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How big is the trunk of a Toyota Highlander?

The Toyota Highlander is a popular midsize SUV known for its roomy interior and generous cargo space. One of the key features of the Highlander is its sizable trunk, which provides ample storage for a variety of items. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the dimensions and capacity of the Highlander's trunk.


Trunk Dimensions and Capacity


The Toyota Highlander boasts a trunk with impressive dimensions. According to Toyota's specifications, the Highlander's trunk measures 16.0 cubic feet with all seats in use. This means the Highlander can accommodate a significant amount of cargo, from luggage and sports equipment to groceries and other household items.


When the Highlander's second-row seats are folded down, the cargo space expands significantly. With the seats folded, the Highlander's trunk capacity increases to 84.3 cubic feet, providing ample room for larger items such as furniture, appliances, or even small pieces of furniture. This versatile cargo space makes the Highlander a practical choice for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and those who need to transport bulky or oversized items.


Accessing the Trunk


The Highlander's trunk is easily accessible, with a wide opening and a low lift-over height. This makes it easy to load and unload items, even heavy or awkwardly shaped ones. The trunk also features a power liftgate, which can be opened and closed with the push of a button, further enhancing the convenience and accessibility of the cargo area.


Conclusion


The Toyota Highlander's spacious trunk is a standout feature that sets it apart from many of its competitors in the midsize SUV segment. With its generous dimensions and versatile cargo capacity, the Highlander offers ample storage space to accommodate a wide range of needs, from everyday errands to larger, more demanding tasks. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly SUV or a vehicle with exceptional cargo-hauling capabilities, the Highlander's trunk is sure to impress.

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. 



What are the inside dimensions of a Toyota Highlander?


The Toyota Highlander's interior dimensions include seating for 7 to 8 passengers, with legroom of 42.042.042.0 inches in the first row, 38.738.738.7 inches in the second, and 28.028.028.0 inches in the third. Headroom is 39.639.639.6 inches for the first row (with moonroof), 39.439.439.4 for the second, and 36.136.136.1 for the third. Cargo volume is 16.016.016.0 cubic feet behind the third row, 48.448.448.4 cubic feet behind the second, and a maximum of 84.384.384.3 cubic feet with all rear seats folded.
 
Passenger dimensions

  • Headroom (with moonroof): 39.639.639.6 inches (front) / 39.439.439.4 inches (second) / 36.136.136.1 inches (third)
  • Legroom: 42.042.042.0 inches (front) / 38.738.738.7 inches (second) / 28.028.028.0 inches (third)
  • Shoulder Room: 59.059.059.0 inches (front) / 58.458.458.4 inches (second) / 55.055.055.0 inches (third)
  • Hip Room: 57.257.257.2 inches (front) / 57.057.057.0 inches (second) / 45.645.645.6 inches (third) 

Cargo volume
  • Behind third row: 16.016.016.0 cubic feet
  • Behind second row: 48.448.448.4 cubic feet
  • Behind first row (maximum): 84.384.384.3 cubic feet 

Seating capacity
  • Seating Capacity: 7–8 passengers, depending on the model 



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. 



How big is the Toyota Highlander trunk space?


The Highlander can give you up to 84.3 cubic feet of cargo space when the second and third-row seats are folded down. If just the third-row seats are folded down, the Highlander gives you 48.4 cubic feet to work with, and you'll get 16 cubic feet if all the seats are upright.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.