When it comes to purchasing a vehicle, particularly an SUV like the Toyota Highlander, one of the key considerations for many buyers is the amount of trunk space available. The Toyota Highlander, known for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and versatile features, is a popular choice among families and individuals alike who require ample cargo room for luggage, sports equipment, or other items. In this article, we will delve into the specifics of the Toyota Highlander’s trunk space, exploring how its cargo capacity compares to other vehicles in its class, the variations in trunk space across different models and years, and what features contribute to its overall cargo versatility.
Introduction to the Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander is a mid-size crossover SUV that has been in production since 2000. Over the years, it has undergone several transformations, with each generation bringing improvements in design, technology, safety features, and, importantly, cargo space. The Highlander is renowned for its reliability, powerful engine options, and a spacious interior that accommodates both passengers and cargo comfortably. For potential buyers, understanding the dimensions and usability of the trunk space is crucial for assessing whether the vehicle meets their needs.
Trunk Space Specifications
The trunk space in a Toyota Highlander varies depending on the model year and the seating configuration. Generally, the Highlander offers a generous amount of cargo space, making it an attractive option for those who need to transport large or bulky items regularly. Behind the third row of seats, the cargo area provides enough space for small luggage or groceries. However, the real advantage of the Highlander becomes apparent when the rear seats are folded down, revealing a significantly larger cargo area.
For the latest models, behind the third row, you can expect around 13.8 cubic feet of cargo space. This is ample for a small family’s daily needs or for road trips with light packing. Folding down the third row increases the cargo space to approximately 42.3 cubic feet, and with both the second and third rows folded, the total cargo capacity expands to about 84.7 cubic feet. These dimensions make the Highlander highly competitive in its class regarding cargo versatility and capacity.
Cargo Management Features
Beyond the raw cubic footage, the usability of the trunk space is equally important. The Toyota Highlander incorporates several features designed to enhance cargo management and accessibility. These include:
- A power liftgate that allows for hands-free opening and closing, convenient for when your hands are full.
- Cargo area dividers and tie-downs that help in securing and organizing cargo, preventing items from shifting during transit.
- Underfloor storage compartments in the cargo area, useful for storing valuable items out of sight or keeping smaller items organized.
These features contribute to the overall practicality of the Highlander’s trunk space, making it a versatile and user-friendly cargo area.
Comparing Trunk Space Across Different Models
The cargo capacity of the Toyota Highlander can vary slightly from one model year to another, as well as between different trim levels. For instance, the hybrid version of the Highlander might have slightly less cargo space due to the placement of the hybrid battery pack. Understanding these differences is crucial for potential buyers who have specific cargo needs.
Model Year Variations
- 2022 and newer models offer the cargo specifications mentioned earlier, with minor variations depending on whether you opt for the standard or hybrid model.
- Older models (2014-2019) have slightly less cargo space, with around 10.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 42 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 83.7 cubic feet with all rear seats folded.
- First and second-generation Highlanders (2001-2013) have the least amount of cargo space, but they still offer a respectable amount of room for their time, highlighting the model’s continuous improvement over the years.
Trim Levels and Options
Different trim levels of the Toyota Highlander, such as the L, LE, XLE, Bronze Edition, and Limited, may also impact the available cargo space due to variations in seating and feature configurations. For example, the Platinum trim often comes with a panoramic moonroof, which can slightly reduce headroom but does not significantly affect cargo space. Additionally, optional cargo accessories like cargo nets and storage bins can enhance the usability of the trunk space without reducing its capacity.
Conclusion
The Toyota Highlander’s trunk space is one of its most appealing features, offering a blend of passenger comfort and cargo versatility that is hard to find in many SUVs. Whether you’re planning a family road trip, hauling sports equipment, or simply need a vehicle that can accommodate your daily cargo needs, the Highlander is well worth considering. By understanding the specifics of its cargo capacity and how it compares across different models and years, potential buyers can make an informed decision that meets their unique requirements. With its spacious interior, innovative cargo management features, and reputation for reliability, the Toyota Highlander stands out as a top choice for those seeking a practical, comfortable, and capable SUV.
What is the cargo capacity of the Toyota Highlander?
The Toyota Highlander is a versatile mid-size SUV that offers ample cargo space for passengers and their belongings. Behind the third row, the Highlander provides 16 cubic feet of cargo space, which is ideal for small items such as groceries, luggage, or sports equipment. This space can be easily accessed through the rear liftgate, making it convenient to load and unload cargo. Additionally, the Highlander’s cargo area features a number of storage compartments and tie-downs, helping to keep items secure and organized.
For those who need more cargo space, the Highlander’s second and third rows can be folded flat, providing a maximum cargo capacity of 84.7 cubic feet. This is more than enough space for larger items such as furniture, appliances, or even a small boat. The Highlander’s cargo area also features a number of thoughtful design elements, including a sliding cargo deck and a hands-free power liftgate. These features make it easy to load and unload cargo, even when your hands are full. Whether you’re running errands, road tripping, or just need to haul gear, the Toyota Highlander has the cargo space and features to get the job done.
How does the Toyota Highlander’s cargo capacity compare to other mid-size SUVs?
The Toyota Highlander’s cargo capacity is competitive with other mid-size SUVs in its class. Compared to the Honda Pilot, the Highlander offers slightly less cargo space behind the third row, but more overall cargo capacity with the seats folded flat. The Highlander also compares favorably to the Ford Explorer, which offers less cargo space behind the third row and slightly less overall cargo capacity. However, the Highlander’s cargo capacity is not the largest in its class, and some competitors such as the Subaru Ascent offer more cargo space in certain configurations.
