | 15.9 | -14.9 L |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 2,701 L | 15.9 | -13.9 L |
2011 Toyota Highlander Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
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 |
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 |
2011 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 |
2012 Volkswagen Passat Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Comment | |
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 |
2012 Volkswagen Passat Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
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 |