2007 Toyota Highlander vs. 2009 Volkswagen Touareg
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Touareg is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 Toyota Highlander. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 Toyota Highlander would be higher. At 3,597 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Volkswagen Touareg is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Touareg (276 HP @ 2650 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 2007 Toyota Highlander. (215 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Touareg should accelerate faster than 2007 Toyota Highlander. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Touareg weights approximately 895 kg more than 2007 Toyota Highlander. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Volkswagen Touareg is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2007 Toyota Highlander. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Touareg 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 Volkswagen Touareg (360 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Toyota Highlander. (301 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Touareg will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Toyota Highlander.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Toyota Highlander | 2009 Volkswagen Touareg | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Highlander | Touareg |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2009 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3311 cc | 3597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 276 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 2650 RPM |
| Torque | 301 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 2250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4700 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1930 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.2 L/100km | 10.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 100 L |
