2012 Toyota Highlander Feels Better than Its Looks
The 2012 Toyota Highlander Redesign got just a little larger but clearly stepped up a size class when it was last redesigned, for 2008, moving up from the likes of the Ford Edge to true three-row crossovers such as the Chevrolet Traverse. But big and bland are the operative words; even in that the 2012 Highlander remains one of the more anonymous entrants.
2012 Highlander has sleek, somewhat rounded sheetmetal, but it’s a bit slab-sided and far from voluptuous. The 2012 Toyota Highlander front-end now fits in more clearly with Toyota‘s cars like the Camry and Venza, and its rear styling is much cleaner than the cluttered, spare-tire-adorned RAV4. Inside, the Highlander’s cabin appointments appear downright drab in many of its guises; but it arguably feels better than it looks.
The Toyota 2012 Highlander is an excellent choice for a do-all family vehicle, though several competitors offer more interior space and utility. Crossover SUVs like the 2012 Highlander owe their appeal to the canny mix of traits they present.
The best of the bunch handle like cars while delivering the family-friendly features and boundless utility that made their truck-based SUV forebears such hot tickets back in the day. In many respects, the Toyota 2012 Highlander gets this formula just right.
Overall, the Toyota Highlander 2012 concept is a strong contender among three-row crossover SUVs, but shoppers who want a fun-to-drive family vehicle should look elsewhere. Since the Highlander was thoroughly refreshed in 2011 Toyota Highlander model year, it doesn’t see any significant changes for the Toyota Highlander 2012 model year.
There are essentially three powertrains available on the 2012 Toyota Highlander. Its base four-cylinder produces 187 horsepower, and it does just fine with front-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic. While it can deal alright with heavier loads, too, the fuel economy isn’t stellar. The same is true of the much more lusty 270-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 Highlander–though the five-speed automatic seems to take some wind out of it.
EPA ratings are all mid-pack for all 2012 Highlander save for the 2012 Hybrid Highlander model. With an engine displacement now at 3.5 liters, and net horsepower 280 hp for the hybrid system, 2012 Toyota Highlander Hybrid model is the way to go for those who want something very big, yet green: fuel economy bumps up to 28/28 mpg.
The 2012 Toyota Highlander Is One of the Cheaper Alternatives
Though the 2012 Toyota Highlander costs less than much of the competition, there are still some cheaper alternatives. The Kia Sorento is significantly less expensive than the 2012 Toyota Highlander, and comes with a cabin that’s similarly well-equipped and high-quality. But even though you’ll save money by opting for the Sorento over the 2012 Toyota Highlander, you’ll be trading off cargo capacity and third-row space as well.
If you want a sportier SUV and have a bigger budget, check out the Mazda CX-9. It costs a bit more than the 2012 Toyota Highlander, but it’s a family SUV that’s actually fun to drive. Plus, it seats the same number of passengers as the 2012 Toyota Highlander, and its cargo capacity is even larger than the Toyota’s. Those who concern with the nature can opt for 2012 Hybrid Highlander which will be released soon after the 2012 Toyota Highlander hit the market within next month.
2012 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER SE 4X4 NAVIGATION BACKUP CAMERA LEATHER
Tags:2012 Toyota Highlander, SUV, Toyota Highlander
