2012 Toyota Highlander Trims and Specs

Toyota’s 4-cylinder-equipped 2012 Highlander Base offers a competent if not inspiring choice in a midsize 7-passenger, 4-door crossover. Three rows of seating are complemented by 95.4 cubic feet of cargo area with the rear seats folded, but expect only about 10 cubic feet of storage behind the third row. Some of this midsize crossover ute’s more notable exterior features include 17-inch alloy wheels and a rear spoiler, while the cabin is graced by cloth upholstery, front bucket seats and reclining second-row seats, with fore and aft sliders and a roomy storage bin under the middle section. Of course, full power accessories are standard, as are cruise control, telescoping tilt-wheel steering and front and rear air conditioning. A simulated alloy steering wheel bolsters décor in the roomy cabin, while tunes are handled by an MP3-capable single-CD player with 6 speakers.

The available Tech Package can be added to the Base Highlander and includes satellite radio, Bluetooth music streaming, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, rear-view camera and multi-information dashboard display. A towing prep package includes heavy-duty cooling and a beefed-up alternator, while further options include remote engine start, Bluetooth hands-free communications, rear-seat DVD entertainment and step running boards.

Powering the 2012 Highlander Base is a variable-valve-timed (VVT) 2.7-liter inline 4-cylinder (I4) engine that combines with the standard 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission for 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. Expect up to 3,500 pounds of towing capacity from the properly equipped four-banger, and with this base crossover offering only front-wheel drive (FWD), mileage is estimated at 20 mpg city/25 highway.

Standard safety features aboard this basic crossover include Toyota’s touted Star Safety System, with 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS) as well as traction and stability control. Meantime, front side-mounted airbags, 3-row head airbags and a driver’s knee airbag are complemented by daytime running lights, dusk-sensing headlights and a post-collision safety system. Glass breakage sensors, finally, as well as a VIP security system are optional.

Take your basic front-wheel-drive (FWD) 2012 Toyota Highlander Base and add a potent V6 powerplant to behold the Highlander Base V6. Standard aboard this potent 7-passenger midsize crossover are 3 rows of seating and over 95 cubic feet of cargo room, along with 17-inch alloy wheels and a rear spoiler. Inside, this mini-ute offers front bucket seats, reclining second-row seats with under-seat storage and full power accessories. Cruise control and telescoping tilt-wheel steering are standard, of course, as is front and rear air conditioning. A simulated alloy steering wheel, meantime, is bolstered by cloth upholstery and simulated alloy cabin accents, while entertainment comes via an MP3-capable single-CD player and 6 speakers.

The most exotic option package open to the Highlander Base V6 is the Tech Package, with satellite radio, Bluetooth music streaming, dash-mounted multi-function display, a power-adjustable driver’s seat and a rear-view camera. Remote start and a tow-prep package with beefed-up cooling and alternator capacity, as well as roof rails, step side rails and heated outside mirrors also can be delivered with this practical crossover.

A 270-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine graces the 2012 Highlander Base V6. Combined with the standard 5-speed shiftable automatic transmission, the V6 puts out 248 lb-ft of torque, good enough to tow up to 5,000 pounds with the proper equipment. With variable valve timing (VVT), mileage is estimated at 18 mpg city/24 highway.

Safety-wise, Toyota’s Star Safety System, boasting 4-wheel antilock brakes, as well as traction and stability control, inhabits the Highlander Base V6, while front side-mounted airbags, a driver’s knee airbag, three-row head airbags and front head-restraint whiplash protection can all be found in the cabin. Daytime running lights, dusk-sensing headlights and a post-collision safety system round out this useful crossover’s more notable standard safety equipment, with glass breakage sensors and the VIP security system optional.

Boasting 3 rows of seating, over 95 cubic feet of cargo area, a peppy V6 and full-time all-wheel drive (AWD), the 2012 Toyota Highlander Base AWD offers practical family transportation at an affordable price. This midsize 7-passenger crossover also boasts 17-inch alloy wheels and a rear spoiler, along with cruise control, telescoping tilt-wheel steering, cloth upholstery, full power accessories, front and rear air conditioning, a simulated alloy steering wheel and reclining second-row seats with under-seat storage. Entertainment, finally, is via an MP3-capable single-CD player with 6 speakers.

The Tech Package, with satellite radio, Bluetooth music streaming, multi-info dash display, a rear-view camera and a power-adjustable driver’s seat, is but one option for this frisky crossover. An available towing prep package, meanwhile, includes heavy-duty cooling and a beefed-up alternator, while remote engine start, step running boards, roof rails and heated outside mirrors are all additionally available.

Powering the 2012 Highlander Base AWD is a variable-valve-timed (VVT) 270-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine that mates with a 5-speed shiftable automatic transmission for 248 lb-ft of torque. When properly equipped, this capable crossover can tow up to 5,000 pounds, while mileage is estimated at 17 mpg city/22 highway. Finally, the AWD system features a center limited-slip differential, along with transmission-managed descent control.

Standard safety features for Toyota’s midsize crossover include the Star Safety System, serving up 4-wheel antilock brakes as well as traction and stability control. Cabin safety systems, meantime, include front side-mounted airbags, 3-row head airbags, a driver’s knee airbag and front head restraint whiplash protection. Finally, dusk-sensing headlights, daytime running lights and a post-collision safety system also come standard, while glass breakage sensors and the VIP security bundle are optional.

Stepping up to the midlevel trim of the 2012 Toyota Highlander lineup means encountering the well-equipped SE. Powered by a standard variable-valve-timed (VVT) 2.7-liter inline 4-cylinder (I4) engine, this midsize front-wheel-drive (FWD) 7-passenger crossover comes with a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission allowing 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, good enough to tow 3,500 pounds with the proper equipment. Mileage, meantime, is estimated at 20 mpg city/25 highway.

