2009 Toyota Highlander vs. 2012 Nissan Frontier
To start off, 2012 Nissan Frontier 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 3,954 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Frontier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Toyota Highlander (270 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2012 Nissan Frontier. (261 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2012 Nissan Frontier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Frontier weights approximately 587 kg more than 2009 Toyota Highlander.
Because 2012 Nissan Frontier is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Toyota Highlander. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Frontier 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 Nissan Frontier (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Toyota Highlander. (336 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Frontier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Toyota Highlander. 2009 Toyota Highlander has automatic transmission and 2012 Nissan Frontier has manual transmission. 2012 Nissan Frontier will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Toyota Highlander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Toyota Highlander | 2012 Nissan Frontier | |
| Make | Toyota | Nissan |
| Model | Highlander | Frontier |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3456 cc | 3954 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 270 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 336 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 16.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1332 kg | 1919 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 5230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1770 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 3200 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.8 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.8 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 80 L |
