2012 toyota Highlander
By
Pusahma satu
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Saturday, May 12, 2018
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2012 Toyota Highlander
Even as novices like the Ford Explorer and also Dodge Durango take on versus the Highlander as well as the Honda Pilot, I still locate the Highlander a qualified underdog. If you opt for the V-6 engine, it carries out along with the remainder, also.
I checked a new 2011 design with just 65 miles on it, however the 2012s are already for sale as well as are equipped as well as priced practically identically.
2012 Toyota Highlander
Family-Friendly Inside
While many family members would be well-served by almost any three-row crossover on the market, the Highlander has some remarkable features that establish it apart.
The front seats of my tester were comfortable on a long-haul road trip from Chicago to Wisconsin. The second-row seat has a lot of assistance, as well, and all seats have enough thigh assistance. The 2nd row could slide forward and back, which is most valuable for third-row passengers.
A 3rd row is basic even on the base Highlander. With the 2nd row moved right back, there is little area for third-row travelers. Relocate the 2nd row up even somewhat, though-- concerning 2 notches-- as well as third-row travelers should be as comfy as I went to 5-foot-10. It's the moving second row that makes this crossover as sensible an option for lugging seven individuals as a lot bigger crossovers, like the Chevy Traverse as well as Ford Explorer. The Honda Pilot is sized likewise to the Highlander and supplies seating for 3 in the 3rd row. That provides it an optimum seating ability of eight, unlike the rest of the course at 7.
The middle section of the Highlander's second row can be eliminated totally, turning the bench into 2 captain's chairs with a pass-through to the third row. The pass-through is a favored feature of minivan proprietors, and also while various other crossovers could provide an option in between a bench or 2 chairs, just the Highlander offers owners both in the very same lorry.
Generally, I located materials quality to be excellent, but other editors and also a family involved in a comparison examination thought the Highlander seemed cheap. Nevertheless, as outfitted, our tester was valued thousands less than much of the competition. Besides some harsh coatings on the plastic around the door pockets, I found the interior on the same level for the price. My partner likewise liked it, recommending it's a step up from her 2010 Subaru Outback.
In terms of security attributes, a backup video camera is standard on the Highlander SE as well as higher trim degrees, or it can be had as part of an optional Tech Package, which was consisted of on my base tester. On models without navigation, there's a tv at the top of the control panel that reveals journey information while driving, then changes to the rearview screen when the transmission is taken into Reverse. Navigation-equipped models show the rearward view on their larger touch-screen.
If there was one point my wife delighted in regarding the Highlander, it was the 4 cupholders in the center console in between the traveler and motorist, with one more in each of the 4 doors and four even more for second-row guests. Every other crossover included in our recent contrast test showcased simply two cupholders in this field.
If you've ever taken care of the sippy cups, water bottles as well as soda containers a household of just 4 needs for a Saturday out on the town-- which for us entails striking an indoor play area with large inflatable bounce-houses, lunch and also either a book shop or library quit-- you realize beverages gather.
Performance
For 2012, the Highlander comes criterion with a 187-horsepower, 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine teamed with a six-speed transmission, for gas mileage rated at 20/25 mpg city/highway. The engine is pretty anemic; the variation I drove this time had the V-6, but in previous examinations I have actually discovered that the four-cylinder-powered Highlander feels like an underpowered lummox. Four-cylinder designs come furnished just with front-wheel drive.
There's a crossbreed model with a 3.5-liter V-6 and an electric motor that make a consolidated 280 hp, great for 28/28 mpg city/highway. The crossbreed comes outfitted just with all-wheel drive, that makes those gas mileage figures quite impressive.
My test vehicle-- as do the bulk of sales-- showcased the 270-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 engine teamed with a five-speed automatic transmission, good for 18/24 mpg with front-wheel drive and 17/22 mpg with four-wheel drive.
Mileage gets on the same level with the remainder of the segment, with the majority of players rating only 1 mpg above or listed below the Highlander.
