The Toyota Highlander has cemented its place as a popular choice in the mid-size SUV market. Families are drawn to its reputation for reliability, safety, and fuel efficiency. One of the key features that often attracts buyers is the availability of a third row of seating. So, the question remains: Does the Toyota Highlander have a 3rd row? The simple answer is yes, but let’s delve into the details of what that 3rd row offers and how it contributes to the overall appeal of the Highlander.
The Highlander’s 3rd Row: A Deep Dive
The presence of a 3rd row in the Highlander expands its passenger capacity significantly. This feature allows the vehicle to comfortably accommodate up to eight passengers, making it an ideal option for larger families or those who frequently carpool. However, it’s crucial to understand the specifics of the 3rd row’s design and functionality to determine if it truly meets your needs.
Accessibility and Space
Getting into the 3rd row is a critical aspect of its usability. The Highlander incorporates features to ease access, such as sliding and folding second-row seats. The extent of sliding and folding can vary slightly depending on the model year and trim level. Some Highlanders offer a one-touch mechanism for folding the second-row seats, simplifying the process.
Once you’re in the 3rd row, the available space becomes important. Generally, the Highlander’s 3rd row is best suited for children or smaller adults on shorter trips. Legroom and headroom can be limited, especially for taller individuals. If you regularly need to transport adults in the 3rd row, it is wise to consider other larger SUVs might be a better fit.
Configuration Options and Cargo Space
The versatility of the Highlander extends to its various seating configurations. You can fold down the 3rd row to create additional cargo space when you don’t need the extra seating. This flexibility is a significant advantage, allowing you to adapt the vehicle to your specific needs.
With the 3rd row up, the Highlander offers a modest amount of cargo space behind it. However, with the 3rd row folded down, the cargo area expands considerably, providing ample room for groceries, luggage, or sports equipment. The ability to fold down the second-row seats as well further increases the cargo capacity, allowing you to transport larger items.
3rd Row Comfort: Addressing Common Concerns
The comfort level of the 3rd row is a common concern for prospective Highlander buyers. Factors like legroom, headroom, and seat cushioning all contribute to the overall experience.
Legroom and Headroom Considerations
As mentioned earlier, legroom and headroom in the 3rd row can be limited, particularly for taller adults. Before purchasing, it is highly recommended to test out the 3rd row to see if it adequately suits your needs. If you primarily need seating for children, the 3rd row will likely be sufficient.
Seat Cushioning and Support
The level of cushioning and support in the 3rd-row seats can impact comfort, especially on longer journeys. While the seats are generally adequate for shorter trips, some users may find them less comfortable for extended periods. Consider adding seat cushions for extra comfort.
Features and Amenities
Some Highlander trim levels offer additional features and amenities that enhance the 3rd-row experience. These can include features such as dedicated climate controls, cupholders, and USB charging ports. These additions can make the 3rd row more appealing and comfortable, especially for younger passengers.
Comparing the Highlander’s 3rd Row to Competitors
It’s beneficial to compare the Highlander’s 3rd-row capabilities to those of its competitors in the mid-size SUV segment. This comparison can help you make a well-informed decision based on your specific requirements.
Key Competitors and Their 3rd-Row Offerings
Several other mid-size SUVs offer a 3rd row, including the Honda Pilot, Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, and Ford Explorer. Each of these vehicles has its own strengths and weaknesses regarding 3rd-row space and comfort.
-
Honda Pilot: Known for its spacious interior and comfortable 3rd row.
-
Kia Telluride/Hyundai Palisade: Offer generous 3rd-row space and a range of features.
-
Ford Explorer: Provides a more powerful engine and a more capable 3rd-row especially in newer models.
Space and Comfort Comparison
Compared to some of its competitors, the Highlander’s 3rd row might be considered slightly smaller. However, it still provides adequate space for children and smaller adults. The overall comfort level is generally good, although some users may prefer the more spacious 3rd rows offered by the Telluride, Palisade, or Pilot.
Features and Technology
The Highlander offers a range of features and technologies that contribute to the overall 3rd-row experience. These can include features such as rear climate control, USB charging ports, and a rear entertainment system (depending on the trim level). These features can help keep passengers comfortable and entertained, especially on long trips.
Is the Highlander’s 3rd Row Right for You?
Ultimately, the decision of whether the Highlander’s 3rd row is right for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. Consider the following factors when making your decision.
Family Size and Passenger Needs
If you have a large family or frequently need to transport multiple passengers, the Highlander’s 3rd row can be a valuable asset. However, if you regularly transport adults in the 3rd row, you may want to consider other larger SUVs with more spacious 3rd-row seating.
