Is the third row of the Toyota Highlander seven-seater cramped?
3 Answers
Toyota Highlander seven-seater's third row is cramped. The Highlander 2.0T 4WD Elite Edition and the Highlander 2.0T 2WD Elite Edition are seven-seater models. Additional Information: 1. Features of the Highlander: The Highlander is equipped with a 3.5L V6 engine delivering up to 201 kW of power, paired with a stepped 5-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth acceleration and good fuel economy. Additionally, the high-rigidity unibody chassis, combined with the four-wheel drive system and newly developed suspension system, matches well with the 19-inch large-diameter wheels, giving the Highlander excellent handling, ride comfort, and off-road performance. 2. Advantages of the Highlander: It comes standard with a full suite of high-tech safety features; the V6 engine is powerful, and its fuel economy is competitive in its class; it performs well in urban and mountainous driving, with relatively low fuel consumption among 3.5L models. 3. Disadvantages of the Highlander: The third-row seats are too narrow; the infotainment screen and some other controls are too far from the driver's seat, often requiring leaning to reach; the half-shaft oil seal is prone to leakage.
I've been driving the Toyota Highlander seven-seater for several years. Overall, the third-row space isn't too cramped, but it depends on the passengers. For children or smaller individuals, there's plenty of room and it feels quite comfortable; but if two adults sit there, especially taller ones, their legs might feel cramped, and their knees could press against the front seats. Getting in and out requires squeezing sideways after folding down the seats, which isn't very convenient, especially when there's a lot of luggage. For daily use like picking up kids or city commuting, it's perfectly fine, but on long trips, like driving for several hours, passengers in the third row might complain about back and leg fatigue. With the rear seats up, the trunk can only hold small items, as the space shrinks. Overall, it's well-balanced and suitable for occasional full-family trips, but don't expect it to be as spacious as an MPV.
As a family owner, I often use the Highlander to take my kids out for fun. The third row is mainly occupied by the children, who are around seven or eight years old and fit just right, able to bounce around a bit without complaining about being cramped. Once, a neighbor couple sat in the back, and the man, who is about 1.8 meters tall, said straight out that his legs couldn't stretch out and his back felt stiff against the seat. It was fine for short trips like shopping, but after a while, it started to get uncomfortable. The kids can easily climb in and out, but adults have to bend down to manage. The trunk can handle a folding stroller and small toys without a problem, but larger items like suitcases won't fit and need to be secured with a net. The air conditioning vents are in the back, which is thoughtful for adjusting in summer and winter. Overall, it's suitable for families with many kids or for short trips, but as the kids grow, we'll need to switch to a bigger car.
