2012 Toyota Highlander vs. 2003 Nissan X-Trail
To start off, 2012 Toyota Highlander is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Nissan X-Trail. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Nissan X-Trail would be higher. At 2,700 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Toyota Highlander (187 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2003 Nissan X-Trail. (177 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2003 Nissan X-Trail. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 386 kg more than 2003 Nissan X-Trail. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Nissan X-Trail is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Toyota Highlander. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Nissan X-Trail 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 Toyota Highlander (252 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Nissan X-Trail. (245 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Nissan X-Trail.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Toyota Highlander | 2003 Nissan X-Trail | |
| Make | Toyota | Nissan |
| Model | Highlander | X-Trail |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2003 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2700 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 252 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed shiftable automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1790 kg | 1404 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2789 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 60 L |
