2012 toyota Highlander Hybrid
By
fardhan alief
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Monday, April 9, 2018
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2012 Toyota Highlander
Even as beginners like the Ford Explorer and also Dodge Durango face off against the Highlander and also the Honda Pilot, I still discover the Highlander a qualified underdog. If you go with the V-6 engine, it executes along with the remainder, also.
I examined a new 2011 model with just 65 miles on it, yet the 2012s are already on sale and also are outfitted and also valued virtually identically.
2012 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Family-Friendly Inside
While the majority of households would certainly be well-served by nearly any type of three-row crossover on the market, the Highlander has some significant attributes that establish it apart.
The front seats of my tester were comfortable on a long-haul journey from Chicago to Wisconsin. The second-row seat has lots of assistance, also, and all seats have sufficient thigh support. The 2nd row can slide forward and back, which is most valuable for third-row passengers.
A third row is standard also on the base Highlander. With the 2nd row moved all the way back, there is little area for third-row travelers. Relocate the second row up also somewhat, though-- about 2 notches-- as well as third-row passengers must be as comfortable as I was at 5-foot-10. It's the gliding 2nd row that makes this crossover as sensible a choice for bring 7 individuals as a lot bigger crossovers, like the Chevy Traverse as well as Ford Explorer. The Honda Pilot is sized in a similar way to the Highlander and offers seatsing for three in the third row. That gives it an optimum seatsing ability of eight, unlike the rest of the course at 7.
The middle section of the Highlander's 2nd row can be gotten rid of entirely, transforming the bench into two captain's chairs with a pass-through to the 3rd row. The pass-through is a favored feature of minivan owners, as well as while other crossovers might supply a selection between a bench or 2 chairs, only the Highlander gives proprietors both in the exact same car.
In general, I discovered materials top quality to be good, yet other editors and also a family associated with a comparison examination assumed the Highlander appeared economical. Nevertheless, as furnished, our tester was valued thousands less than much of the competition. Besides some harsh coatings on the plastic around the door pockets, I discovered the inside on the same level for the cost. My better half also liked it, recommending it's a step up from her 2010 Subaru Wilderness.
In terms of security features, a back-up camera is standard on the Highlander SE as well as greater trim degrees, or it can be had as part of an optional Technology Bundle, which was consisted of on my base tester. On versions without navigation, there's a small screen on top of the control panel that shows trip details while driving, then switches over to the rearview screen when the transmission is taken into Reverse. Navigation-equipped versions reveal the rearward view on their bigger touch-screen.
If there was one thing my partner appreciated concerning the Highlander, it was the 4 cupholders in the center console between the passenger and also driver, with another in each of the four doors as well as four even more for second-row guests. Each crossover consisted of in our current contrast examination included just two cupholders in this field.
If you've ever before dealt with the sippy cups, water bottles as well as soft drink cans a family members of just four needs for a Saturday out on the town-- which for us includes striking an interior play zone with gigantic blow up bounce-houses, lunch and also either a book shop or collection stop-- you recognize drinks collect.
Performance
For 2012, the Highlander comes criterion with a 187-horsepower, 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine teamed with a six-speed automatic transmission, for mileage rated at 20/25 mpg city/highway. The engine is pretty anemic; the variation I drove this moment had the V-6, however in previous examinations I've found that the four-cylinder-powered Highlander feels like an underpowered lummox. Four-cylinder models come equipped only with front-wheel drive.
There's a crossbreed version with a 3.5-liter V-6 and also an electric motor that make a combined 280 hp, good for 28/28 mpg city/highway. The crossbreed comes outfitted only with four-wheel drive, which makes those mileage figures fairly remarkable.
My test automobile-- as do the bulk of sales-- featured the 270-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 engine teamed with a five-speed automatic transmission, great for 18/24 mpg with front-wheel drive and 17/22 mpg with all-wheel drive.
Mileage is on the same level with the remainder of the sector, with most gamers score just 1 mpg over or listed below the Highlander.
Power abounded in my front-wheel-drive Highlander, which scooted from a stop with gusto and also passed mightily at freeway speeds. Steering was light and also a tad obscure, as it is in most crossovers. The trip fit, the engine silent and wind noise virtually nil, that made for enjoyable driving and the capability to hear every cry, problem as well as occasional track 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 hard time evaluating the brake response. I repetitively jerked my spouse ahead in her seat when I had to include more stress compared to anticipated near a quit. This is a characteristic of several Toyota automobiles, and it's one I do not specifically take pleasure in.
Freight
There's just 10.3 cubic feet of freight room when the third row is up. The Honda Pilot has considerably extra, at 18.0 cubic feet. The Traverse, with 24.4 cubic feet, is considerably bigger.
With the third row down, freight room broadens to 42.3 cubic feet, and for my usage that was plenty big enough. I stuffed a 32-gallon trash bin in the back-- actually 2 piled right into each other-- and also those healthy lengthwise with the second-row seats simply slightly forward. The Pilot is ranked at 47.7 cubic feet, so the difference in between both designs there is much less considerable compared to it is behind the third row. I chose the Pilot's under-floor storage, however.
Features & Rates
For 2012, the Highlander begins at $28,090 for the base four-cylinder with front-wheel drive. That does not obtain you a lot in terms of features, yet it does consist of 17-inch alloy wheels, tinted back home windows, remote entrance, 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 really did not seem like I was missing out on much in terms of features because it additionally had the $1,835 Technology Bundle, which includes a USB port, Bluetooth for phones and music streaming, as well as a great trip computer. While I take pleasure in fancy amusement systems as much as the following individual, this is the kind of function established that many families will require, for a reasonable as-tested rate of $32,845. All-wheel drive is only $1,450 even more. In this section, it typically costs $2,000 to go up to all- or 4x4.
SE versions start at $32,695 for four-cylinder, front-drive designs, including a power moonroof, a rear window that opens up independent of the liftgate, roof covering rails, fog lamps and also a power liftgate. Heated leather pole position, HomeLink, a leather steering wheel with audio as well as Bluetooth controls, and all the attributes in the Tech Plan are likewise consisted of. For a similar price, I 'd go with the V-6 version as opposed to the SE four-cylinder.
The top-of-the-line, all-wheel-drive Limited V-6 Highlander starts at $37,045 as well as is loaded: 19-inch wheels, three-zone climate control, keyless ignition and access, and higher-grade leather seats.
The Highlander Hybrid can be found in two trims: a base version for $38,140 and also a Minimal design for $43,795, with similar devices offerings as V-6 gas models.
Pricing resembles the Traverse, Pilot and the rest of the course. Toyota additionally uses 2 years of totally free maintenance with new-car acquisitions, which none of its competitors in the sector offer.
Safety and security
The Toyota Highlander is an Insurance Coverage Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety And Security Select; that's the institution's greatest award. To earn the rating, automobiles should receive leading ratings of Excellent in front, side and back accidents, in addition to pass roof-strength tests that determine rollover defense.
The Highlander earned a four-star total rating from the National Freeway Traffic Safety And Security Administration. Five stars is the greatest rating, which the Chevy Traverse made.
Highlander out there
If it just weren't so darn useful with a great engine, it would certainly be easy to mark down the Highlander in a field that contains some splashier brand-new versions. Yet there are simply too many points in the Highlander's support to rule it from your shopping plans. Due to their smaller footprint in your driveway and also garage, the Highlander and Pilot are a lot more obtainable for even more households.