2009 Toyota Highlander vs. 2012 Volkswagen Touareg
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Touareg 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 45 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Touareg. (225 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Touareg. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Touareg weights approximately 572 kg more than 2009 Toyota Highlander.
Because 2012 Volkswagen Touareg 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 Volkswagen Touareg 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 Volkswagen Touareg (550 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 214 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Toyota Highlander. (336 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Touareg will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Toyota Highlander.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Toyota Highlander | 2012 Volkswagen Touareg | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Highlander | Touareg |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3456 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 270 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 336 Nm | 550 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1684 kg | 2256 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4796 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1941 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1770 mm | 1732 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2893 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.8 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 100 L |
