How Many Seats in a Toyota Highlander? The Toyota Highlander offers seating for either seven or eight passengers, depending on the trim level and configuration. The base trims, such as the LE, typically come with a bench seat in the second row, allowing for eight passengers. Higher trims, like the XLE and Platinum, often feature second-row captain’s chairs, reducing the seating capacity to seven. This versatile seating arrangement makes the Highlander a popular choice for families seeking a spacious and comfortable three-row SUV.
Seating Capacity Overview
The Toyota Highlander typically offers seating for either seven or eight passengers. The configuration largely depends on the trim level and the options selected at the time of purchase.
- Seven-Seater Configuration: This setup usually includes two front seats, two captain’s chairs in the second row, and a three-seat bench in the third row.
- Eight-Seater Configuration: This configuration features a bench seat in the second row, allowing for three passengers, in addition to the three-seat bench in the third row.
Seating by Model Year
2022 Toyota Highlander
- Seating Options: The 2022 Highlander offers both seven and eight-seat configurations. The base LE trim comes with eight seats as standard, thanks to a second-row bench seat. Higher trims, however, offer seven seats with the inclusion of captain’s chairs in the second row[6].
2021 Toyota Highlander
- Seating Options: Similar to the 2022 model, the 2021 Highlander provides options for seven or eight seats. The choice between a second-row bench and captain’s chairs determines the overall seating capacity.
2020 Toyota Highlander
- Seating Options: The 2020 Highlander continued the trend of offering both seating configurations. The standard setup included a bench seat in the second row, while higher trims featured captain’s chairs.
Trim Levels and Seating Configurations
The seating capacity in a Toyota Highlander is influenced by the trim level:
- LE Trim: Typically comes with an eight-seat configuration due to the second-row bench seat.
- XLE, Limited, and Platinum Trims: These trims often feature seven seats, with second-row captain’s chairs providing enhanced comfort and accessibility to the third row.
Interior Features and Comfort
The Toyota Highlander is designed with family comfort in mind, offering spacious seating and a range of features to enhance the driving experience:
- Third-Row Access: The captain’s chairs in the seven-seat configuration provide easier access to the third row, which is particularly beneficial for families with children.
- Interior Space: Both seating configurations offer ample legroom and headroom, making long journeys comfortable for all passengers.
Comparison with Other Toyota Models
The Toyota Highlander is often compared to the Toyota Sienna, another family-friendly vehicle:
| Feature | Toyota Highlander | Toyota Sienna |
|---|---|---|
| Seating Capacity | 7 or 8 seats | 7 or 8 seats |
| Hybrid Option | Available | Standard |
FAQs
What is the standard seating configuration for the Toyota Highlander?
The standard configuration for most base models is eight seats with a second-row bench seat.
Can I convert a seven-seat Highlander to an eight-seat configuration?
Conversion is not typically supported by Toyota, as it involves significant changes to the interior layout.
Is there a difference in cargo space between the seven and eight-seat configurations?
Cargo space remains similar, but the seven-seat configuration with captain’s chairs may offer slightly easier access to the third row.
Are the seating options the same for the hybrid model?
Yes, the hybrid version of the Highlander offers the same seating configurations as the non-hybrid models.
How does the seating in the Highlander compare to other midsize SUVs?
The Highlander’s seating capacity is competitive, offering similar options to other midsize SUVs in its class.