2009 Ford Escape vs. 2008 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2009 Ford Escape 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 98 more horse power than 2009 Ford Escape. (172 HP @ 6550 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2009 Ford Escape. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 1559 kg more than 2009 Ford Escape. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Toyota Highlander (336 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Ford Escape. (302 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2008 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Ford Escape.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Escape | 2008 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Escape | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2976 cc | 3546 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6550 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 302 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1022 kg | 2581 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.8 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.8 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.8 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 73 L |
