2008 Toyota Hilux 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 Toyota Hilux. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Toyota Hilux would be higher. At 2,700 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Toyota Highlander (187 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 2008 Toyota Hilux. (119 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2008 Toyota Hilux. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Toyota Hilux weights approximately 15 kg more than 2012 Toyota Highlander.
Because 2008 Toyota Hilux is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Toyota Highlander. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Toyota Hilux 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, 2008 Toyota Hilux (320 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Toyota Highlander. (252 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 2008 Toyota Hilux will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Toyota Highlander. 2012 Toyota Highlander has automatic transmission and 2008 Toyota Hilux has manual transmission. 2008 Toyota Hilux will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Toyota Highlander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Toyota Hilux | 2012 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Toyota | Toyota |
| Model | Hilux | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Pickup | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 2700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 119 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 252 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1805 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5260 mm | 4785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3090 mm | 2789 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 73 L |