The economical powerplant in this practical people-hauler is complemented by 3 rows of seating and over 95 cubic feet of cargo space. But the fun doesn’t stop there. Look for the midlevel SE to sport 17-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, a power liftgate, power sunroof and a roof rack outside, with leather-trimmed upholstery, heated front seats and a power-adjustable driver’s seat inside. Further cabin accoutrements include reclining, one-touch-folding second-row seats with center under-seat stowage, as well as front and rear air conditioning, simulated alloy and leather steering wheel and simulated alloy cabin trim. Full power accessories, including heated outside mirrors, not to mention a rear-view camera, multi-function dash display, cruise control and telescoping tilt-wheel steering also grace the Highlander SE, as does a single-CD player with 6 speakers, satellite radio, Bluetooth hands-free communications and music streaming, and a USB port.

Options, meanwhile, include remote engine start and an I4-dedicated towing package with heavy-duty cooling and alternator.

Sporting Toyota’s Star Safety System, the 2012 Highlander SE carries 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS) as well as traction and stability control. Inside, front side-mounted airbags, a driver’s knee airbag, 3-row head airbags and front head restraint whiplash protection boost occupant safety, while daytime running lights, dusk-sensing headlights and a post-collision safety system do their part in providing a safe environment. Finally, glass breakage sensors and the VIP security system are optional.

For 2012, Toyota once more offers its peppy front-wheel-drive-only (FWD) Highlander SE V6 7-passenger crossover. Boasting V6 power, 3 rows of seating and over 95 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, this midsize sport ute wannabe also offers plenty of cabin room, 17-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler and a roof rack, all standard, as well as a power sunroof and power rear liftgate. Leather-trimmed upholstery graces the inside, as do heated front seats, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, reclining second-row seating with center under-seat storage, full power accessories, including heated outside mirrors and front and rear air conditioning. Cruise control and telescoping tilt-wheel steering also grace the interior, with a universal remote garage door opener and rear-view camera helping ease the way. Then there are the leather and simulated alloy steering wheel and the simulated alloy cabin accents that enfold folks as they enjoy tunes from the single-CD player and 6 speakers. Entertainment is further bolstered by satellite radio and a USB connection, while Bluetooth music streaming and hands-free communications round out the plethora of standard features aboard this midlevel trim.

For those inclined to spend a bit more, a voice-activated touchscreen DVD navigation suite with dashboard display and upgraded audio components is available to the 2012 Highlander SE V6. Additionally, BLU Logic audio-interfaced hands-free communications, remote engine start and a towing prep package with heavy-duty alternator and cooling capacities can also be delivered.

As the name implies, the Highlander SE V6 carries the potent 270-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine. Combined with the standard 5-speed shiftable automatic transmission, the six-banger pounds down 248 lb-ft of torque, which translates into 5,000 pounds of towing capacity when properly equipped. Finally, with the ubiquitous variable valve timing, mileage is estimated at 18 mpg city/24 highway.

No worries about safety equipment in Toyota’s best-selling midsize crossover. The automaker’s vaunted Star Safety System boasts 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS) as well as traction and stability control, all standard. Inside, look for front side-mounted airbags, 3-row head airbags, a driver’s knee airbag and front head-restraint whiplash protection. Finally, dusk-sensing headlights, daytime running lights, a post-collision safety system and a remote antitheft alarm all come standard as well, with glass breakage sensors and a VIP security system both optional.

As the midlevel trim of Toyota’s 2012 7-passenger midsize crossover Highlander line, the SE AWD presents an equal measure of practicality and bling. Standard all-wheel drive (AWD), 3 rows of seating, over 95 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and a peppy V6 powerplant weigh in on the utilitarian side, while 17-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler and a roof rack, as well as a power rear liftgate and power sunroof, are a sampling of the amenities aboard. Leather-trimmed upholstery, heated front seats with a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and reclining second-row seats with center under-seat storage are among further amenities endowing this crafty crossover, as are full power accessories, including heated outside mirrors. Cruise control and telescoping tilt-wheel steering also come standard, along with front and rear air conditioning, a universal remote garage door opener and a rear-view camera that comes with a multi-function dashboard display. All this is complemented by simulated alloy cabin trim, as well as a leather and simulated alloy steering wheel. Finally, techno-goodies include an MP3-capable single-CD player with 6 speakers, satellite radio, Bluetooth music streaming and hands-free communications, and a USB port.

A voice-activated touchscreen DVD navigation system with dashboard display and upgraded stereo is optional with the 2012 Highlander SE AWD, as are remote engine start and BLU Logic audio-interfaced communications. Finally, there’s an available V6-specific towing package with heavy-duty cooling and a beefed-up alternator.

Standard power aboard the Highlander SE AWD is a 270-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine that mates with a slick 5-speed shiftable automatic transmission for 248 lb-ft of torque. With the proper equipment, Toyota’s practical crossover can tow up to 5,000 pounds of trailer, while mileage is estimated at 17 mpg city/22 highway. Finally, the full-time AWD system is managed by a center limited-slip differential, while the 5-speed automatic flaunts standard descent control.

Of course, Toyota’s Star Safety System comes with this heady Highlander and includes 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS) along with traction and stability control. Inside, look for standard front side-mounted airbags, a driver’s knee airbag, three-row head airbags and front head-restraint whiplash protection. Daytime running lights, dusk-sensing headlights, a post-collision safety system and a remote antitheft alarm finish up the list of more notable standard safety features, while glass breakage sensors and a VIP security system are options.