Used 2012 Toyota Highlander Consumer Reviews
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Nice all around car
bob robinson, 04/08/2016
updated 10/17/2017
2012 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV (2.7L 4cyl 6A)
43 of 43 people found this review helpful
This is a great car, it gives a nice ride and performance is good also . Need to watch your speed as it goes faster than it feels so I use the cruise control on highways. We climbed Mount Washington in New Hampshire and came down the mountain using hill assist and never had to use the brakes for the whole decline of the mountain. The interior is big and the vehicle is 2 inches wider than my Toyota Tacoma. With 54,000 miles on the car it only has had regular maintenance and new set of tires. We enjoy the car very much. One thing we don't like is the third row seat can only be used for kids, as we have tryed ourselves to get into them and it was very very difficult.
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A great car
toyloyalist, 03/18/2012
2012 Toyota Highlander Limited 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
62 of 64 people found this review helpful
After owning 2 other Toyota's in the past, and the last one an Avalon for 10 years, I purchased a new Highlander Limited. I dont get excited about cars, but I love this vehicle! Wonderful quiet ride, very smooth.. very user friendly when operating all the gadgets. Since my last Toyota was 10 years old, I was not used to all the latest features. (ex..nav, bluetooth, etc) I would highly recommend this vehicle to anyone who wants the comfort of a car, the room for 7 passengers, and the reliability of a Toyota.
2012 Toyota Highlander for sale near you
3 of 21 listings
- SE 4dr SUVMSRP: $9,95118 mi away
- Limited 4dr SUVMSRP: $15,89647 mi away
- SE 4dr SUVMSRP: $11,00017 mi away
See all 21 listings
Smart Choice
ahjok, 07/30/2012
2012 Toyota Highlander SE 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
39 of 40 people found this review helpful
We have owned 2012 SE V6 for about a month, traded in a 2004 Lexus RX 330 which was the best car we have ever owned. We looked at a new RX 350 before deciding on the Toyota. Here's why: The Highlander is larger than the RX inside and out and has more legroom and cargo space. It is less stylish, but for about $8 grand less we decided we could live without the Lexus badge on the hood. The Toy has great power, decent if somewhat numb handling, and we're averaging 21 MPG in town, 24 MPG highway. The ride is very, very smooth with just a bit of jiggliness on the interstate. Very pleased overall.
Well Made SUV
johnoparsons, 10/16/2012
2012 Toyota Highlander SE 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
36 of 37 people found this review helpful
I have owned this SUV for 9 months and already have over 16,000 miles on it, mostly highway. Mileage is good for this size vehicle and about as advertised (19/23). Build fit and finish is very good, and no major quality issues (so far). The vehicle does very well with long-distance highway cruising (minimal vibrations, very quiet, comfortable seats), and handles well around the city. No issues with hauling a boat -- plenty of power at the ramp and stable towing. Good cargo capacity with rear seats down.
Great SUV BUT Some Very Annoying Design Features
srflifecoach, 08/27/2012
2012 Toyota Highlander Limited 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
75 of 82 people found this review helpful
Bought LTD AWD fully loaded except for tow package. Wonderful ride, fun to drive. Compared Honda Pilot but it's ride was more truck-like and driver seat didn't raise up high enough for spouse to see over dash "hump" on Pilot. But wondering what Toyota engineers were thinking?? Rain/water drip down on passenger seats when doors open (no drip edge). Bumper step/protector strip doesn't thus you get scratches on edges. Can't program GPS system while moving (not even passenger). Sirius radio reception terrible and doesn't show as much of the song/title/info as my $30 cheapie add-on in my other car. Love 2-yr free routine maintenance & 8-year/100,000mile/$0 ded extended warranty I bought.
Purchased New February 2012, Would Buy Again
Sparky, 09/01/2016
2012 Toyota Highlander SE 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
13 of 13 people found this review helpful
After putting 61,000 miles on the car as of 09/2016, the car has been very reliable. I purchased the SE 2WD version with leather interior. The only problem we have experienced so far has been with the power auto liftgate. People looking to purchase this car used should pay careful attention to the lift rod mechanism where it meets the tailgate if they purchase one with the power liftgate. This is the rod assembly that opens and closes the liftgate. Make sure to inspect where this rod attaches to the lift gate side (shake to see if secure). Ours became detached because the nut on the inside of the tailgate that secures the rod became detached. They apparently didn't use locking compound at the factory. Anyway, the dealership replaced the entire tailgate because they could not get to the nut that held this in place. Luckily I was under 3 year bumper to bumper warranty when this happened. Oh, and by the way, I purchased the "platinum" 100K warranty, but the liftgate is conveniently excluded (lesson learned on extended warranties). I'd still recommend this car based on overall reliability and resale value.
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Love our Highlander...Again!
Jeff R, 01/07/2016
2012 Toyota Highlander SE 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
12 of 12 people found this review helpful
Just upgraded our 2003 Highlander to a 2012 SE model, and have fallen in love with it! Just took a 2,000 mile trip in it, and it was a dream to drive and ride in. So enjoyed the "buns warmers" on cold days, the Sirius / XM radio in the boonies, and the amazing acceleration in the hills and when passing. The cool engineering "tricks" like being able drop the two back rows of seats in a matter of seconds - from the rear is so clever and practical. We just love this car! Nuf said.
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Great family SUV, poor fuel economy
Robert Ancona, 05/31/2018
2012 Toyota Highlander Limited 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
11 of 11 people found this review helpful
Has third row seating and can seat 7 adequately if not comfortably. Fuel economy poor, at lower end for this type vehicle; however, uses regular gas. General performance more than adequate as is acceleration. Have owed two different Highlanders and covering for roof rack support has come off on both. Just cosmetic, but repair requires pre ordering a part and over $150installation(which seems excessive). Maintenance frequency and costs about average for an SUV. Overall, we have been pleased with the vehicle.
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Review at 52,000 miles (5 years of ownership)
jzach402, 11/04/2014
updated 05/04/2017
2012 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
32 of 35 people found this review helpful
Rattling on the dashboard started to take place due to the LCD display screen..Steering feel started to have some rough spots/clicking. Overall car has been performing flawlessly. I replaced my own disc brake pads and rotors at 45,000 miles with ease (given the right tools and safety gear). Visor on passenger side had to be replace under warranty . replaced all 4 tires around 38,000 miles. I still enjoy engine's 270 hp response when passing. Handling is ok but could be better. You get more body shift movement in your seat than say a regular size car due to the seat contour. Car rides quite comfortably with 5 passengers during short or long distance driving. Engine noise is quite acceptable. Car handling is quite sloppy especially at quick acceleration (FWD). Car tends to veer/pull on one side and may take some time getting use to. Gas mileage in my city driving averages 15 to 17 MPG and ~ 24MPG on HWY. All controls are quite user friendly and easy to use/reach and learn. Visors could be positioned better. Need a simple Tire sensor reset procedure.
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Reliable as it gets
Johnny N., 07/10/2017
2012 Toyota Highlander Limited 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
I have done nothing to my Highlander except for oil changes and put gas in it. No issues with this SUV what so ever!
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