2012 Toyota Highlander
Should You Buy a 2012 Toyota Highlander?
The 2012 Toyota Highlander is a versatile SUV that offers a blend of power, comfort, and practicality. With a robust 3.5L V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque, it provides a responsive driving experience, especially with its all-wheel-drive capability. The vehicle is designed to accommodate up to seven passengers, making it an excellent choice for families or those needing extra seating. Its combined fuel efficiency of 19 MPG is respectable for its class, and the 5-speed shiftable automatic transmission enhances driving convenience. However, potential buyers should be aware of some reported issues, particularly concerning steering and vehicle speed control, as indicated by the 228 total complaints filed with the NHTSA, including 20 crash incidents and 4 fire incidents, although there have been no reported deaths.
The 2012 Toyota Highlander is best suited for families or individuals who prioritize space, reliability, and all-weather capability in their vehicle.
Strengths
- +Spacious interior with seating for up to seven passengers
- +Strong V6 engine performance with good towing capacity
- +High reliability score indicating durability
- +All-wheel drive for enhanced traction in various conditions
- +User-friendly technology and safety features
Weaknesses
- -Reported steering and vehicle speed control issues
- -Fuel economy could be better compared to newer models
- -Some complaints about electrical system failures
- -Limited cargo space when all seats are in use
- -5-speed transmission may feel outdated compared to competitors
Known Issues (NHTSA Data)
The 2012 Toyota Highlander has a few notable issues primarily related to steering and vehicle speed control. The NHTSA complaint data indicates that steering problems tend to arise between 40,000 and 80,000 miles, while vehicle speed control issues are more prevalent at lower mileages (0-20,000 miles). Despite these concerns, the Highlander boasts a high reliability score of 94.8/100, suggesting that it remains a dependable choice overall.
Performance
- Horsepower
- –
- Torque
- –
- Engine
- 2.7 L
- Cylinders
- I4
- Transmission
- Automatic (S6)
- Drive Type
- FWD
Efficiency
- MPG Combined
- 22
- Fuel Type
- Regular Gasoline
Dimensions
- Length
- 188.6 in
- Width
- 75.2 in
- Height
- 69.3 in
- Wheelbase
- 109.8 in
- Curb Weight
- 3,847 lbs
- Ground Clearance
- –
Capacity
- Doors
- 4
- Seating
- –
- Cargo
- –
- Max Cargo
- –
- Max Towing
- –
- Max Payload
- –