2008 Nissan Xterra vs. 2012 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2012 Toyota Highlander is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Nissan Xterra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Nissan Xterra would be higher. At 3,952 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Nissan Xterra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Toyota Highlander (270 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2008 Nissan Xterra. (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2008 Nissan Xterra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 800 kg more than 2008 Nissan Xterra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Nissan Xterra (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Toyota Highlander. (336 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 2008 Nissan Xterra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Toyota Highlander.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Nissan Xterra | 2012 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Nissan | Toyota |
| Model | Xterra | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3952 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 261 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 381 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1130 kg | 1930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2789 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.8 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 15.7 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 73 L |
