2012 Toyota Highlander vs. 2012 Toyota Prius
To start off, both 2012 Toyota Highlander and 2012 Toyota Prius were released in the same year (2012). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. 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 53 more horse power than 2012 Toyota Prius. (134 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2012 Toyota Prius. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 354 kg more than 2012 Toyota Prius. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 110 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Toyota Prius. (142 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Toyota Prius.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Toyota Highlander | 2012 Toyota Prius | |
| Make | Toyota | Toyota |
| Model | Highlander | Prius |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2700 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 252 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed shiftable automatic | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1790 kg | 1436 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4785 mm | 4481 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1745 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1491 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2789 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 40 L |
