Hello,
considering purchasing a 2020 Highlander. Interested in removing 3rd row seats.
how easy is this and how much space is reclaimed by doing this?
thanks!

They fold down flat with the cargo area so not really advantageous to remove them. Also if you did you would end up with a load floor that is lower than that of the rear cargo area so it would be awkward to put stuff in there

 

I think the original question was not understood and not answered. That writer did not ask for pros and cons of having the seat out but rather can they be removed by unlatching or by 'permanently' by removing nuts and bolts.

I join the previous writer to ask the same question but now on both the second row seat(captain or bench) and as well as the third row. I know for a fact that they cannot be unlatched and quick detached. So, the question is therefore, on whether they can be unbolted(even harder but can be DIY). That means asking also if there is any warning system or electronical/electric setup that will prevent that from being done.

 

The short answer is that none of the 2nd or 3rd row seats are designed to be removed by simply unlatching something (like a Sienna). Everything is bolted in and designed to be there permanently.

Here's a more recent and more extensive discussion about removing the 2nd and 3rd row seats. You'd run into some wiring, but it looks like it's just for detecting whether the seat belts are buckled or not.

Remove rear seats in 2020 Highlander

I have a 2020 highlander that I will be using to tow a travel trailer. The trailer is within the tow capacity but in order to reduce concerns about payload and weighing everything I take, I would like to remove both rows of rear seats. I noticed that there are wiring harnesses on the bottom of...

www.toyotanation.com

 

I'm sure there is some merit to OP's request. The weight savings may be significant enough to translate to increased mileage, though I would agree with @toto that the seats are permanent fixtures.

 

This is where I’m at, the fuel mileage. I would never use the 3rd row and rarely, if ever, use the 2nd. Also considering removal solely for MPG’s.

 

I think some people are going to use their Highlander for camping and will use the extra room for storage. If the 3rd row is never used, no sense in keeping them in the car. I assume it's as simple as unbolting and disconnecting the seat belt warning.

 

I have removed the 3rd row seats in my 2016. Took about 20-30 minutes, and is worth it imo since no one sits back there. You will have a lower load floor because of it, but shouldn't be an issue unless you're short.

 

Thanks to KCHiker for at least trying to, answer the question to the point, and can think of one reason for people wanting to remove the seats.

toto, appreciate your remarks. However, everything bolt on are removable including for repair. Anyway, Bnlaughlin75 and I are after someone who has actually looked at the idea or has real life experience with that idea on the new generation Highlander(2020).

On the previous gen, there are enough youTubes out there and we know they are both doable.

A little off the topic chat first. The new generation(2021) Sienna's second row can no longer be unlatched for quick removal because the new seat has built-in airbag and that implies they do not need to offer quick detach connections for the wiring (for reasons, including legal consideration; not that it is not designable). They gave up that quick removable 2nd row seat feature/utility. Removing and re-installing, if one desires to do so, is a more permanentconsideration/undertaking. However, on other cars with similar air-bagged seat, there are YouTubers sharing the how-to in unplugging the wiring. Some cars need to add a resistor to pretend there is a complete circuit, some do not. So, it is a matter of the frist brave guy with time to look into it and get one done first. As for physically unbolting the seats, that is just nuts and bolts stuff. If they can mount/unbolt the seat in the factory, dealers can unbolt and bolt it back on in the shop, so can any of us!!

The 2020 Highlander does not have that kind of seat (yet?) therefore should be doable but we B & I ask to be 100% sure before we go buy (buy into) this new car, because we do not know what we do not know.

 

I am actually thinking of removing the 3rd row myself. I want to travel the country and build out the Highlander with extra storage and a bed. I figure I build some storage units where the 3rd row use to be and put a bed platform on top with additional storage under it.

 

Please kindly share any cautionary notes or on the space gained when you actually have it done.

 

I have not seen anything that indicates there are airbags in the 2nd row seats. The person who created that other thread I linked to never did follow up and say whether or not they did it successfully and if they found any complications.

If you want to be absolutely sure for yourself, I'd suggest spending the money to subscribe to Toyota's Tech Info System Web site for two days and review all relevant parts of the Service Manual. Not only will you get step-by-step instructions for how to remove the seats, but then you'll be able to see if there's anything else to worry about.

I know there's wiring for the seat belt buckles so that the car can nag you about passengers fastening their seat belts, although there are no occupant sensors in any rear seats. That function works based on whether or not you open a back door prior to driving away. Higher trim levels will also have 2nd row seat heaters, which may be included in the same wiring harness.

 

Found a good post about removing that third seat:
How to i remove a toyota highlander 3rd row seat? (vehiclehistory.com)

 

Here's a recent thread that might be useful.