Toyota has announced zero changes for the 2012 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid - although that doesn't mean the company didn't sneak under the hood and make a few improvements anyway. Toyota is known for quickly revising known problems within the generation, and some of last year's improvements are of the sort that frequently cause problems - namely, the engine.

Toyota switched out the 3.3-liter powerplant in favor of a 3.5-liter gas companion to the Hybrid's 3 electric motors and generators for 2011, and in so doing boosted fuel economy and horsepower a couple notches - to 28 mpg city/28 highway and 280 hp. Impressive as those numbers may be, the Highlander Hybrid only gets a 3,500-pound towing capacity and the drivetrain can cause a lot of problems for drivers who are not especially hybrid savvy. Although the continuously variable transmission (CVT) does a lot of the thinking for you, there are still plenty of manual controls to foul up the good intentions of uninitiated owners.

As of this writing, user error seems to be the only genuine problem with the Hybrid's engine switch - and that is nothing new. It is absolutely possible to get better than 30 mpg with the Hybrid, as some drivers note, so long as you know how to drive conservatively. In addition, those who know how to use the system have found ample power and acceleration in most situations, but the all-wheel drive functionality is not suited for especially slippery or off-road conditions.

Other changes for 2011 brought several style updates and more standard features, including a power driver's seat, audio system upgrade, rear climate control and a 50/50 split-folding third-row seat for the Base, and perforated leather seating alongside tri-zone automatic climate control for the only other Hybrid trim, the Limited. The Highlander and Highlander Hybrid are similarly equipped, but the Hybrid offers a few extras over the direct gas-purist twin - the Base, for instance, includes a rear-view camera and comes equipped more like the mid-level gas-powered SE rather than its own bottom-line brother.

Also like its slightly thirstier twin, the Hybrid features nearly 100 cubic feet of cargo capacity with the seats folded down, and the center row moves back to front or folds down into a pair of captain's chairs - and more - for access and utility on your terms. As such, the Hybrid also shares the Highlander's issues with a cramped third row and white-washed handling. Some drivers also seem to notice this Highlander generation's larger girth a bit more in the Hybrid form, noting a distinctly less-than car-like feel in the ride and driving dynamics.