| Model Year | 2008 | 2009 | |
| Model | Toyota Matrix | Toyota Highlander | |
| Engine | |||
| Transmission | |||
| Drivetrain | |||
| Body | 4dr Hatch | 4dr SUV | |
| Difference | |||
| Wheelbase | 2,601 mm | 2,789 mm | 0 mm |
| Length | 4,351 mm | 4,785 mm | 0 mm |
| Width | 1,775 mm | 1,910 mm | 0 mm |
| Height | 1,565 mm | 1,730 mm | 0 mm |
| Curb Weight | 1,215 kg | 1,745 kg | 0 kg |
| Fuel Capacity | 50 L | 73 L | -23 L |
| Headroom, Row 1 | 1,031 mm | 1,031 mm | 0 mm |
| Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 1,351 mm | 1,516 mm | 0 mm |
| Hip Room, Row 1 | 1,313 mm | 1,440 mm | 0 mm |
| Legroom, Row 1 | 1,062 mm | 1,097 mm | 0 mm |
| Headroom, Row 2 | 1,011 mm | 1,019 mm | 0 mm |
| Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 1,336 mm | 1,511 mm | 0 mm |
| Hip Room, Row 2 | 1,214 mm | 1,435 mm | 0 mm |
| Legroom, Row 2 | 922 mm | 973 mm | -51 mm |
| Headroom, Row 3 | 0 mm | 922 mm | -922 mm |
| Shoulder Room, Row 3 | 0 mm | 1,397 mm | -1 mm |
| Hip Room, Row 3 | 0 mm | 1,074 mm | -1 mm |
| Legroom, Row 3 | 0 mm | 742 mm | -742 mm |
| Total Legroom | 1,984 mm (over 2 rows) | 2,812 mm (over 3 rows) | -1 mm |
| Cargo Volume, Minimum | 617 L | 292 L | 325 L |
| Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 21.8 | 1,198 L | 20.8 |
| Cargo Volume, Maximum | 1,506 L | 2,701 L | -1 L |
| 2008 Toyota Matrix Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
| Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
| 2007 | 4dr Hatch 126-horsepower 1.8L I4 4-speed automatic FWD |
a lot of place, even for tall people. see full Toyota Matrix review |
| 2008 Toyota Matrix Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
| Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
| 2007 | 4dr Hatch 126-horsepower 1.8L I4 4-speed automatic FWD |
very uncomfortable and not ergonomic at all. especially with child sits. see full Toyota Matrix review |
| 2007 | 4dr Hatch 126-horsepower 1.8L I4 4-speed automatic FWD |
Were flat and didnt grip you well see full Toyota Matrix review |
| 2009 Toyota Highlander Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
| Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
| 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 | ||
| Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
| 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 |