2009 Toyota Highlander vs. 2012 Mazda 2
To start off, 2012 Mazda 2 is newer by 3 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 3,456 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Toyota Highlander (270 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 170 more horse power than 2012 Mazda 2. (100 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda 2. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 284 kg more than 2012 Mazda 2. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Toyota Highlander is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Mazda 2. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Toyota Highlander (336 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 203 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda 2. (133 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda 2.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Toyota Highlander | 2012 Mazda 2 | |
| Make | Toyota | Mazda |
| Model | Highlander | 2 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3456 cc | 1500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 270 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 336 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 4-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1046 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 3920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1695 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1770 mm | 1475 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2489 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.2 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.8 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 43 L |
