2009 Hyundai Sonata vs. 2013 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2013 Toyota Highlander is newer by 4 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Toyota Highlander (266 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 2009 Hyundai Sonata. (158 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2009 Hyundai Sonata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 841 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 2013 Toyota Highlander is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Hyundai Sonata. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 Toyota Highlander 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, 2013 Toyota Highlander (336 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Hyundai Sonata. (219 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2013 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Hyundai Sonata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Hyundai Sonata | 2013 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Hyundai | Toyota |
| Model | Sonata | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2358 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 266 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 219 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 97 mm | 83 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1119 kg | 1960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1840 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2790 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 73 L |
