Comments by "Stephen Hendricks" (@stephenhendricks103) on "" video.

  1. Why do consumers purchase mainstream midsize 3 row crossovers? Presumably because they place at least some priority on third row seats. Otherwise, there's a whole set of 2 row midsize alternatives. The last generation Highlander was among the smaller 3 row vehicles (192.5" in length.) For 2020 Toyota has added about 2.5" to its length, bringing it close to the average size of its 3 row competitors.(Less than 2" less than a Telluride, an Ascent, or a Pilot.) Has that resulted in more interior room? Nope. Not at all. Toyota claims the Highlander's third row offers 27.7" of 3rd row legroom and 140 cubic ft of overall passenger space. That makes it the most cramped third row in entire 3 row category with less legroom in the third row than a Mustang's back seat. In terms of overall passenger space it offers more than only one competitor, the extremely inefficiently packaged CX-9 (134 cf). The KIA Sorento is the smallest midsize competitor in terms of length (189"), about half a foot shorter than the Highlander. Legroom in the third row is 4" inches greater than the Highlander (31.7") Overall passenger space is 154.2 cubic ft., topping the Highlander by a significant 14 cf. Of course, few if any so-called "family" 3 row crossovers offer truly accommodating third row room compared to a minivan. With the exceptions of the VW Atlas and Chevy Traverse, no competitor offers at least 33" of third row legroom. And it's common for reviewers to note that the third row of most CUV's is mainly for children. But kids come in various sizes, many close to or taller than five feet. Any human over 4.5' tall will have a difficult time cramming themselves in the third row of a Highlander. And kids have an annoying habit of growing taller each year. Even if a Highlander can accommodate a 10 year old, there's no guarantee it will work three years later. Finally, Toyota makes the absurd claim that the Highlander seats "up to eight" passengers. But that claim isn't based on actual passenger room but rather on the number of seatbelts in the vehicle including three (!) in the 3rd row. In fact, a top trim Highlander with captain chairs in the second row is effectively a four passenger "family" crossover. SUV of the year? Not if transporting more than 4 people is a priority.
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