2008 Toyota Highlander vs. 2006 Toyota Prius
To start off, 2008 Toyota Highlander is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Toyota Prius. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Toyota Prius would be higher. At 3,311 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Toyota Highlander (209 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 133 more horse power than 2006 Toyota Prius. (76 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2006 Toyota Prius. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 30 kg more than 2006 Toyota Prius. 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 Toyota Highlander (287 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 171 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Toyota Prius. (116 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Toyota Prius.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Toyota Highlander | 2006 Toyota Prius | |
| Make | Toyota | Toyota |
| Model | Highlander | Prius |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2006 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3311 cc | 1497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 209 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 287 Nm | 116 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1770 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.2 L/100km | 4.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 45 L |
