The Toyota Highlander is a popular midsize SUV known for its comfort, reliability, and spacious interior. One of the most sought-after features in any SUV is third-row seating, which provides ample space for passengers and cargo. However, the question remains: do all Highlanders have 3rd row seating? In this article, we will delve into the world of Toyota Highlander and explore its seating options, trim levels, and configurations to provide a comprehensive answer to this question.
Introduction to Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander is a midsize SUV that has been in production since 2000. It is known for its sleek design, robust engine, and advanced safety features. The Highlander has undergone several transformations over the years, with each new generation bringing updated features, improved performance, and enhanced comfort. The current generation of Highlander, which was introduced in 2020, boasts a more aggressive exterior design, a more spacious interior, and a range of advanced safety features.
Seating Options in Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander is available in various trim levels, each offering a unique set of features and seating options. The base model, known as the L trim, comes with a standard second-row bench seat and an optional third-row seat. The higher trim levels, such as the LE, XLE, and Limited, offer more premium seating options, including heated and ventilated seats, premium leather trim, and a panoramic moonroof.
Third-Row Seating Configurations
The Toyota Highlander offers two third-row seating configurations: a bench seat and a pair of captain’s chairs. The bench seat is the most common configuration and provides seating for three passengers. The captain’s chairs, on the other hand, provide more comfort and convenience, with features such as heated and ventilated seats, adjustable armrests, and a center console with cup holders.
Trim Levels and Seating Options
The Toyota Highlander is available in six trim levels: L, LE, XLE, Bronze Edition, Limited, and Platinum. Each trim level offers a unique set of features and seating options. Here is a breakdown of the seating options available in each trim level:
The L trim is the base model and comes with a standard second-row bench seat and an optional third-row seat. The LE trim adds more premium features, including a leather-trimmed steering wheel, a power liftgate, and an optional third-row seat. The XLE trim offers even more features, including a moonroof, a power driver’s seat, and a standard third-row seat. The Bronze Edition trim is a new addition to the Highlander lineup and offers a unique set of features, including a bronze-colored exterior trim, a black roof, and a standard third-row seat. The Limited trim is the highest trim level and offers the most premium features, including a panoramic moonroof, a 360-degree camera system, and a standard third-row seat. The Platinum trim is the top-of-the-line model and offers the most advanced features, including a premium JBL sound system, a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, and a standard third-row seat.
Seating Capacity and Cargo Space
The Toyota Highlander offers a seating capacity of up to eight passengers, depending on the seating configuration. The cargo space is also impressive, with up to 84.7 cubic feet of cargo room behind the front seats. The Highlander also offers a range of storage compartments and cup holders throughout the cabin, making it an ideal vehicle for road trips and daily driving.
Comparison with Other Midsize SUVs
The Toyota Highlander is not the only midsize SUV that offers third-row seating. Other popular models, such as the Honda Pilot, the Subaru Ascent, and the Ford Explorer, also offer third-row seating options. However, the Highlander stands out from the competition with its spacious interior, advanced safety features, and robust engine. The Highlander also offers a more premium feel and a range of advanced features, making it a top choice for families and road trippers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, not all Highlanders have 3rd row seating. While the base model, the L trim, comes with an optional third-row seat, the higher trim levels offer a standard third-row seat. The Toyota Highlander is a versatile and practical vehicle that offers a range of seating options and configurations to suit different needs and preferences. Whether you are looking for a family vehicle, a road trip companion, or a daily driver, the Highlander is an excellent choice. With its spacious interior, advanced safety features, and robust engine, the Highlander is a top contender in the midsize SUV market.
To summarize, the key points to take away from this article are that the Toyota Highlander offers a range of seating options and configurations, including third-row seating, and that not all trim levels come with a standard third-row seat. The Highlander is a versatile and practical vehicle that is ideal for families, road trippers, and daily drivers. With its advanced safety features, robust engine, and premium feel, the Highlander is a top choice in the midsize SUV market.
When considering the purchase of a Toyota Highlander, it is essential to research and compare the different trim levels and seating options to find the one that best suits your needs and preferences. The table below provides a comparison of the different trim levels and their corresponding seating options.
| Trim Level | Seating Options | Third-Row Seating |
|---|---|---|
| L | Second-row bench seat | Optional |
| LE | Second-row bench seat | Optional |
| XLE | Second-row bench seat or captain’s chairs | Standard |
| Bronze Edition | Second-row bench seat or captain’s chairs | Standard |
| Limited | Second-row bench seat or captain’s chairs | Standard |
| Platinum | Second-row bench seat or captain’s chairs | Standard |
It is also worth noting that the Toyota Highlander has a range of advanced safety features, including a 5-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). These safety features, combined with the Highlander’s robust engine and premium feel, make it an excellent choice for anyone in the market for a new vehicle.
Do all Toyota Highlanders have 3rd row seating?
The Toyota Highlander is a midsize SUV known for its spacious interior and seating capacity. While it is true that many Highlanders come with 3rd row seating, not all models do. The availability of 3rd row seating depends on the specific trim level and configuration of the vehicle. For example, the base model Highlander L comes with a second-row bench seat and no 3rd row seating, while the higher-end trims like the Limited and Platinum come with standard 3rd row seating.
