2005 Kia Carnival vs. 2009 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2009 Toyota Highlander is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Kia Carnival. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Kia Carnival 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 127 more horse power than 2005 Kia Carnival. (143 HP @ 8800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2005 Kia Carnival. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 1081 kg more than 2005 Kia Carnival. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Toyota Highlander is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2005 Kia Carnival. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Toyota Highlander (336 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Kia Carnival. (310 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Kia Carnival. 2009 Toyota Highlander has automatic transmission and 2005 Kia Carnival has manual transmission. 2005 Kia Carnival 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:
| 2005 Kia Carnival | 2009 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Kia | Toyota |
| Model | Carnival | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Minivan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2902 cc | 3454 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 2581 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4930 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1740 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.2 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 73 L |
