2009 Toyota Tacoma vs. 2013 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2013 Toyota Highlander is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Toyota Tacoma. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Toyota Tacoma would be higher. At 3,956 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Toyota Tacoma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Toyota Tacoma (236 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 2013 Toyota Highlander. (184 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Tacoma should accelerate faster than 2013 Toyota Highlander. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 415 kg more than 2009 Toyota Tacoma.
Because 2009 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 2009 Toyota Tacoma. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 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 Tacoma (361 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Toyota Highlander. (252 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 2009 Toyota Tacoma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Toyota Highlander. 2013 Toyota Highlander has automatic transmission and 2009 Toyota Tacoma has manual transmission. 2009 Toyota Tacoma will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2013 Toyota Highlander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Toyota Tacoma | 2013 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Toyota | Toyota |
| Model | Tacoma | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Pickup | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3956 cc | 2700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 236 HP | 184 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 361 Nm | 252 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1745 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5290 mm | 4785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1660 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3240 mm | 2790 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 12.5 L/100km | 7.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 15.8 L/100km | 10.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 73 L |
