2004 Nissan Xterra 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 Nissan Xterra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Nissan Xterra would be higher. At 3,454 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Toyota Highlander (270 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 129 more horse power than 2004 Nissan Xterra. (141 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2004 Nissan Xterra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 997 kg more than 2004 Nissan Xterra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or 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 @ 4700 RPM) has 127 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Nissan Xterra. (209 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Nissan Xterra. 2009 Toyota Highlander has automatic transmission and 2004 Nissan Xterra has manual transmission. 2004 Nissan Xterra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Toyota Highlander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Nissan Xterra | 2009 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Nissan | Toyota |
| Model | Xterra | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2009 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2393 cc | 3454 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 209 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1584 kg | 2581 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1890 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 73 L |
