4 Star Reviews for 2012 Toyota Highlander

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.37/5 Average
19 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

The Toyota Highlander sails into 2012 unchanged.

Pros:
  • User-friendly cabin with innovative second-row seat design
  • Powerful yet fuel-efficient V6
  • Easy to maneuver.
Cons:
  • Less overall passenger and cargo space than some competitors.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 19.00
  • Highlander I4 base - 2012 Toyota Highlander
    By -

    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.

  • Smart Choice - 2012 Toyota Highlander
    By -

    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.

  • My new 4Runner - 2012 Toyota Highlander
    By -

    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.

  • Great SUV BUT Some Very Annoying Design Features - 2012 Toyota Highlander
    By -

    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.

  • Review at 27,000 miles (2.5 years of ownership) - 2012 Toyota Highlander
    By -

    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

  • Its a mixed bag - 2012 Toyota Highlander
    By -

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

  • Should have ignored rep and bought hybrid - 2012 Toyota Highlander
    By -

    I was debating about the Limited V6 4wd with the hybrid or just going with the standard gas model. The rep convinced me that I didnt really need the hybrid that the mileage would be just fine. I do a lot of highway miles yet Im still just getting an average of 16 mpg. Ive been told then when I hit 10k miles it will improve but its not even at city mileage right now so not holding my breath. I am also frustrated with the number of rattles in a brand new vehicle that the dealership cant seem to find and fix. Makes it seem like I bought a used vehicle.

  • Love the Highlander - All Around Great SUV - 2012 Toyota Highlander
    By -

    I absolutely love my 2012 Highlander, Base 3.5 L V-6 AWD. It currently has 15,000 miles on it. Its a nice driving vehicle with comfortable ride and outstanding reliability. Its a tank in the NY snow and backs up my steep driveway like a breeze - no spinning, slipping, etc......unlike my 2003 Ford Escape 4x4 which had a tough time backing up the driveway. I went on a recent trip to PA and the highlander handled the hilly terrain with ease and the best part is the gas mileage - averaged 25 mpg highway! I was shocked it did so well and was very impressed. Thats better than the 23 mpg hwy rating on the sticker window!

  • 2012 highlander - 2012 Toyota Highlander
    By -

    I had a 2007 Rav4 which I liked very much. The new Highlander has a nicer, quieter ride it does not has as much power-pick-up as the rav 4. I hope that the reliability is as good as the Rav. I like my highlander thank you toyota.

  • Great SUV, gas guzzler - 2012 Toyota Highlander
    By -

    I bought this car to upgrade out of my Camry, tried to see if Toyota could still impress me. This was a great SUV, great visibility, great features with NAV system, back up camera, JBL sound system, leather seats, heightened ride. The way it was drinking gas at 20-21 mpg was horrible and in the end a deal breaker

Toyota Highlander Reviews By Year:
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