2009 Toyota Highlander vs. 2012 Mazda CX-7
To start off, 2012 Mazda CX-7 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 3,311 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Toyota Highlander (206 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 2012 Mazda CX-7. (161 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda CX-7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda CX-7 weights approximately 256 kg more than 2009 Toyota Highlander.
Because 2009 Toyota Highlander is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Mazda CX-7. 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, 2012 Mazda CX-7 (218 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Toyota Highlander. (212 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda CX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Toyota Highlander.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Toyota Highlander | 2012 Mazda CX-7 | |
| Make | Toyota | Mazda |
| Model | Highlander | CX-7 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3311 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 206 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 212 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1586 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4681 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1770 mm | 1646 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2751 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.4 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 8.7 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 62 L |
