Model Year | 2006 | 2012 | |
Model | Volkswagen Passat | Toyota Highlander | |
Engine | 3.6L V6 DOHC-4v 280 hp@6200 265 lb-ft@2750 |
3.5L V6 DOHC-4v 270 hp@6200 248 lb-ft@4700 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 5-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr SUV | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 106.7 in | 109.8 in | -3.1 in |
Length | 188.2 in | 188.4 in | -0.2 in |
Width | 71.7 in | 75.2 in | -3.5 in |
Height | 58.0 in | 68.1 in | -10.1 in |
Curb Weight | 3829 lb. | 4266 lb. | -437 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 19.2 gal. | -0.7 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 38.4 in | 40.6 in | -2.2 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 55.7 in | 59.7 in | -4 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 0.0 in | 56.7 in | -56.7 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 41.4 in | 43.2 in | -1.8 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.8 in | 40.1 in | -2.3 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 54.6 in | 59.5 in | -4.9 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 0.0 in | 56.5 in | -56.5 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 37.7 in | 38.3 in | -0.6 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 | 79.1 in (over 2 rows) | 110.7 in (over 3 rows) | -31.6 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 14.2 ft3 | 10.3 ft3 | 3.9 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 14.2 | 42.3 ft3 | -28.1 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 14.2 ft3 | 95.4 ft3 | -81.2 ft3 |
2006 Volkswagen Passat Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2007 | 4dr Wagon 280-horsepower 3.6L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
larger than chief competitors (BMW 3 series, Audi A4) see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Well bolstered seat, best seat heaters I ever had (have had Land Rovers and own a SAAB). see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2006 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Good amount of rear leg room see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2006 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Plenty of room in the front seat without squeezing the backseat. see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2006 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Plenty of room in the back seats. Room for three comfortably. see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2005 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 170hp 1.8L I4 5-speed manual AWD |
Firm, but not hard, adj lumbar, good wearing materials see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2005 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 134hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Soft, well supporting seats see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2005 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 134hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Good for adults see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2006 Volkswagen Passat Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2007 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
No thigh support, not as comfortable as my 2000 Passat see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2006 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
My two teenagers complain that the rear seat cushion is low and not very comfortable to sit on for long distances. the leg room is great. see full Volkswagen Passat review |
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 |