2008 Hyundai Santa Fe 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 Hyundai Santa Fe. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe 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 20 more horse power than 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe. (186 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe weights approximately 525 kg more than 2009 Toyota Highlander.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or 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 Hyundai Santa Fe (249 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Toyota Highlander. (212 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Toyota Highlander.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe | 2009 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Hyundai | Toyota |
| Model | Santa Fe | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2656 cc | 3311 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 186 HP | 206 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 249 Nm | 212 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1855 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1770 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.6 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 65 L |
