I am debating between a 2011 Highlander Hybrid and a 2011 Acura MDX. I am having a very difficult time deciding as both have their advantages and disadvantages (same price, but otherwise + and - on both sides). Anyway, one of my complaints on the Highlander is the 40/20/40 middle seat, which appears changed from a 60/40 seat a few years ago. I am interested to see what people think that currently own the Highlander of the 40/20/40 configuration. I have 2 complaints with it. My first is visual, as that middle seat looks somewhat out of place, given it's smaller size relative to the adjacent captain's chairs. The second complaint is functional, as it would seem harder to fit 5 adults comfortably in the first and second rows in comparison to a 60/40 configuration.
Of course, I realize I can't do anything about the 40/20/40 on the Highlander - it's either take it or leave it. But, I am wondering about some real world experience. Do you seat 5 adults in the first 2 rows, or does the small center seat mean you more often use the third row? Are you happy with the 40/20/40, or would you have chosen 60/40 if it had been an option? Any thoughts or insight would be appreciated.
I had an 2007 MDX that I traded in on my 2011 limited. I would have gotten another MDX but I wanted something that ran on regular gas and was a little cheaper than the MDX and I didn't like the Honda Pilot. I think the MDX seating is far superior to the Highlander. The second row is basically just for 2 people, as the middle is almost useless except for a child or very small adult. With my MDX I could put a child seat on each side and still put an adult, or another child in a booster seat, in the middle. My wife looks after 2-3 of my grandchildren every day and we hardly every used the third row with the MDX but I use it a lot now.
If seating is one of the contributing factors in your decision then the MDX wins hands down. On another note the MDX handles twice as good as the Highlander. I am happy with my Highlander, it is a good car but I miss many of the qualities of the MDX.
Thanks for the reply. That is kind of the way I was thinking about it. I sort of view the Highlander as a 6.5 person vehicle, and the MDX as more of a real 7 person vehicle. I know that isn't technically true, but in terms of ride comfort the 60/40 seems to work much better. Still, the Highlander Hybrid is FAR FAR superior on fuel economy, has the Smart Start System, has an adjustable middle row and is slightly larger. The MDX is somewhat more luxurious, has a more sophisticated AWD system than the hybrid, a more common tire size for replacements, 60/40 middle row, and possibly better resale than the hybrid.
If the Highlander had 60/40 middle seat or if the MDX had a little better fuel economy it would be an easy decision either way.... Sadly, neither is true, so maybe I should flip a coin!
But, I am wondering about some real world experience. Do you seat 5 adults in the first 2 rows, or does the small center seat mean you more often use the third row? Are you happy with the 40/20/40, or would you have chosen 60/40 if it had been an option? Any thoughts or insight would be appreciated.
It's all a matter of needs. I have no need to cram many people into my Highlander, so I usually keep the 2nd row middle seat unit out and have the alternate console/cup holder unit instead. I swapped out my 3rd row seat for the storage bins. You need to ask yourself just how often are you going to need to put 3 adults in the 2nd row and two of them in the 3rd row. On only two occasions have I put the middle seat back in to accommodate a third adult in the 2nd row, and both times I received compliments on how much seat and leg room there was in the 2nd row.
__________________
-------------------------
2008 Highlander Base 4WD
2002 Avalon XL
1987 Suzuki Samurai 4X4 - Treading where no Jeep can follow....
so if you have the middle seat remove, can you go though the 3rd row from the middle? or there is some kind of base on the floor? Try to see if it is easier to get to the 3rd row from the middle because if I put car seat and booster seat there, the slide and move forward from the side is kind of difficult for my parent.
so if you have the middle seat remove, can you go though the 3rd row from the middle? or there is some kind of base on the floor? Try to see if it is easier to get to the 3rd row from the middle because if I put car seat and booster seat there, the slide and move forward from the side is kind of difficult for my parent.
Yes, you can use the middle as access to the 3rd row if you have both the middle seat and the middle console out. On my 09, it has plastic with ridges that you can step on. I had my son and 3 of his friends in the HL and they got in and out of the 3rd row that way.
That said, it may be more difficult for adults simply from a size perspective. You would have to try it out. If so, I think your best option would be to put the baby seat behind the driver given that it is the passenger side (at least on my 09) that slides forward for access to the third. The booster seat is easy to quickly move in order to access 3rd row.
Also, I find that the 2nd row seat on passenger side of my HL slides forward very easily with a quick flip of the lever on the back of the seat.
__________________ 09 Black HL Sport, loaded Cdn version: AWD, bk leather int.
Mods: tinted windows; upgraded headlight and fog bulbs; bug deflector; Ichiba 15mm bolt on wheel spacers, Pioneer FH-P8000BT head unit; Blaupunkt underseat sub, Viper 5901 security/auto start, stainless dual exhaust tip, upgraded horns.
so if you have the middle seat remove, can you go though the 3rd row from the middle? or there is some kind of base on the floor? Try to see if it is easier to get to the 3rd row from the middle because if I put car seat and booster seat there, the slide and move forward from the side is kind of difficult for my parent.
Quote:
Originally Posted by luck123
Yes, you can use the middle as access to the 3rd row if you have both the middle seat and the middle console out. On my 09, it has plastic with ridges that you can step on. I had my son and 3 of his friends in the HL and they got in and out of the 3rd row that way.
Also, I find that the 2nd row seat on passenger side of my HL slides forward very easily with a quick flip of the lever on the back of the seat.
+1 on both counts to what luck said.
__________________
-------------------------
2008 Highlander Base 4WD
2002 Avalon XL
1987 Suzuki Samurai 4X4 - Treading where no Jeep can follow....
I'm 5'-11", tried sitting in the third row in the MDX in the NY Auto Show, It's okay, but the highlander has the flexibility of moving the second row further up giving more leg space for the 3rd row.
3rd row of highlander is not real leather.
MDX have more of a luxurious cabin feel to it, leather seats is more comfortable, have memory seats for driver, have cooling seat option for the front. side mirror can automatically fold itself, space behind the third is slightly bigger than the highlander, backup camera is much better, HID headlamps, functional GPS system, better rear entertainment system...
Why did I choose the HiHy? Cheaper gas price, especially since gas price is coming back up.
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
ToyotaNation.com is an independent Toyota/Lexus enthusiast website. ToyotaNation.com is not sponsored by or in any way affiliated with Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. The Toyota, Lexus and Scion names and logos are trademarks owned by Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.
Linear Mode
