2008 Hyundai Tucson 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 Tucson. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Hyundai Tucson would be higher. At 3,454 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Toyota Highlander (270 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 132 more horse power than 2008 Hyundai Tucson. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2008 Hyundai Tucson. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 910 kg more than 2008 Hyundai Tucson. 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 Hyundai Tucson. 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 (336 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Hyundai Tucson. (305 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2009 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Hyundai Tucson.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Hyundai Tucson | 2009 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Hyundai | Toyota |
| Model | Tucson | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 3454 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1671 kg | 2581 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1740 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 73 L |
