How big is the interior of a Toyota Highlander?
The interior offers about 141 cubic feet of passenger space and up to roughly 84 cubic feet of cargo space when the rear seats are folded, with seating for up to eight (or seven if you opt for second-row captain’s chairs).
Inside space for passengers
The Highlander is configured to accommodate families across three rows of seating. It offers two main seating layouts: an eight-passenger setup with a full second-row bench, and a seven-passenger setup with second-row captain’s chairs for easier access to the third row.
Seating configurations
These configurations determine how people and cargo share space and influence available storage when the seats are in use.
- 8-passenger layout with a full second-row bench and a standard third row
- 7-passenger layout with second-row captain’s chairs
- Front-row and second-row comfort features (adjustable seating, climate control, etc.) across trims
In short, the interior is designed to balance seating capacity with cargo flexibility, offering generous space in both passenger and storage areas.
Cargo and storage capacity
When loading gear, the Highlander provides clear cargo figures that vary by how the seats are arranged. Toyota lists three rear configurations: space behind the third row, space behind the second row, and maximum space with all rear seats folded flat.
Cargo figures by configuration
These numbers help with planning trips, groceries, or gear.
- Cargo behind the third row: about 16.0 cubic feet
- Cargo behind the second row: about 48.4 cubic feet
- Maximum cargo with all rear seats folded: about 84.3 cubic feet
Note that these figures can vary slightly by model year and seating configuration (8-seat bench vs. 7-seat captain’s chairs). Always check the specific trim’s cargo spec for precision.
How configuration affects everyday use
The Highlander’s interior versatility is designed to suit daily driving, family trips, and weekend gear. With the 8-passenger setup, you have ample seating for relatives or friends, while the 7-passenger layout prioritizes versatile access to the rear for cargo or passengers alike. Folding second and third rows flat expands cargo space dramatically, making room for larger items when needed.
Summary: The Toyota Highlander offers a roomy, flexible interior that comfortably seats up to eight and provides substantial cargo capacity. With around 141 cubic feet of passenger volume and a maximum of about 84.3 cubic feet of cargo space, it remains a competitive choice in the midsize SUV segment for families and active lifestyles.
What is the lawsuit against the Toyota Highlander?
Recent and ongoing lawsuits involving the Toyota Highlander address issues such as faulty door lock actuators, a potential transmission defect in certain models, and a claim that 2020-2021 Highlander Hybrids have fuel tanks that do not fill completely. Other recent lawsuits include an investigation into defective power liftgates and a separate class action settlement for a Bluetooth echo defect that affected some Highlanders.
Current and recent lawsuits
- Door Lock Actuators: A class action lawsuit was filed because many Toyota models, including the Highlander, reportedly have defective door lock actuators that may fail to engage properly. The lawsuit claims owners have been charged for repeated replacements, which Toyota allegedly considered "wear and tear" items.
- Transmission Defect: Lawsuits allege that certain Highlander models (2017-2022) equipped with the UA80 automatic transmission have a defect that can cause whining, erratic shifting, and premature failure. A Customer Support Program (CSP ZJC) was created but only covers a limited number of vehicles, according to Change.org.
- Fuel Tank Defect: A class action lawsuit was filed on behalf of owners of 2020-2021 Highlander Hybrids, claiming a defective fuel tank vent causes it to not fill to its capacity.
- Power Liftgate Defect: Some Highlander models (XU20, XU40, XU50, and Highlander Hybrid MHU28) are reportedly affected by a power liftgate defect that can lead to costly repairs, with the lawsuit alleging Toyota knew about the issue but did not issue a recall or warning.
- Bluetooth Echo Defect: A class action lawsuit over a Bluetooth defect that caused an echo on calls in certain Toyota models, including the Highlander, resulted in a settlement, notes this article from Unión Rayo and ClassAction.org.
How to proceed
- Identify your vehicle's details: Determine if your Highlander is included in any of these lawsuits by checking its model year, VIN, and the specific defect alleged.
- Gather evidence: Collect any repair invoices, service records, or documentation related to the defect.
- Contact an attorney: Speak to a lawyer who specializes in consumer or automotive class action lawsuits to understand your options and how you may be affected by an ongoing investigation or settlement.
- Check settlement websites: Visit official settlement websites if they are available for a specific lawsuit, as they often provide important information and instructions for potential claimants.
Which Toyota SUV is the roomiest?
The most spacious Toyota SUV is the Toyota Sequoia, which offers the most passenger and cargo room with seating for up to eight and up to 86.9 cubic feet of cargo space. The Grand Highlander is another very spacious option, specifically designed to provide more third-row legroom and cargo space compared to the standard Highlander.
Toyota Sequoia
- Why it's spacious: As Toyota's largest SUV, it is built for maximum space and has a larger exterior than other models.
- Seating: Seats up to eight passengers.
- Cargo: Offers up to 86.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the second and third rows folded down.
- Key features: Standard i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain, up to 9,000 pounds of towing capacity, and luxurious upper trims.
Grand Highlander
- Why it's spacious: It is designed with a longer body to provide more interior space, especially for third-row passengers, compared to the standard Highlander.
- Seating: Seats up to eight passengers.
- Cargo: Offers more cargo room and interior space than the standard Highlander.
- Key features: Available in a hybrid model and offers extra comfort for larger families or road trips.
Will a twin size mattress fit in a Toyota Highlander?
Yes, a standard twin mattress will fit in a Toyota Highlander, especially with the rear seats folded down. The car's cargo space is large enough to accommodate a twin's length of approximately 75 inches, and the width of the vehicle's cargo area is sufficient to fit the 39-inch width of a standard twin mattress.
To fit the mattress:
- Fold down the rear seats: This will maximize the cargo area to its fullest extent.
- Position the mattress: Place the mattress flat or at a slight angle to fit it through the rear and into the vehicle.
- Secure it: Use straps to ensure the mattress is held securely in place during transport.
How big is the inside of a Toyota Highlander?
Highlander Interior Offers Abundant Passenger Space
| FIRST ROW | THIRD ROW | |
|---|---|---|
| HEADROOM: | 41.2 inches | 36.1 inches |
| LEGROOM: | 42 inches | 27.7 inches |
| HOPROOM: | 57.2 inches | 45.6 inches |
