2006 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 2009 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2009 Toyota Highlander is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Toyota Highlander (266 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe. (170 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe.
Because 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Toyota Highlander. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe 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 (249 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe. (245 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe | 2009 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Hyundai | Toyota |
| Model | Santa Fe | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2009 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2655 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 266 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 249 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.2 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.8 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 73 L |
