2009 Toyota Highlander vs. 2012 Toyota Tacoma
To start off, 2012 Toyota Tacoma 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Toyota Highlander (266 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 2012 Toyota Tacoma. (159 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2012 Toyota Tacoma.
Because 2012 Toyota Tacoma is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2012 Toyota Tacoma. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Highlander, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 (249 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Toyota Tacoma. (244 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2009 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Toyota Tacoma.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Toyota Highlander | 2012 Toyota Tacoma | |
| Make | Toyota | Toyota |
| Model | Highlander | Tacoma |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 2694 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 266 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 249 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 5290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1740 mm | 1680 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 3240 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.8 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.8 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 79 L |
