2006 Kia Sportage 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 Kia Sportage. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Kia Sportage would be higher. At 3,311 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Toyota Highlander (206 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 2006 Kia Sportage. (140 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2006 Kia Sportage. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Kia Sportage weights approximately 146 kg more than 2009 Toyota Highlander.
Because 2009 Toyota Highlander is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2006 Kia Sportage. 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 (212 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Kia Sportage. (184 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Kia Sportage. 2009 Toyota Highlander has automatic transmission and 2006 Kia Sportage has manual transmission. 2006 Kia Sportage 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:
| 2006 Kia Sportage | 2009 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Kia | Toyota |
| Model | Sportage | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2009 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1975 cc | 3311 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 206 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 184 Nm | 212 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1476 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1700 mm | 1770 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 65 L |
