Model Year | 2011 | 2013 | |
Model | Volkswagen Jetta | Toyota Highlander | |
Engine | 2.5L I5 DOHC-4v 170 hp@5700 177 lb-ft@4250 |
3.5L V6 DOHC-4v 270 hp@6200 248 lb-ft@4700 |
|
Transmission | 5-speed manual | 5-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr SUV | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 104.4 in | 109.8 in | -5.4 in |
Length | 182.2 in | 188.4 in | -6.2 in |
Width | 70.0 in | 75.2 in | -5.2 in |
Height | 57.2 in | 68.1 in | -10.9 in |
Curb Weight | 3018 lb. | 4045 lb. | -1027 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 14.5 gal. | 19.2 gal. | -4.7 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 38.2 in | 40.6 in | -2.4 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 55.2 in | 59.7 in | -4.5 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 0.0 in | 56.7 in | -56.7 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 41.2 in | 43.2 in | -2 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.1 in | 40.1 in | -3 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 53.6 in | 59.5 in | -5.9 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 0.0 in | 56.5 in | -56.5 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 38.1 in | 38.3 in | -0.2 in |
Headroom, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 36.3 in | -36.3 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 55.0 in | -55 in |
Hip Room, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 42.3 in | -42.3 in |
Legroom, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 29.2 in | -29.2 in |
Total Legroom | 79.3 in (over 2 rows) | 110.7 in (over 3 rows) | -31.4 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 15.5 ft3 | 10.3 ft3 | 5.2 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 15.5 | 42.3 ft3 | -26.8 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 15.5 ft3 | 95.4 ft3 | -79.9 ft3 |
2011 Volkswagen Jetta Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2010 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 6-speed automated manual FWD |
This vehicle was intended to be the "Mommy Mobile". My wife also likes to drive most of the time in "Her Car". I am 6 ft 205 lb; with my 22 month old daughter in a forward facing car seat, I feel I have to pull my seat some what forward to allow her room. This makes my knees kinda touch the glove box. It really only is a problem if shes is fussy, and does not want anything near her. (Instead of hearing her fuss I move it....sometimes.) see full Volkswagen Jetta review |
2011 Volkswagen Jetta Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2011 | 4dr Sedan 115-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
While the Jetta is extremely roomy and comfortable, the center console is slightly too close and can interfere with the driver's right knee and calf. see full Volkswagen Jetta review |
2010 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual FWD |
The rear seat is a little small but compared to other compact cars it is not bad, Still cramped if your over 6 feet. see full Volkswagen Jetta review |
2013 Toyota Highlander Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Comment | |
Toyota replaced the 2013 Highlander's rear struts with control arms to enable a three-inch-wider third-row seat, and then used the extra space to cram in a third seating position. So if you need seats for eight people, only the Highlander will do in this threesome. A top-of-the-line Santa Fe only seats six. Other eight-pass options include the Honda Pilot and GM's large crossovers. But those three people best be small, as the Highlander doesn't have nearly as much rear legroom as the Pathfinder or the Santa Fe. To fit children of even middling size in the third row it's necessary to slide the second row well forward. The second row seat cushion is mounted too low for adult comfort. The Nissan's second row suffers from a similar shortcoming, but the Hyundai's does not. see full Toyota Highlander review |
2013 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 |
2013 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 |