2009 Hyundai Sonata vs. 2012 Toyota 4Runner
To start off, 2012 Toyota 4Runner is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Hyundai Sonata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Hyundai Sonata would be higher. At 4,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Toyota 4Runner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Toyota 4Runner (270 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 2009 Hyundai Sonata. (158 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Toyota 4Runner should accelerate faster than 2009 Hyundai Sonata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Toyota 4Runner weights approximately 934 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.
Because 2012 Toyota 4Runner is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2012 Toyota 4Runner. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Hyundai Sonata, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2012 Toyota 4Runner (376 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 157 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Hyundai Sonata. (219 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2012 Toyota 4Runner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Hyundai Sonata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Hyundai Sonata | 2012 Toyota 4Runner | |
| Make | Hyundai | Toyota |
| Model | Sonata | 4Runner |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2358 cc | 4000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 219 Nm | 376 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1119 kg | 2053 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4823 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1925 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1840 mm | 1816 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2789 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 87 L |
