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The Toyota Highlander is one of the most popular midsize SUVs. And now, Toyota gives the Crown midsize sedan an SUV-like design as it returns to America following a lengthy hiatus. However, the 2023 Toyota Highlander has one big benefit over the 2023 Toyota Crown: a more spacious interior.

2023 Toyota Highlander has a more spacious interior than the 2023 Toyota Crown

2023 Toyota Highlander midsize SUV driving on a desert highway
2023 Toyota Highlander | Toyota

The 2023 Toyota Highlander and the 2023 Toyota Crown are different versions of a family people-hauler. While the Crown takes things in a luxurious direction with its premium cabin, the Highlander midsize SUV provides what families need the most on their automotive journeys: plenty of space. It has a much more spacious interior than the Crown.

For one, the Highlander, with its three-row layout, can seat up to eight passengers. However, the Crown has just two rows and offers seating for only five passengers. Also, the Highlander has a total passenger volume of 141.3 cu-ft, compared to 100 cu-ft for the Crown.

Cabin in 2023 Toyota Highlander SUV
2023 Toyota Highlander | Toyota

Additionally, the extra passenger space translates to more headroom. The Highlander features 39.6 inches of headroom for the front seats and 39.4 inches for the second-row ones, compared to 38.2/37.5 inches in the Crown. The additional headroom makes the Highlander a better choice for taller passengers. Plus, unlike the Crown, the Highlander offers second-row captain’s chairs. 

2023 Highlander also provides more cargo space than the 2023 Crown

Front angle view of white 2023 Toyota Crown midsize sedan
2023 Toyota Crown | Toyota

Along with providing more space for passengers than the 2023 Toyota Crown, the 2023 Toyota Highlander has more cargo space too. Behind the third row, the midsize SUV has 16 cu-ft of cargo space. Folding down the third row results in 48.4 cu-ft of storage. And with both the second row and third row folded, the Highlander offers a cargo capacity of 84.3 cu-ft. 

However, despite its SUV-like design elements, the Crown has a trunk for storing items — like a traditional sedan. And the trunk in the Crown has 15.2 cu-ft of storage space, which is much less than what the Highlander offers.

Other ways the Toyota Highlander tops the Crown

There are other ways the 2023 Highlander is better than the 2023 Crown. With its higher ground clearance, the Highlander is better for off-road use and driving in the snow. It has up to 8.0 inches of clearance, compared to 5.8 inches for the Crown.

Also, the Highlander delivers a higher base-engine output. Its standard turbocharged 2.4-liter inline-four engine generates 265 horsepower, while the base-level 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine in the Crown produces 236 horsepower. Additionally, the Highlander is more capable on the towing front. It has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, compared to 3,500 pounds for the Crown.

Furthermore, the 2023 Highlander is more affordable, with a starting price of $36,420 MSRP. In comparison, the 2023 Crown starts at $39,950 MSRP.

With its more spacious interior, the 2023 Toyota Highlander midsize SUV has a big benefit over the 2023 Toyota Crown midsize sedan. For automotive shoppers deciding between the two vehicles, the roomier interior is an important element to consider.

Related 2023 Toyota Highlander: Features, Price, Specs, & Overview

2023 Toyota Highlander: Features, Price, Specs, & Overview