2005 Toyota Highlander vs. 2012 Toyota Tacoma
To start off, 2012 Toyota Tacoma is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Toyota Highlander. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Toyota Highlander would be higher. At 3,956 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Toyota Tacoma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Toyota Tacoma (236 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 2005 Toyota Highlander. (160 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Toyota Tacoma should accelerate faster than 2005 Toyota Highlander. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 371 kg more than 2012 Toyota Tacoma.
Because 2005 Toyota Highlander is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Toyota Tacoma. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2012 Toyota Tacoma (361 Nm) has 137 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Toyota Highlander. (224 Nm). This means 2012 Toyota Tacoma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Toyota Highlander.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Toyota Highlander | 2012 Toyota Tacoma | |
| Make | Toyota | Toyota |
| Model | Highlander | Tacoma |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2358 cc | 3956 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 236 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 361 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1701 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4700 mm | 5290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1740 mm | 1660 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 3240 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.4 L/100km | 12.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.2 L/100km | 15.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.2 L/100km | 14 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 79 L |
