2009 Toyota Highlander vs. 2011 Lexus IS
To start off, 2011 Lexus IS is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Toyota Highlander. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Toyota Highlander would be higher. Both 2009 Toyota Highlander and 2011 Lexus IS are equipped with a 3,500 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lexus IS (306 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 2009 Toyota Highlander. (266 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 2009 Toyota Highlander.
Because 2011 Lexus IS 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 2011 Lexus IS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Highlander, 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, 2011 Lexus IS (375 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Toyota Highlander. (249 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 2011 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Toyota Highlander.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Toyota Highlander | 2011 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Toyota | Lexus |
| Model | Highlander | IS |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2011 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 266 HP | 306 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 249 Nm | 375 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1740 mm | 1425 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2728 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.8 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 65 L |