Cargo Requirements
The Highlander’s flexible seating configurations allow you to adapt the vehicle to your specific cargo needs. If you frequently need to transport large items, the ability to fold down the 3rd and 2nd-row seats can be a significant advantage.
Test Driving and Personal Assessment
The best way to determine if the Highlander’s 3rd row meets your needs is to test drive the vehicle and personally assess the space and comfort levels. Bring your family along to ensure that the 3rd row is comfortable for everyone who will be using it. Take some time to experiment with folding and unfolding the seats to ensure that the mechanisms are easy to use.
Model Year Variations
While the Highlander consistently offers a 3rd row, it’s important to note that there can be subtle variations in its design and features across different model years.
Design Changes Through Generations
Toyota periodically redesigns the Highlander, introducing new generations with updated styling, features, and technologies. While the basic concept of the 3rd row remains consistent, there may be minor changes in its dimensions, access mechanisms, and available amenities.
Trim Level Differences
The availability of certain 3rd-row features and amenities can also vary depending on the Highlander’s trim level. Higher trim levels may offer features such as leather upholstery, premium audio systems, and advanced safety technologies that enhance the overall 3rd-row experience.
Enhancing the 3rd-Row Experience
Whether you already own a Highlander or are considering purchasing one, there are several ways to enhance the 3rd-row experience for passengers.
Accessories and Add-ons
A variety of accessories and add-ons can improve the comfort and convenience of the 3rd row. These can include seat cushions, organizers, entertainment systems, and window shades. These additions can help create a more pleasant and enjoyable experience for passengers, especially on long trips.
Tips for Maximizing Space
There are several strategies you can use to maximize the available space in the 3rd row. These can include adjusting the position of the 2nd-row seats, using storage organizers to keep the area tidy, and encouraging passengers to minimize the amount of personal belongings they bring into the 3rd row.
Highlander’s Safety Features
Beyond just space, the Toyota Highlander also emphasizes safety, particularly for those seated in the 3rd row.
Airbags and Structural Integrity
The Highlander includes a comprehensive suite of airbags, including side curtain airbags that extend to the 3rd row, providing enhanced protection in the event of a collision. The vehicle’s structure is also designed to provide optimal crash protection for all occupants.
Advanced Safety Systems
The Highlander comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense, a suite of advanced safety systems that includes features such as pre-collision system, lane departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. These systems can help prevent accidents and protect passengers in all seating positions.
Fuel Efficiency with a 3rd Row
Despite having three rows of seating, the Highlander manages to maintain respectable fuel efficiency.
Engine Options and MPG Ratings
The Highlander offers a range of engine options, including a fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain. The EPA fuel economy ratings vary depending on the engine and drivetrain configuration, but the Highlander generally achieves good fuel economy for its class.
Driving Habits and Fuel Economy
Your driving habits can also impact the Highlander’s fuel economy. Aggressive driving, excessive idling, and carrying heavy loads can all reduce fuel efficiency. By driving conservatively and maintaining your vehicle properly, you can maximize fuel economy.
Resale Value and Reliability
The Toyota Highlander enjoys a strong reputation for reliability and excellent resale value.
Toyota’s Reputation
Toyota is known for producing vehicles that are built to last. The Highlander benefits from this reputation, offering owners peace of mind and a reliable transportation option.
Resale Value Considerations
The Highlander typically holds its value well over time, making it a smart investment. When it comes time to sell or trade in your Highlander, you can expect to receive a good return on your investment.
Conclusion: The Toyota Highlander and the 3rd Row
In conclusion, the Toyota Highlander does indeed have a 3rd row, adding to its appeal as a versatile and family-friendly SUV. While it might not be the most spacious 3rd row on the market, it serves its purpose for children and smaller adults, especially on shorter trips. The flexibility of folding the seats down for increased cargo space further enhances its practicality.
Ultimately, deciding if the Highlander’s 3rd row meets your needs depends on your unique circumstances and priorities. We strongly encourage you to test drive the Highlander, assess the 3rd-row space and comfort, and compare it to other vehicles in its class before making a final decision. Consider also your family’s size and usage of the 3rd row.
FAQ 1: Does the Toyota Highlander come standard with a third row?
Yes, the Toyota Highlander is designed as a family-friendly SUV, and a key feature contributing to this is its standard third-row seating. All trim levels of the Highlander include a third row, offering the capacity to seat up to eight passengers (depending on the specific configuration of the second row). This makes it a practical choice for larger families or those who frequently need to transport multiple people.
