2009 Toyota Highlander vs. 2011 Volkswagen Routan
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Routan 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. At 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Volkswagen Routan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Routan (283 HP @ 6350 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 2009 Toyota Highlander. (270 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Routan should accelerate faster than 2009 Toyota Highlander. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Routan weights approximately 400 kg more than 2009 Toyota Highlander. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than 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, 2011 Volkswagen Routan (352 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Toyota Highlander. (336 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Routan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Toyota Highlander.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Toyota Highlander | 2011 Volkswagen Routan | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Highlander | Routan |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2011 |
| Body Type | SUV | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3456 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 270 HP | 283 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6350 RPM |
| Torque | 336 Nm | 352 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1684 kg | 2084 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 5144 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1953 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 3078 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.8 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 78 L |