Despite this, the Highlander’s cargo capacity is still more than sufficient for most shoppers, and its thoughtful design elements and features make it a great choice for those who need a versatile and practical vehicle. Additionally, the Highlander’s cargo capacity can be enhanced with a number of optional features, including a cargo net and a roof rack. These features can help to secure cargo and provide additional storage space, making the Highlander an even more capable and convenient choice for those who need to haul gear or equipment. Whether you’re comparing the Highlander to other mid-size SUVs or just need a vehicle that can handle your cargo needs, the Highlander is definitely worth considering.
Can the Toyota Highlander’s seats be folded flat for maximum cargo capacity?
Yes, the Toyota Highlander’s second and third rows can be folded flat to provide maximum cargo capacity. The second row seats feature a 60/40 split-folding design, which allows you to fold one or both seats flat depending on your needs. The third row seats feature a 50/50 split-folding design, which provides even more flexibility and versatility. Both rows can be folded flat using a simple and convenient mechanism, and the resulting cargo area is flat and even, making it easy to load and unload large or bulky items.
Folding the Highlander’s seats flat provides a maximum cargo capacity of 84.7 cubic feet, which is more than enough space for larger items such as furniture, appliances, or even a small boat. Additionally, the Highlander’s cargo area features a number of tie-downs and storage compartments, helping to keep items secure and organized. The Highlander’s seats can also be folded flat in a variety of configurations, allowing you to customize the cargo area to meet your specific needs. Whether you need to haul a large item or just need some extra cargo space, the Highlander’s folding seats make it easy to get the job done.
What features does the Toyota Highlander offer to help with cargo management?
The Toyota Highlander offers a number of features to help with cargo management, including a sliding cargo deck, a hands-free power liftgate, and a number of storage compartments and tie-downs. The sliding cargo deck provides a flat and even surface for loading and unloading cargo, and can be adjusted to different positions to accommodate different types of items. The hands-free power liftgate makes it easy to open and close the rear liftgate, even when your hands are full. The storage compartments and tie-downs help to keep items secure and organized, and can be used to store everything from small items like groceries to larger items like luggage or equipment.
In addition to these features, the Highlander also offers a number of optional cargo management features, including a cargo net and a roof rack. The cargo net provides an additional layer of security and organization for cargo, and can be used to keep items from shifting or falling during transit. The roof rack provides additional storage space for larger items such as bicycles, kayaks, or luggage, and can be used in conjunction with the Highlander’s cargo area to provide even more cargo capacity. Whether you’re running errands, road tripping, or just need to haul gear, the Highlander’s cargo management features make it easy to get the job done.
Can the Toyota Highlander’s cargo area be customized with optional features?
Yes, the Toyota Highlander’s cargo area can be customized with a number of optional features, including a cargo net, a roof rack, and a cargo organizer. The cargo net provides an additional layer of security and organization for cargo, and can be used to keep items from shifting or falling during transit. The roof rack provides additional storage space for larger items such as bicycles, kayaks, or luggage, and can be used in conjunction with the Highlander’s cargo area to provide even more cargo capacity. The cargo organizer provides a number of customizable storage compartments and dividers, allowing you to tailor the cargo area to meet your specific needs.
These optional features can be added to the Highlander’s cargo area to provide even more versatility and convenience. For example, the cargo net can be used to secure small items like groceries or tools, while the roof rack can be used to carry larger items like bicycles or kayaks. The cargo organizer can be used to customize the cargo area with different storage compartments and dividers, allowing you to keep items organized and easy to find. Whether you’re a road tripper, an outdoor enthusiast, or just need a vehicle that can handle your cargo needs, the Highlander’s optional cargo features make it easy to customize the vehicle to meet your needs.
How does the Toyota Highlander’s cargo capacity change with different seating configurations?
The Toyota Highlander’s cargo capacity changes significantly with different seating configurations. Behind the third row, the Highlander provides 16 cubic feet of cargo space, which is ideal for small items such as groceries, luggage, or sports equipment. With the third row seats folded flat, the Highlander provides 40.6 cubic feet of cargo space, which is more than enough space for larger items such as luggage, equipment, or even a small appliance. With both the second and third row seats folded flat, the Highlander provides a maximum cargo capacity of 84.7 cubic feet, which is more than enough space for even the largest items.
The Highlander’s cargo capacity also changes depending on the seating configuration and the position of the second row seats. For example, the second row seats can be slid forward or backward to provide more or less cargo space, depending on your needs. Additionally, the Highlander’s cargo area features a number of storage compartments and tie-downs, helping to keep items secure and organized regardless of the seating configuration. Whether you need to haul a large item, transport a group of passengers, or just need some extra cargo space, the Highlander’s flexible seating configurations and cargo capacity make it easy to get the job done.
Is the Toyota Highlander’s cargo area easy to clean and maintain?
Yes, the Toyota Highlander’s cargo area is easy to clean and maintain. The cargo area features a durable and stain-resistant carpet, making it easy to clean up spills and stains. The cargo area also features a number of easy-to-clean storage compartments and tie-downs, helping to keep items secure and organized. Additionally, the Highlander’s cargo area is designed with a number of drainage channels and water-repellent materials, helping to prevent water and moisture from accumulating in the cargo area.
The Highlander’s cargo area can also be equipped with a number of optional features to make cleaning and maintenance even easier. For example, the Highlander offers an optional cargo area mat, which provides an additional layer of protection against spills and stains. The Highlander also offers an optional cargo area liner, which provides a durable and easy-to-clean surface for the cargo area. Whether you’re hauling dirty equipment, transporting pets, or just need a vehicle that can handle messy cargo, the Highlander’s cargo area is designed to be easy to clean and maintain. With its durable materials, easy-to-clean design, and optional features, the Highlander’s cargo area is a great choice for those who need a practical and versatile vehicle.