2009 Kia Carens vs. 2004 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2009 Kia Carens is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Toyota Highlander. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Toyota Highlander would be higher. At 2,360 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Toyota Highlander (148 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 2009 Kia Carens. (124 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2009 Kia Carens. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 170 kg more than 2009 Kia Carens. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Toyota Highlander is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Kia Carens. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2004 Toyota Highlander (222 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Kia Carens. (163 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2004 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Kia Carens. 2004 Toyota Highlander has automatic transmission and 2009 Kia Carens has manual transmission. 2009 Kia Carens will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Toyota Highlander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Kia Carens | 2004 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Kia | Toyota |
| Model | Carens | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Minivan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1793 cc | 2360 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 163 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87 mm | 96 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1515 kg | 1685 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.1 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 73 L |
