Overview & Reviews

The Toyota Highlander sails into 2012 unchanged.

• User-friendly cabin with innovative second-row seat design
• Powerful yet fuel-efficient V6
• Easy to maneuver.

• Less overall passenger and cargo space than some competitors.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 19.00

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  Highlander I4 base - 2012 Toyota Highlander
  By pady - October 13 - 8:23 am

  I bought new Highlander I4 for more than a week. Drive is smooth and quiet. I think it has enough power from start and good gas mileage. First trip average is 27.7mpg/gal highway. If you drive both I4 and V6, you can see the different in acceleration, but if you not plan to race, you will be fine. Overall I am happy with it.

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  My mistake, dont make it yours - 2012 Toyota Highlander
  By edgeta - August 18 - 8:26 am

  I made some assumptions & mistakes in buying this car Note the drivers seat on the SE v/s the Limited, Limited has seatpan depth adjustment, SE does not. SE drivers seat is very firm, Limited is not as bad at all. A/C, you cant control the back A/C from the front except to turn it off and on, wherever the back seat passanger left it last, is were it is until you go in the back and change it. (I assumed front could control it). Not enough storage areas within drivers reach. If you have the "silver/grey" console, it refelects sun into your eyes when the sun is high, (I have to use a towel to cover). Now I understand when some reviews say "there is a lot of hard plastic in the interior" ouch

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  Smart Choice - 2012 Toyota Highlander
  By ahjok - December 24 - 5:28 am

  We have owned 2012 SE V6 for about a month, traded in a 2004 Lexus RX 330 which was the best car we have ever owned. We looked at a new RX 350 before deciding on the Toyota. Heres why: The Highlander is larger than the RX inside and out and has more legroom and cargo space. It is less stylish, but for about $8 grand less we decided we could live without the Lexus badge on the hood. The Toy has great power, decent if somewhat numb handling, and were averaging 21 MPG in town, 24 MPG highway. The ride is very, very smooth with just a bit of jiggliness on the interstate. Very pleased overall.

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  My new 4Runner - 2012 Toyota Highlander
  By lahbsta - September 3 - 7:07 am

  I drove a 12 4Runner and didnt like it as much as my 05. This 12 Highlander Limited drives well, is comfortable and has many comforts and features. I have about 1300 miles following 262K on my 05 4Runner. So far so good. While not as tight as the 4, it is a better ride. I do many highway miles and I like the 10 way power seat better. This a very roomy vehicle too. The electric steering is too responsive and the wheel is small but now I am used to it. Powerful engine and smooth shifting tranny.

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  2012 Toyota Highlander (2.7L 4cyl) w/ Nav.7 17alloy wheels - 2012 Toyota Highlander
  By bigdave5 - July 21 - 3:22 am

  After researching and driving Kia, Hyundai, and Toyota, I decided on the 2012 Toyota Highlander. The Kia and Hyundai models were decent vehicles and have greatly improved in recent years, but bottom line - they are NOT equal in build quality, long-term reliability and value of a Toyota! Yes, the Highlander is more expensive (and a bit larger) than the Kia/Hyundai counterparts, but in the end its worth the extra money. I chose the 2.7L VVT i-4 engine coupled with a 6-speed automatic tr. It has plenty of pep and decent gas milage. I am 6ft 4 and it is the most comfortable vehicle I have ever driven. In the end, I am extremely happy with my decision. Toyota is the best value, hands down

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  Love my Highlander - 2012 Toyota Highlander
  By nailar - May 22 - 5:06 pm

  I am a Toyota girl. I started off with the Corolla, then upgraded to the Camry. When my Camry was stolen and stripped (rest her soul..parts), it was time to start the car search again. Instinctively I decided on the Highlander but then I decided to actually research rather than go with loyalty. After a month of research, I ended up back at the Highlander. I do not regret my choice what so ever. I purchased in Aug 2012, and I only now feel that my mileage is starting to live up to what was advertised. However, even in the beginning it was the same as my Camry, so I am satisifed. This SUV is perfect for a family with children. I needed more space because of my son, and I love it very much.

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  Great SUV BUT Some Very Annoying Design Features - 2012 Toyota Highlander
  By srflifecoach - February 28 - 2:32 am

  Bought LTD AWD fully loaded except for tow package. Wonderful ride, fun to drive. Compared Honda Pilot but its ride was more truck-like and driver seat didnt raise up high enough for spouse to see over dash "hump" on Pilot. But wondering what Toyota engineers were thinking?? Rain/water drip down on passenger seats when doors open (no drip edge). Bumper step/protector strip doesnt thus you get scratches on edges. Cant program GPS system while moving (not even passenger). Sirius radio reception terrible and doesnt show as much of the song/title/info as my $30 cheapie add-on in my other car. Love 2-yr free routine maintenance & 8-year/100,000mile/$0 ded extended warranty I bought.

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  2012 Highlander 2.7L 4 Cyl w/ Tech Package & Leather - 2012 Toyota Highlander
  By txag1995 - October 1 - 2:22 am

  We just bought a 2012 Highlander with the 4cyl engine. We chose the Tech Package and then had the dealer add leather interior. Our priorities on this purchase were 1. Reliability 2. Fuel Efficiency 3. 3rd Row 4. Value 5. Comfort/Style We cross shopped with Ford Edge, Explorer, Pilot, Venza, Crosstour, Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia, CX-9, CPO RX-350, and 4Runner. We really liked the Buick Enclave but it was expensive and real world gas mileage was under 20 avg. The Pilot EX-L was cheaper, had more features but was noisy and rode rough. The Venza, Crosstour, and Edge were too small. 4Runner was awesome just not good enough gas mileage. In the end it was between the RX-350 and Highlander.

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  Review at 27,000 miles (2.5 years of ownership) - 2012 Toyota Highlander
  By jzach402 - July 7 - 10:26 pm

  Car has been performing flawlessly. Engine power is more than ample for my needs with 270 hp. Handling is ok but could be better. You get more body shift movement in your seat than say a regular size car due to the seat contour. Car rides quite comfortably with 5 passengers during short or long distance driving. Engine noise is quite acceptable. Car handling is quite sloppy especially at quick acceleration (FWD). Car tends to veer/pull on one side and may take some time getting use to. Gas mileage in my city driving averages 15 to 17 MPG and ~ 24MPG on HWY. All controls are quite user friendly and easy to use/reach and learn. Visors could be positioned better. Need simple Tire sensor rst

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  Its a mixed bag - 2012 Toyota Highlander
  By saveenergy - June 28 - 3:15 am

  If you value reliability, comfort, value, good overall performance then this Highlander is hard to beat.