Power was plentiful in my front-wheel-drive Highlander, which scooted from a quit with gusto and also passed strongly at highway speeds. Guiding was light as well as a bit vague, as it is in the majority of crossovers. The trip was comfortable, the engine quiet and wind sound almost nil, that made for enjoyable driving and the capability to hear every cry, grievance and occasional tune from my backseat guests.
Braking was the real issue I had with the Highlander. After a week and also thousands of miles of driving, I had a tough time judging the brake action. I consistently jerked my wife onward in her seat when I needed to include more pressure than anticipated near a quit. This is a trait of several Toyota lorries, and also it's one I do not especially appreciate.
Freight
There's simply 10.3 cubic feet of cargo space when the third row is up. The Honda Pilot has significantly much more, at 18.0 cubic feet. The Traverse, with 24.4 cubic feet, is considerably bigger.
With the 3rd row down, freight space broadens to 42.3 cubic feet, and for my usage that was plenty huge sufficient. I stuffed a 32-gallon trash can in the back-- really 2 stacked into each other-- and those fit lengthwise with the second-row seats just somewhat ahead. The Pilot is ranked at 47.7 cubic feet, so the difference between the two models there is less considerable compared to it is behind the 3rd row. I liked the Pilot's under-floor storage, though.
Features & Prices
For 2012, the Highlander starts at $28,090 for the base four-cylinder with front-wheel drive. That does not obtain you a lot in regards to attributes, however it does consist of 17-inch alloy wheels, colored back windows, remote access, cruise ship control, a tilt/telescoping wheel and also two 12-volt power outlets.
My test car was a base V-6, but I didn't seem like I was missing a lot in regards to functions due to the fact that it likewise had the $1,835 Technology Plan, which includes a USB port, Bluetooth for phones as well as music streaming, and a great journey computer system. While I take pleasure in fancy home entertainment systems as high as the next man, this is the kind of attribute set that the majority of families will certainly need, for a practical as-tested rate of $32,845. All-wheel drive is just $1,450 even more. In this section, it generally sets you back $2,000 to go up to all- or four-wheel drive.
SE designs start at $32,695 for four-cylinder, front-drive designs, adding a power moonroof, a rear window that opens independent of the liftgate, roofing system rails, haze lamps as well as a power liftgate. Warmed natural leather pole position, HomeLink, a natural leather steering wheel with sound and also Bluetooth controls, and all the functions in the Technology Package are likewise consisted of. For a comparable cost, I 'd go with the V-6 design rather than the SE four-cylinder.
The top-of-the-line, all-wheel-drive Limited V-6 Highlander begins at $37,045 as well as is filled: 19-inch wheels, three-zone climate control, keyless ignition and entry, as well as higher-grade leather seats.
The Highlander Crossbreed comes in 2 trims: a base version for $38,140 and a Minimal model for $43,795, with similar equipment offerings as V-6 gas designs.
Pricing is similar to the Traverse, Pilot et cetera of the course. Toyota likewise offers 2 years of cost-free maintenance with new-car purchases, which none of its competitors in the sector deal.
Safety
The Toyota Highlander is an Insurance Coverage Institute for Highway Safety And Security Top Safety Choose; that's the establishment's greatest award. To make the ranking, automobiles need to receive top scores of Excellent in front, side and also back accidents, in addition to pass roof-strength examinations that determine rollover protection.
The Highlander gained a four-star general ranking from the National Highway Traffic Security Administration. 5 star is the greatest score, which the Chevy Traverse earned.
Highlander on the market
If it just weren't so darn sensible with a good engine, it would certainly be very easy to discount the Highlander in a field that contains some splashier brand-new versions. However there are simply way too many points in the Highlander's favor to rule it out of your shopping strategies. Because of their smaller footprint in your driveway and garage, the Highlander and also Pilot are a lot more accessible for even more households.