2009 Toyota Highlander vs. 2012 Nissan Xterra
To start off, 2012 Nissan Xterra 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 4,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Xterra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Xterra (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 2009 Toyota Highlander. (206 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Xterra should accelerate faster than 2009 Toyota Highlander. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Xterra weights approximately 670 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 four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or 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, 2012 Nissan Xterra (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 169 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Toyota Highlander. (212 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Xterra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Toyota Highlander.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Toyota Highlander | 2012 Nissan Xterra | |
| Make | Toyota | Nissan |
| Model | Highlander | Xterra |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3311 cc | 4000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 206 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 212 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 2000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4539 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1770 mm | 1902 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.4 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 8.7 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 80 L |
