2008 Ford Explorer vs. 2009 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2009 Toyota Highlander is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Ford Explorer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Ford Explorer would be higher. At 4,013 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Toyota Highlander (270 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 2008 Ford Explorer. (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford Explorer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 504 kg more than 2008 Ford Explorer. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Toyota Highlander is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Ford Explorer. 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, 2008 Ford Explorer (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Toyota Highlander. (336 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Toyota Highlander.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Explorer | 2009 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Explorer | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4013 cc | 3454 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2077 kg | 2581 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5350 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3320 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.8 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.8 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.7 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 73 L |
