2006 Hyundai Sonata vs. 2003 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2006 Hyundai Sonata is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Toyota Highlander. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Toyota Highlander would be higher. At 2,360 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Toyota Highlander (148 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 2006 Hyundai Sonata. (131 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2006 Hyundai Sonata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Hyundai Sonata weights approximately 7 kg more than 2003 Toyota Highlander.
Because 2003 Toyota Highlander is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2006 Hyundai Sonata. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2003 Toyota Highlander (221 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Hyundai Sonata. (181 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Hyundai Sonata. 2003 Toyota Highlander has automatic transmission and 2006 Hyundai Sonata has manual transmission. 2006 Hyundai Sonata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Toyota Highlander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Hyundai Sonata | 2003 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Hyundai | Toyota |
| Model | Sonata | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 2360 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.5 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1692 kg | 1685 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 73 L |
