The crossover line offers Toyota fans the storage and space available in old minivans with all the style and power that they’ve come to expect from the Toyota brand. The Toyota Highlander 2012 line is here to offer a solution to both desires with their latest crossover. Bringing Toyota fans all the options that they demand, the 2012 Highlander is available in both front and all wheel drive. The normal model comes in a gas powered format but for those who are also eco-conscious, Toyota is offering a 2012 Highlander that comes in a gas-electric hybrid model as well.
Aesthetically speaking, the 2012 Toyota Highlander doesn’t make a very large departure from last year’s models.
The new 2012 Highlander isn’t all about looks and storage space however. Toyota is offering crossover fans a choice between four cylinder and six cylinder gasoline engines and a gas electric hybrid model as well. The 2012 Toyota Highlander Hybrid model is being shipped with a six cylinder engine and is outfitted with electric motors at each axle. These motors give the 2012 Highlander all wheel drive which is standard on the hybrid model. Toyota fans have come to expect a range of different options and trim packages and the 2012 Toyota Highlander does not disappoint. The Highlander 2012 models come shipped with all the storage space anyone could want out of an SUV. With three rows of seats, the 2012 Highlander seats seven people and still has space for groceries. For crossover fans concerned with performance the Highlander 2012 comes with a choice of different engines which offers all the horsepower they could want from a sports utility vehicle. The Highlander line has proven to be quite popular among Toyota fans and the 2012 Highlander continues this tradition quite nicely.
The 2012 Toyota Highlander should be a repeat of the 2011 Toyota Highlander. Available in front- and all-wheel drive and with gasoline and gas-electric hybrid power, the 2012 Highlander will continue to tread a line between minivan and SUV. Should you wait for the 2012 Toyota Highlander or buy a 2011 Toyota Highlander? Not much upside in waiting for the 2012 Highlander.
Styling: The 2012 Toyota Highlander will be a visual rerun of the 2011 Highlander. With a traditional horizontal hood line, Highlander presents the “two-box” profile of an SUV but its long wagon body speaks of minivan-like interior volume. Nonethless, Highlander does a nice job of bridging the two genres. Highlander is relatively easy to maneuver and garage because its body is no larger overall than the typical five-seat midsize crossover. Highlander, however, does squeeze in an available third-row seat. The 2012 Highlander will continue to offer three trim levels, starting with Base-model basic and topping off with leather-upholstered Limited opulent. Toyota gives the Highlander Hybrid its own grille, but astutely downplays obvious exterior distinctions between this crossover’s trim levels. Don’t expect the 2012 Highlander to resurrect the Sport model.
Mechanical: The 2012 Toyota Highlander will return with a choice of four- and six-cylinder gasoline engines and with a gas-electric hybrid powertrain.
The four-cylinder has been available only with front-wheel drive, although Highlander’s market appeal could expand if Toyota determines it’s suitable for use with all-wheel drive (AWD) as well. In that vein, Toyota introduced the SE trim level for model-year 2011 and its decision to make it available with the four-cylinder engine meant the 2.7 was no longer confined to the Highlander Base model. The 2012 Highlander’s V-6 will remain a 3.5-liter and should retain its ratings of 270 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque. The 2012 Toyota Highlander Hybrid will again combine a gas V-6 with an electric motor at each axle to provide standard AWD. Toyota got more power as well as improved fuel economy out of the Highlander Hybrid when with a model-year 2011 switch to a 3.5-liter V-6 in place of a r a less-sophisticated 3.3. On the transmission front, gas-only V-6 Highlander have come with a five-speed automatic transmission.
Highlander’s AWD system isn’t intended for off-roading. All versions of the 2012 Highlander will again seat seven passengers on three rows of seats and furnish 10.3 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the rearmost seat – pretty typical for a three-row crossover. Standard on every 2012 Highlander will be power windows, mirrors, and locks, tilt/telescope steering wheel, cruise control, and a height-adjustable driver’s seat. The 2011 Highlander offered rear DVD entertainment with a 9-inch ceiling screen. Toyota also ought to upgrade Highlander’s conventional-angle backup-monitor camera system to Sienna’s 180-degree Panorama rear monitor.
Limited trims are further outfitted with 19-inch aluminum wheels, three-zone automatic climate control, a Smart Key System with push-button start and exclusive trim elements. Standard safety features include anti-lock disc brakes with brake assist, electronic vehicle stability and traction control systems, active anti-whiplash front head restraints, front side-impact airbags, a driver knee airbag and overhead curtain airbags for all rows; SE and Limited trims add a rearview camera monitor and anti-theft alarm.