2012 toyota Highlander Limited V6
By
Herman Syah
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Wednesday, March 21, 2018
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2012 Toyota Highlander
Also as novices like the Ford Traveler and Dodge Durango challenge versus the Highlander as well as the Honda Pilot, I still locate the Highlander a capable underdog. If you go with the V-6 engine, it performs along with the remainder, as well.
I tested a brand-new 2011 version with just 65 miles on it, however the 2012s are already on sale as well as are furnished and also priced nearly identically.
2012 Toyota Highlander Limited V6
Family-Friendly Interior
While the majority of families would certainly be well-served by nearly any type of three-row crossover on the marketplace, the Highlander has some noteworthy attributes that establish it apart.
The front seats of my tester fit on a long-haul journey from Chicago to Wisconsin. The second-row seat has lots of assistance, too, and all seats have ample upper leg assistance. The second row could move forward and back, which is most beneficial for third-row guests.
A third row is standard even on the base Highlander. With the second row relocated completely back, there is very little area for third-row travelers. Move the second row up even slightly, however-- regarding 2 notches-- as well as third-row passengers must be as comfy as I was at 5-foot-10. It's the gliding second row that makes this crossover as sensible an option for lugging 7 individuals as much bigger crossovers, like the Chevy Traverse and also Ford Traveler. The Honda Pilot is sized in a similar way to the Highlander and provides seating for three in the third row. That offers it a maximum seating ability of 8, unlike the rest of the course at 7.
The middle area of the Highlander's 2nd row can be gotten rid of entirely, transforming the bench into 2 captain's chairs with a pass-through to the 3rd row. The pass-through is a favorite feature of minivan proprietors, and also while other crossovers might offer an option between a bench or 2 chairs, only the Highlander offers proprietors both in the very same automobile.
In general, I found materials quality to be great, however various other editors and also a family members associated with a comparison examination assumed the Highlander seemed low-cost. However, as furnished, our tester was valued thousands less than much of the competition. Besides some harsh surfaces on the plastic around the door pockets, I discovered the inside on the same level for the rate. My partner additionally liked it, suggesting it's a step up from her 2010 Subaru Outback.
In terms of security functions, a back-up electronic camera is common on the Highlander SE as well as higher trim degrees, or it can be had as part of an optional Technology Bundle, which was included on my base tester. On designs without navigating, there's a small screen at the top of the dashboard that shows journey info while driving, then switches over to the rearview display screen when the transmission is put into Opposite. Navigation-equipped versions show the rearward view on their bigger touch-screen.
If there was one point my other half appreciated about the Highlander, it was the four cupholders in the facility console in between the traveler and driver, with another in each of the four doors as well as 4 even more for second-row guests. Each crossover included in our recent contrast test included just 2 cupholders in this field.
If you have actually ever before dealt with the sippy cups, canteen as well as soda containers a family members of simply four requires for a Saturday out on the community-- which for us involves striking an interior play zone with gigantic blow up bounce-houses, lunch and also either a bookstore or collection stop-- you realize drinks build up.
Efficiency
For 2012, the Highlander comes criterion with a 187-horsepower, 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine teamed with a six-speed transmission, for mileage ranked at 20/25 mpg city/highway. The engine is quite anemic; the variation I drove this time had the V-6, but in previous tests I have actually discovered that the four-cylinder-powered Highlander seems like an underpowered lummox. Four-cylinder versions come outfitted just with front-wheel drive.
There's a hybrid model with a 3.5-liter V-6 and an electric motor that make a mixed 280 hp, helpful for 28/28 mpg city/highway. The hybrid comes outfitted just with four-wheel drive, makings those mileage figures rather remarkable.
My test vehicle-- as do the bulk of sales-- included the 270-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 engine teamed with a five-speed automatic transmission, helpful for 18/24 mpg with front-wheel drive as well as 17/22 mpg with four-wheel drive.