In general, the 3rd row seating in the Toyota Highlander is designed to accommodate smaller passengers, such as children. The seats are smaller and more cramped than the seats in the first and second rows, and they are best suited for occasional use. However, the 3rd row seating does provide additional versatility and flexibility for families or groups who need to transport multiple passengers. It’s worth noting that the 3rd row seating can also be folded flat to provide more cargo space, making the Highlander a practical choice for road trips or daily errands.
What is the seating capacity of the Toyota Highlander?
The seating capacity of the Toyota Highlander varies depending on the trim level and configuration of the vehicle. The base model Highlander L has a seating capacity of 5 passengers, with a second-row bench seat and no 3rd row seating. The higher-end trims like the Limited and Platinum have a seating capacity of 8 passengers, with standard 3rd row seating and a second-row bench seat. There are also optional seating configurations available, such as second-row captain’s chairs, which can reduce the seating capacity to 7 passengers.
In terms of comfort and space, the Toyota Highlander is designed to provide ample legroom and headroom for all passengers. The first and second rows offer plenty of space for adults, with adjustable seats and ample cargo room. The 3rd row seating, as mentioned earlier, is best suited for smaller passengers or occasional use. However, the Highlander’s overall seating capacity and versatility make it an excellent choice for families or groups who need to transport multiple passengers in comfort. With its spacious interior and flexible seating configurations, the Highlander is an ideal vehicle for road trips, daily errands, or any other driving needs.
Can I get a Toyota Highlander without 3rd row seating?
Yes, it is possible to get a Toyota Highlander without 3rd row seating. The base model Highlander L comes with a second-row bench seat and no 3rd row seating, making it an excellent choice for those who don’t need the extra seating capacity. Additionally, some trim levels like the Highlander LE and XLE offer an optional second-row bench seat with no 3rd row seating. This configuration is ideal for those who prioritize cargo space over passenger seating.
The advantage of getting a Toyota Highlander without 3rd row seating is that it provides more cargo space and a more streamlined interior. Without the 3rd row seating, the Highlander has a larger cargo area that can accommodate more luggage, gear, or equipment. This makes it an excellent choice for road trips, camping trips, or any other activity that requires ample cargo space. Furthermore, the Highlander’s overall design and functionality remain unchanged, providing a comfortable and feature-rich driving experience for all passengers.
Does the Toyota Highlander have enough cargo space with 3rd row seating?
The Toyota Highlander with 3rd row seating does provide ample cargo space, although it’s not as spacious as some other midsize SUVs. With the 3rd row seats in place, the Highlander has a cargo capacity of around 13.8 cubic feet. This is sufficient for small items like groceries, luggage, or sports equipment. However, when the 3rd row seats are folded flat, the cargo capacity increases to around 42.3 cubic feet, making it ideal for larger items or bulkier cargo.
In terms of cargo space, the Toyota Highlander is designed to provide a practical and versatile solution for families or groups who need to transport multiple passengers and cargo. While the 3rd row seating does reduce the available cargo space, the Highlander’s overall design and functionality make it an excellent choice for daily errands, road trips, or any other driving needs. Additionally, the Highlander offers various storage compartments and cargo nets to help keep items organized and secure, making it an ideal vehicle for those who value practicality and convenience.
How does the 3rd row seating in the Toyota Highlander affect fuel economy?
The 3rd row seating in the Toyota Highlander does have a minor impact on fuel economy, although it’s not significant. The Highlander’s fuel economy is estimated to be around 21-24 mpg in the city and 27-30 mpg on the highway, depending on the trim level and drivetrain. The 3rd row seating adds some weight to the vehicle, which can slightly reduce fuel economy, especially in city driving. However, the Highlander’s overall fuel efficiency remains competitive with other midsize SUVs in its class.
In terms of fuel economy, the Toyota Highlander is designed to provide a balanced solution for families or groups who need to transport multiple passengers while also being mindful of fuel costs. The Highlander’s available hybrid model, for example, offers an estimated 35-36 mpg in the city and 35-36 mpg on the highway, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize fuel efficiency. Additionally, the Highlander’s Eco mode and other fuel-saving features help optimize fuel economy, making it an ideal vehicle for daily driving or road trips.
Can I install 3rd row seating in a Toyota Highlander that doesn’t have it?
It is not possible to install 3rd row seating in a Toyota Highlander that doesn’t come with it from the factory. The 3rd row seating in the Highlander is an integrated feature that requires specific design and engineering modifications to the vehicle’s chassis and body. Attempting to install 3rd row seating in a Highlander without it can compromise the vehicle’s safety and structural integrity, and may also void the manufacturer’s warranty.
In general, it’s not recommended to modify or alter the Toyota Highlander’s seating configuration without consulting the manufacturer or a authorized dealer. The Highlander’s design and functionality are carefully calibrated to provide a safe and comfortable driving experience, and any modifications can potentially compromise this. If you need a vehicle with 3rd row seating, it’s best to purchase a Highlander that comes with it from the factory, or consider other vehicles that offer this feature as standard or optional equipment. This ensures that you get a vehicle that meets your needs and provides a safe and reliable driving experience.