2004 Hyundai Sonata vs. 2009 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2009 Toyota Highlander is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Hyundai Sonata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Hyundai Sonata would be higher. At 3,456 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Toyota Highlander (270 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 2004 Hyundai Sonata. (171 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2004 Hyundai Sonata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 208 kg more than 2004 Hyundai Sonata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2009 Toyota Highlander (336 Nm) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Hyundai Sonata. (255 Nm). This means 2009 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Hyundai Sonata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Hyundai Sonata | 2009 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Hyundai | Toyota |
| Model | Sonata | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2657 cc | 3456 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1476 kg | 1684 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4750 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1770 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.7 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.7 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 73 L |
