2011 Toyota Highlander vs. 2012 Toyota Avalon
To start off, 2012 Toyota Avalon is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 Toyota Highlander. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Toyota Highlander would be higher. Both 2011 Toyota Highlander and 2012 Toyota Avalon are equipped with a 3,500 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Toyota Highlander (280 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2012 Toyota Avalon. (268 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2012 Toyota Avalon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 540 kg more than 2012 Toyota Avalon. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 Toyota Highlander is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Toyota Avalon. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Toyota Highlander 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.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Toyota Highlander | 2012 Toyota Avalon | |
| Make | Toyota | Toyota |
| Model | Highlander | Avalon |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 280 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | AWD | Front |
| Transmission Type | CVT | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2160 kg | 1620 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4796 mm | 5019 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2789 mm | 2819 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.4 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 8.4 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 70 L |
