Spacious and versatile: highlander vs. xterra – the battle for family-friendly comfort
What To Know
- In terms of maintenance costs, the Toyota Highlander is estimated to cost around $500 per year for scheduled maintenance, while the Nissan Xterra is estimated to cost around $450 per year.
- However, the Highlander offers a more well-rounded package with a more powerful engine, better fuel economy, and a more premium interior.
- Both the Toyota Highlander and Nissan Xterra offer spacious interiors, but the Highlander has a slightly larger interior volume and more comfortable seating for up to seven passengers.
The Toyota Highlander and the Nissan Xterra are two midsize SUVs that have been popular choices for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Both vehicles offer spacious interiors, powerful engines, and impressive off-road capabilities. But which one is the better choice for you? In this in-depth comparison, we’ll pit the Toyota Highlander against the Nissan Xterra in various categories to help you make an informed decision.
Performance and Capability
Under the hood, the Toyota Highlander offers a choice between a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 295 horsepower and a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine with 243 horsepower. The Nissan Xterra, on the other hand, is powered by a 4.0-liter V6 engine that produces 261 horsepower. Both SUVs come standard with all-wheel drive, providing excellent traction on slippery surfaces.
In terms of towing capacity, the Toyota Highlander has a slight edge over the Nissan Xterra. The Highlander can tow up to 5,000 pounds, while the Xterra’s maximum towing capacity is 4,500 pounds.
Fuel Efficiency
When it comes to fuel efficiency, the Toyota Highlander hybrid is the clear winner. With an EPA-estimated 36 mpg combined, the Highlander hybrid offers significantly better fuel economy than the Nissan Xterra’s 22 mpg combined. However, the Highlander’s V6 engine has a slightly better fuel economy rating of 23 mpg combined compared to the Xterra’s 20 mpg combined.
Interior and Comfort
Inside, the Toyota Highlander and Nissan Xterra offer spacious cabins with comfortable seating for up to seven passengers. Both SUVs come standard with features such as cloth upholstery, air conditioning, and a touchscreen infotainment system.
However, the Highlander offers a more premium interior experience with available features such as leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, and a panoramic sunroof. The Xterra’s interior is more rugged and utilitarian, with features such as rubberized floor mats and a washable interior.
Safety Features
Both the Toyota Highlander and Nissan Xterra come standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including airbags, stability control, and anti-lock brakes. The Highlander also offers a range of advanced safety features as part of its Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ system, such as lane departure alert, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control.
Reliability and Maintenance Costs
Toyota vehicles have a well-deserved reputation for reliability, and the Highlander is no exception. According to J.D. Power, the Highlander has consistently received high marks for dependability. The Nissan Xterra, on the other hand, has had some reliability issues in the past, but recent models have shown improvement.
In terms of maintenance costs, the Toyota Highlander is estimated to cost around $500 per year for scheduled maintenance, while the Nissan Xterra is estimated to cost around $450 per year.
Price and Value
The Toyota Highlander has a starting price of $36,220, while the Nissan Xterra has a starting price of $32,990. However, the Highlander offers a more well-rounded package with a more powerful engine, better fuel economy, and a more premium interior.
Which SUV is Right for You?
Ultimately, the best SUV for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize fuel efficiency, reliability, and a premium interior, the Toyota Highlander is the better choice. However, if you’re looking for a rugged and affordable SUV with strong off-road capabilities, the Nissan Xterra is a solid option.
What You Need to Learn
Q: Which SUV has a higher towing capacity?
A: The Toyota Highlander has a slightly higher towing capacity of 5,000 pounds compared to the Nissan Xterra‘s 4,500 pounds.
Q: Which SUV has better fuel economy?
A: The Toyota Highlander hybrid has significantly better fuel economy than the Nissan Xterra, with an EPA-estimated 36 mpg combined compared to 22 mpg combined.
Q: Which SUV has a more spacious interior?
A: Both the Toyota Highlander and Nissan Xterra offer spacious interiors, but the Highlander has a slightly larger interior volume and more comfortable seating for up to seven passengers.