2009 Hyundai Sonata vs. 2008 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2009 Hyundai Sonata 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 94 more horse power than 2009 Hyundai Sonata. (176 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2009 Hyundai Sonata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 66 kg more than 2009 Hyundai Sonata. 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 (336 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Hyundai Sonata. (228 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2008 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Hyundai Sonata. 2008 Toyota Highlander has automatic transmission and 2009 Hyundai Sonata has manual transmission. 2009 Hyundai Sonata 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:
| 2009 Hyundai Sonata | 2008 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Hyundai | Toyota |
| Model | Sonata | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2359 cc | 3546 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 176 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1318 kg | 1384 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1840 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.4 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.2 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.8 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 73 L |