The presence of the third row allows for flexible passenger and cargo configurations. While legroom in the third row is generally best suited for children or smaller adults, it still provides valuable additional seating when needed. When extra cargo space is required, the third-row seats can be easily folded down to create a larger, more usable area in the rear of the vehicle.
FAQ 2: How spacious is the third row in a Toyota Highlander?
The third row in the Toyota Highlander is generally considered suitable for children and smaller adults on shorter trips. While it’s not as spacious as the second row, it offers enough room for occasional use. Legroom is typically around 27.7 inches, which can feel a bit cramped for taller adults on longer journeys. The Highlander prioritizes overall passenger capacity and cargo flexibility over providing maximum third-row legroom.
To maximize space and comfort for third-row passengers, it’s often recommended to adjust the second-row seats forward, creating more legroom in the back. This is especially useful when transporting a combination of adults and children. Keep in mind that folding down the third row significantly expands the cargo area, providing a trade-off between passenger space and storage capacity.
FAQ 3: Can the Toyota Highlander’s third row be easily accessed?
Accessing the third row in a Toyota Highlander is designed to be relatively convenient, though it depends on the specific year and trim level. The Highlander typically offers a sliding and reclining second-row seat on both sides of the vehicle. This allows passengers to easily move the second-row seats forward, creating a pathway to the third row. Some models also feature a one-touch mechanism that automatically folds and slides the second-row seat forward with minimal effort.
While the access is generally straightforward, it’s worth noting that it may require some dexterity, particularly for elderly passengers or those with mobility issues. Some reviewers have noted that the opening isn’t exceptionally wide, so taller individuals may need to duck slightly. Consider testing the third-row access yourself to ensure it meets your specific needs and preferences.
FAQ 4: How does the third row affect cargo space in the Toyota Highlander?
With the third row in use, the Toyota Highlander offers a decent amount of cargo space, but it is understandably reduced compared to when the third row is folded down. Typically, you can expect around 16 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, enough for groceries, luggage, or smaller items. This is sufficient for daily errands but may require careful packing for longer trips with multiple passengers.
However, the beauty of the Highlander’s design lies in its versatility. When the third row is folded down, the cargo capacity dramatically increases to around 48.4 cubic feet. This allows for significantly more storage, making it ideal for weekend getaways, sporting equipment, or larger shopping trips. Folding both the second and third rows down provides a maximum cargo volume of approximately 84.3 cubic feet.
FAQ 5: What are the alternative SUVs with more spacious third-row seating?
While the Toyota Highlander offers a third row, it’s not known for having the most spacious seating in its class. If third-row legroom is a top priority, several alternative SUVs offer more generous space. The Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade, for example, are often praised for their comfortable and roomy third rows, providing more legroom and headroom for adults.
Other options to consider include the Chevrolet Traverse and the Ford Expedition. These larger SUVs generally offer a more comfortable experience for passengers in all three rows, particularly on longer trips. However, it’s important to note that these alternatives often come with a larger overall size and potentially lower fuel efficiency compared to the Highlander. Weighing your priorities carefully is key to choosing the right vehicle.
FAQ 6: Does the hybrid version of the Toyota Highlander also have a third row?
Yes, the hybrid version of the Toyota Highlander retains the same third-row seating as the gasoline-powered model. The hybrid powertrain does not compromise the interior space or passenger capacity of the vehicle. This means that you can enjoy the benefits of improved fuel efficiency without sacrificing the versatility of having three rows of seating.
The third row in the Highlander Hybrid offers the same dimensions and functionality as in the standard model. It’s best suited for children or smaller adults on shorter trips, and it can be easily folded down to expand cargo space when needed. This makes the Highlander Hybrid a practical choice for families seeking a fuel-efficient SUV with flexible passenger and cargo configurations.
FAQ 7: Are there different configurations for the second row in the Toyota Highlander that affect third-row access?
Yes, the Toyota Highlander offers different second-row configurations that can impact access to the third row. Most trims offer the option of either a three-person bench seat or two captain’s chairs. The bench seat provides seating for three passengers in the second row, maximizing passenger capacity, but it might slightly complicate third-row access as passengers need to maneuver around or over the seat.
Opting for captain’s chairs in the second row creates a walkway between the seats, providing easier access to the third row. This configuration is particularly beneficial for families with children who frequently need to get in and out of the back. However, it reduces the total seating capacity to seven passengers. The choice between a bench seat and captain’s chairs depends on your individual needs and priorities regarding passenger capacity and ease of access.