If you need a family-friendly car, the 2017 Toyota Highlander and 4Runner SUVs are perfect because they include third-row seating that is optional.
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The Toyota Highlander’s third row seats were added in what year?
Third-row seating’s added comfort and spaciousness are valued by many drivers. It offers the convenience that commuters with big families wouldn’t receive in a smaller vehicle.
You gain from an increase in the number of seats for two or three, making the vehicle able to carry six or eight passengers. You also get enough space for various kinds of stuff. We’ll examine the Toyota Highlander third-row seating in today’s post and provide you with all the information you require.
Toyota Highlander Third-Row Specs
Eight trim levels of the 2022 Toyota Highlander are now offered. The lower L and LE trims as well as the higher Hybrid, XLE, XSE, Hybrid Bronze Edition, Limited, and Platinum trims fall under this category. Eight passengers can be accommodated in the base L and LE variants. Thanks to the second and third rows’ bench seating configuration.
Two captain’s chairs in the second row are standard on higher trim levels, bringing the total number of seats down to seven. Overall, the driver and front passenger have 44.2 inches of legroom in the first row. For adults of average size, the second seat gives 38.4 inches of legroom, while the third row only provides 27.7 inches.
It’s important to highlight that individuals of any size should not sit on the third row. Only younger and smaller kids should use it. Most travelers will consider it to be crowded. You won’t be able to use the third row every day due to the available space.
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What Model Years of Toyota Highlanders Have the Third Row?
Only two rows of seats, each with enough for five passengers, are available for Toyota Highlander models built between 2001 and 2004. With the addition of a third-row bench seating layout, the passenger capacity is increased to seven for model years 2004 to 2007.
The second generation’s seating capacity (20082013) is the same, with vehicles offering either five or seven seats depending on the trim you choose. A movable second-row is provided as a point of entrance and provides accommodation for up to eight passengers for the third generation (2014-present).
Effect of Toyota Highlander Third-Row Seating on Cargo Space
The Toyota Highlander has ample passenger and cargo storage in addition to all the space for people. When all seats are occupied, the automobile has a cargo volume of 13.8 cubic feet. There is enough room here for four carry-on luggage, groceries, or sporting equipment.
You can fold the second row in the Highlander to accommodate large objects like furniture, storage containers, and bicycles. When the third row is folded down, you have 42.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity. This enables you to fit travel luggage or outdoor equipment.
To get the optimal passenger-to-cargo ratio, you can arrange your cabin in a variety of ways. This offers an incredible 83.7 cubic feet of area for use. The second and third rows of chairs can also be conveniently folded 6040.
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Standard Features That Come with Toyota Highlander Third-row Seating
The Toyota Highlander comes equipped with cloth upholstery, a bench seat in the second row that slides and reclines, and an eight-way adjustable driver’s seat as standard. As an option, you may receive heated and ventilated front seats, second-row captain’s chairs, a passenger seat that can be adjusted in four different ways, heated second-row seats, a leather-wrapped shifter and steering wheel, heated steering wheel, and second-row sunshades.
Additionally, child safety seat LATCH connectors are available on the car. For the outer seats in the second row, there are two complete sets of connectors available. The middle seats in the second and third rows both come with tether anchors. Additional lower anchors are also provided for the second row.
Comparison Between Toyota Highlander Third-row Seating and Its Competition
The Chevrolet Traverse, Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, Kia Telluride, Volkswagen Atlas, Nissan Pathfinder, Mazda CX-9, Subaru Ascent, and Kia Sorento are competitors of the Toyota Highlander. Here are the differences in legroom between each model and the third-row seats on the Toyota Highlander.
With just 27.7 inches available, the Toyota Highlander has the least amount of third-row legroom. Although the car has larger overall passenger room than other versions, the last row can only fit youngsters and short adults.
Only the Nissan Pathfinder at 28 inches and the Mazda CX-9 at 29.7 inches are significantly different from the Highlander. From that point on, all subsequent versions provide larger adults additional room and comfort.
With 31.4 inches, the Kia Telluride comes in fourth. The Subaru Ascent and Kia Sorento come in second and third, each with 31.7 inches. With 31.9 and 33.5 inches, the Honda Pilot and Chevrolet Traverse offer enough room for passengers. The Ford Explorer tops the list with 40.9 inches of legroom, while the VW Atlas has one of the largest interior dimensions at 33.7 inches.
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Should You Get the Toyota Highlander for Third Row Seating?
Is the Toyota Highlander a wise investment if you need to accommodate more people? Absolutely! However, it will depend on who else will be seated in the third row with you. The Highlander is ultimately a medium SUV, and a good-sized one at that.
With ample of space and conveniences, the first two rows are suitable for adults. But full-sized adults won’t be able to sit comfortably in the third row. The farthest back seats are best saved for teenagers and young children, unless you’re putting very small adults there. Children and teenagers would be uncomfortable in the 27.7 inches of legroom, but larger adults would fit.
Sadly, this reduces the Highlander’s usefulness as an eight or seven-seat SUV. Therefore, if you’re wanting to accommodate all adults, we can’t suggest the Highlander. For more accommodation in the third row, you should choose a full-size SUV like the Toyota Sequoia or the Kia Telluride.
However, the Highlander is a superb family SUV if you are only transporting children in the third row.
Conclusion
One of the numerous third-row family favorites on the market now is the Toyota Highlander. This midsize SUV provides the seating you require for nights out with family and friends, despite its stifled third row. Many purchasers all around the United States have chosen it as their top pick due to its adaptability and practicability.
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Which Toyota models provide a third row of seats?
