2008 Toyota Highlander vs. 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Toyota Highlander. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Toyota Highlander would be higher. At 3,546 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Toyota Highlander (270 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan. (200 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan weights approximately 923 kg more than 2008 Toyota Highlander.
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 (336 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan. (281 Nm @ 1700 RPM). This means 2008 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan. 2008 Toyota Highlander has automatic transmission and 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan has manual transmission. 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Toyota Highlander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Toyota Highlander | 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Highlander | Tiguan |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3546 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 270 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 336 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1384 kg | 2307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1740 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.8 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.8 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 64 L |
