2000 Hyundai Sonata vs. 2008 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2008 Toyota Highlander is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Hyundai Sonata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Hyundai Sonata would be higher. At 3,545 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Toyota Highlander (270 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 136 more horse power than 2000 Hyundai Sonata. (134 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2000 Hyundai Sonata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Hyundai Sonata weights approximately 66 kg more than 2008 Toyota Highlander.
Because 2008 Toyota Highlander is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2000 Hyundai Sonata. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Toyota Highlander will offer significantly more control. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2008 Toyota Highlander (336 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 165 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Hyundai Sonata. (171 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2008 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Hyundai Sonata. 2008 Toyota Highlander has automatic transmission and 2000 Hyundai Sonata has manual transmission. 2000 Hyundai Sonata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Toyota Highlander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Hyundai Sonata | 2008 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Hyundai | Toyota |
| Model | Sonata | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 3545 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1396 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1770 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2800 mm |