The Highlander, 4Runner, Land Cruiser, and Sequoia are just a few of the four three-row SUVs offered by Toyota. These SUVs will transport you from the grocery store to weekend beach getaways with plenty of storage space, cutting-edge technology, and safety features.
Is the third row in a Highlander standard?
Due to a third row with room for three more passengers, the mid-size Toyota Highlander can accommodate up to eight occupants. The Highlander is a fantastic option for families even though its third row isn’t as spacious as many of its rivals because it can accommodate children.
All six trim levels of the Highlander come standard with the third row. The third row is located behind a bench seat that can accommodate three passengers in the base L and LE trims, while the upper trims replace the bench with captains chairs, reducing the overall seating capacity to seven.
Space and comfort
The main concern with third row seats is whether or not it is comfortable. The majority of passengers must find those seats comfortable in order for a third row to be useful.
Of course, comfort is a relative term. Which is not? Measurements of the passenger volume, headroom, and legroom. These for the Toyota Highlander look like this:
The Highlanders’ third row is a little crowded, as you can see from those numbers, especially when compared to its obscenely spacious second row. The loss of a few inches of headroom and legroom might not matter if you’re seeking for extra room to accomodate small children, but for adults, that back row is unquestionably a tight fit, especially if you’re planning any lengthy travels.
Is the Highlander an 8- or 7-seater?
Mitsubishi Outlander This Toyota 7-seater SUV offers a practical interior with three rows of seating and fold-flat third-row seats when not in use, making it ideal for families who need a little extra room. With available second-row sunshades and standard three-zone automatic climate control, you can keep everyone comfortable in the back.
The largest third row is in which SUV?
Sequoia Toyota One of the largest Toyota SUVs is the Sequoia. That is why it also has the third row that is the most roomy in the lineup. This SUV outperforms competitors like the Land Cruiser, Highlander, and 4Runner with 35.3 inches of third-row legroom.
What SUVs have a third row?
Which Vehicles Will Have Third-Row Seats in 2021?
- Audi: SQ7 and Q7.
- Bentayga from Bentley.
- BMW: X5, X7.
- Enclave from Buick.
- Escalade, Escalade ESV, and XT6 from Cadillac.
- Chevrolet: Tahoe, Traverse, and Suburban.
- Chrysler: Voyager, Pacifica, and Pacifica Hybrid.
- Durango, from Dodge.
Can an 8-person Toyota Highlander fit?
The Toyota Highlander is one of the top 14 eight-seat SUVs according to U.S. News. This SUV has an outstanding safety rating, a broad list of standard amenities, and decent engine performance, according to the article.
The Highlander can accommodate eight people, although not for extended periods of time. It can sit eight if necessary, but five people are much more comfortable.
It is only advised as an eight-passenger SUV for short journeys, such as carpool duty, and not for lengthy road trips, according to U.S. News.
Are there captain’s chairs in the Toyota Highlander?
Are you and your family in awe of the 2021 Toyota Highlander’s versatility? The Toyota Highlander, a well-liked midsize SUV with three rows of seats, may be the ideal choice for busy families in the Bangor region at Downeast Toyota. It is offered in six regular trim levels: L, LE, XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum, with a starting MSRP of $34,910. With our comparison of 2021 Toyota Highlander trim levels around Bangor, Maine, you can find the ideal model for your family.
The 2021 Toyota Highlander is a fantastic alternative for the family on the run and has third-row seating that is ideal for family outings. For eight passengers, second-row bench seats are standard on Highlander L, LE, XLE, and XSE trim levels. Luxury second-row Captain’s Chairs are a standard feature of the Highlander Limited and Platinum trim levels, and they are an option for the XLE and XSE trim levels. The Toyota Highlander offers 16 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seats and an additional 84.3 cubic feet of room when the back seats are folded flat to accommodate daily errands.
Do Toyota 4Runners have a third row of seats?
Space and Seating Although the 2019 Toyota 4Runner’s base trim levels lack a third row of seats, buyers who opt for the SR5 and Limited versions will benefit from the versatility of two extra seats, giving seating for up to seven adult passengers.
Which SUV is Toyota’s largest?
The Toyota Highlander is the largest SUV in the Toyota series and comes with a standard third row of seats so that both passengers and baggage may be transported in comfort. A more compact choice for young families is the Toyota 4Runner, which also comes with the option of a third row.
RAV4 has a third row, right?
Five passengers may normally fit across two rows of seats in a used Toyota RAV4. Third-row seating, however, is occasionally available in RAV4 cars from the third generation. These cars are among the few in their class with extra seats, so anyone who wants a little bit more room should choose them.
Overall, this area gives you a little bit more flexibility while operating a vehicle. For instance, you might be the official carpool driver for your workplace or you might need to pick up your children and their friends from school. Having a used RAV4 with third-row seating makes it simple to fit everyone comfortably if that is the case.
How flat is the third row on a Highlander?
The new 2021 Toyota Highlander’s spacious cabin features three rows of seats for up to eight passengers. You can select one of the available second-row fold-down captain’s chairs, which come with fold-down armrests and adjustable headrests, for more comfort. Your new 2021 Toyota Highlander can only accommodate seven people if you choose the captain’s chairs. You can pick from a wide range of comfort features regardless of the seating configuration you select, ensuring that you get the luxury you want and deserve. The Toyota Highlander’s third-row seats have sliding headrests, a recline mechanism, and the ability to fold flat.
How Much Cargo Space is in the 2021 Toyota Highlander?
The 2021 Toyota Highlander is an excellent option if you’re looking for a new crossover SUV with generous rear luggage room. The 2021 Toyota Highlander transports the goods you need to tote, including big, tall, and long objects.