2008 Subaru Forester vs. 2002 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2008 Subaru Forester is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Toyota Highlander. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Toyota Highlander would be higher. At 2,456 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Subaru Forester is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Subaru Forester (173 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 2002 Toyota Highlander. (149 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Subaru Forester should accelerate faster than 2002 Toyota Highlander. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 77 kg more than 2008 Subaru Forester.
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 Subaru Forester (225 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Toyota Highlander. (221 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Subaru Forester will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Toyota Highlander. 2002 Toyota Highlander has automatic transmission and 2008 Subaru Forester has manual transmission. 2008 Subaru Forester will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Toyota Highlander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Subaru Forester | 2002 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Subaru | Toyota |
| Model | Forester | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2002 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2456 cc | 2360 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 225 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99.5 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1608 kg | 1685 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1660 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 73 L |
