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Driver/passenger comfort; Prius vs. Highlander, Lexus SUV

Discussion in 'Other Cars' started by RobertO, Mar 5, 2004.

  1. RobertO

    RobertO New Member

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    Do we know if the Highlander and Lexus SUV are actually any more capacious than the Prius?

    Seems to me a Toyota dealer told me the Prius shares the Matrix chassis. I'm not certain the chassis' for the Highlander and Lexus SUV provide a platform for THAT much more room.

    My point is that, even though the Highlander and Lexus are externally larger, they may not have that much more interior room that the '04 Prius. All the data I have so far is that both cars will be the same except for the "h" power train, dashboard display, etc. No mention that interior dimensions will be any different than the conventional ICE-powered models now in U.S. showrooms.

    My case in point would be the Hummer; ever sat in one? Yekhhhhh!!!

    I guess we can all go to the Toyota and Lexus websites and compare specs, but I wonder if one of you reading this has already done the comparison?


    Bob
     
    #1 RobertO, Mar 5, 2004
  2. RobertO

    RobertO New Member

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    FUEL FOR DISCUSSION ABOUT PRIUS COMFORT vs HIGHLANDER AND RX

    Numbers can be deceiving; I guess the real test is to sit in or drive the car.
    Here are the numbers from Toyota and Lexus:



    Interior Space Comparison: 2004 Prius/Highlander/Lexus RX
    Source; Toyota/lLexus Product web sites


    VEHICLE: FRONT/REAR (inches):

    PRIUS:
    Head room 39.1/37.1

    Shoulder room 55.3/53.0

    Hip room 51.0/51.6

    Leg room 41.9/38.6



    HIGHLANDER:
    Head room 40.0/39.8/32.3
    with moonroof 38.6/38.9/32.3

    Shoulder room 57.9/57.0/53.2

    Hip room 55.1/54.9/39.8

    Leg room 40.7/36.4/30.2


    LEXUS RX:
    Headroom 39.3/38.6 (w/o moonroof)

    Legroom 42.5/36.4

    Shoulder room 58.0/58.5


    Interesting comparison is the rear seat leg room.

    Draw your own conclusions about what you get for what you pay, wheelbase, overall length, weight, fuel economy, purpose, etc.


    Bob
     
    #2 RobertO, Mar 5, 2004
  3. LewLasher

    LewLasher Member

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    2019 Prius
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    XLE AWD-e
    More data, the external dimensions (copied from the Toyota Web site - don't ask me why they are not in the same order):

    Prius: Overall height/width/length 58.1/67.9/175.0

    Highlander: Overall length/width/unloaded height
    2WD: 184.6/71.9/66.1
    4WD: 184.6/71.9/66.5

    The hybrid version of the Highlander, as I understand it, will only be available with 3 rows of seats, although it will be possible to fold the 3rd row seats out of the way. At any rate, the Highlander is definitely wider (4", according to the exterior dimensions). Enough to make a difference if you want to carry more than 4 people in the car. Also, from my measurements, it looks a little tight to try to fit 205 cm skis in the back of the Prius (although I imagine this is not a big issue for most people), whereas this is not a problem in the Highlander.

    Other differences: the Highlander will probably have a full-size spare tire, and the Highlander will be available with all-wheel drive.
     
    #3 LewLasher, Mar 5, 2004
  4. Fredo

    Fredo Junior Member

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    If you need to, you shoul be able to get the skis in by laying both the front and rear passenger seats down. Either that or run the skis up through the center onto the console. It's not as convenient as the Highlander, if it would fit better there. It probably depends on how often and how far you're carrying the skis.
     
    #4 Fredo, Mar 5, 2004
  5. Batavier

    Batavier Member

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    Or you can put the skis on the roof... :)
     
    #5 Batavier, Mar 24, 2004
  6. lex8star

    lex8star New Member

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    I have a 2004 Driftwood AM that I park in the garage next to my wife's 1999 RX300. I noticed shortly after buying the Prius that to my eye the cars line up exactly and appear to be the same length. The rear seat room in the Prius is also functionally about the same. I think the RX 330 is a bit bigger.
    Incidentally, my Lexus dealer said the RX 400h will probably go on sale in December but might not be delivered until the spring. He anticipates the same type of waiting game for the RX as for the Prius. He has had 15 people express substantial interest but is not even keeping a list yet.
     
    #6 lex8star, Mar 24, 2004
  7. gene

    gene Member

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    When I was talking to the sales manager at my local dealership, he mentioned he's already had a few people put down deposits for the highlander and :exus hybrids. One woman appearently put down a large deposit for two reasons: 1. She told them she wanted the very first one the got, and 2. She'd spend it elsewhere is she didn't have them hold it.

    So, I definitely agree -- getting a hybrid SUVs is going to be tough. I'd guess the waiting lists will be as long or even longer than the Prius (especially some places).
     
    #7 gene, Mar 24, 2004
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