2009 Hyundai Tucson vs. 2003 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2009 Hyundai Tucson is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Toyota Highlander. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Toyota Highlander would be higher. At 2,646 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Hyundai Tucson is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Hyundai Tucson (173 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2003 Toyota Highlander. (148 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Hyundai Tucson should accelerate faster than 2003 Toyota Highlander. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 726 kg more than 2009 Hyundai Tucson.
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, 2009 Hyundai Tucson (241 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Toyota Highlander. (221 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Hyundai Tucson will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Toyota Highlander.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Hyundai Tucson | 2003 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Hyundai | Toyota |
| Model | Tucson | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2003 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2646 cc | 2360 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 241 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 959 kg | 1685 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1740 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 73 L |