Mileage gets on par with the remainder of the segment, with the majority of players rating just 1 mpg above or listed below the Highlander.
Power was plentiful in my front-wheel-drive Highlander, which ran from a quit with gusto as well as passed strongly at freeway speeds. Steering was light and a bit vague, as it remains in the majority of crossovers. The flight fit, the engine peaceful and also wind sound nearly nil, which made for pleasurable driving as well as the ability to hear every cry, complaint and periodic song from my backseat guests.
Braking was the real issue I had with the Highlander. Even after a week and numerous miles of driving, I had a difficult time judging the brake action. I consistently snagged my other half forward in her seat when I had to add even more pressure compared to expected near a stop. This is a trait of numerous Toyota automobiles, and also it's one I don't especially take pleasure in.
Cargo
There's just 10.3 cubic feet of freight space when the 3rd row is up. The Honda Pilot has dramatically more, at 18.0 cubic feet. The Traverse, with 24.4 cubic feet, is dramatically bigger.
With the 3rd row down, freight room increases to 42.3 cubic feet, and for my usage that was plenty big enough. I stuffed a 32-gallon wastebasket in the back-- really two piled into each other-- as well as those fit lengthwise with the second-row seats just a little forward. The Pilot is rated at 47.7 cubic feet, so the difference between the two versions there is much less significant compared to it is behind the 3rd row. I preferred the Pilot's under-floor storage, though.
Features & Pricing
For 2012, the Highlander begins at $28,090 for the base four-cylinder with front-wheel drive. That does not get you a lot in terms of attributes, yet it does consist of 17-inch alloy wheels, tinted rear windows, remote access, cruise ship control, a tilt/telescoping wheel and also two 12-volt power outlets.
My examination cars and truck was a base V-6, yet I didn't feel like I was missing out on much in regards to functions due to the fact that it additionally had the $1,835 Tech Package, that includes a USB port, Bluetooth for phones and also songs streaming, as well as a nice trip computer. While I appreciate elegant home entertainment systems as much as the next individual, this is the kind of feature set that a lot of families will need, for a reasonable as-tested cost of $32,845. Four-wheel drive is just $1,450 even more. In this sector, it typically sets you back $2,000 to move up to all- or four-wheel drive.
SE models begin at $32,695 for four-cylinder, front-drive models, adding a power moonroof, a back window that opens independent of the liftgate, roofing rails, haze lamps and also a power liftgate. Heated leather front seats, HomeLink, a natural leather steering wheel with sound and Bluetooth controls, and all the attributes in the Technology Package are also consisted of. For a comparable rate, I would certainly opt for the V-6 design instead of the SE four-cylinder.
The top-of-the-line, all-wheel-drive Minimal V-6 Highlander begins at $37,045 as well as is loaded: 19-inch wheels, three-zone climate control, keyless ignition and entrance, as well as higher-grade natural leather seats.
The Highlander Hybrid is available in two trims: a base model for $38,140 and also a Minimal design for $43,795, with comparable devices offerings as V-6 gas versions.
Pricing resembles the Traverse, Pilot et cetera of the class. Toyota additionally supplies 2 years of cost-free upkeep with new-car purchases, which none of its rivals in the segment deal.
Security
The Toyota Highlander is an Insurance Coverage Institute for Freeway Security Top Security Select; that's the organization's highest possible award. To make the rating, vehicles have to receive leading ratings of Excellent in front, side and also back accidents, as well as pass roof-strength examinations that gauge rollover defense.
The Highlander earned a four-star general rating from the National Freeway Traffic Security Administration. 5 star is the highest possible score, which the Chevy Traverse made.
Highlander in the marketplace
If it just weren't so darn practical with a great engine, it would be easy to mark down the Highlander in a field which contains some splashier new models. However there are just a lot of things in the Highlander's favor to rule it from your purchasing plans. As a result of their smaller impact in your driveway as well as garage, the Highlander and also Pilot are much more easily accessible for even more households.