2008 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2009 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2009 Toyota Highlander is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Toyota RAV4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Toyota RAV4 would be higher. At 3,546 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Toyota RAV4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Toyota Highlander (270 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2008 Toyota RAV4. (269 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2008 Toyota RAV4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 329 kg more than 2008 Toyota RAV4. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Toyota RAV4 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Toyota Highlander. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Toyota RAV4 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, 2009 Toyota Highlander (336 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Toyota RAV4. (334 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 2009 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Toyota RAV4.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Toyota RAV4 | 2009 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Toyota | Toyota |
| Model | RAV4 | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3546 cc | 3456 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 269 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 334 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1684 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4610 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1770 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.9 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.5 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.8 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 73 L |
