2006 Saturn ION vs. 2008 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2008 Toyota Highlander is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Saturn ION. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Saturn ION would be higher. At 3,311 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Toyota Highlander (209 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 2006 Saturn ION. (140 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2006 Saturn ION. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Saturn ION weights approximately 81 kg more than 2008 Toyota Highlander.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2008 Toyota Highlander (287 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Saturn ION. (197 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Saturn ION.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Saturn ION | 2008 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Saturn | Toyota |
| Model | ION | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2196 cc | 3311 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 209 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 197 Nm | 287 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1411 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1770 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.7 L/100km | 9.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.1 L/100km | 8.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.8 L/100km | 9.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 65 L |
