2012 Toyota Highlander Hybrid reviews
Model year 2012 marks the seventh year that Toyota’s Highlander mid size SUV has been available as hybrid. In 2011, the Highlander Hybrid received what the auto industry calls mid cycle refresh.
For 2012, the Highlander Hybrid has no significant changes. The gas electric Highlander was outfitted last year with 3.5 liter V 6 engine, replacing the 3.3 liter six of its predecessors. For even greater emphasis on efficiency, Toyota has outfitted Highlander Hybrid with both EV and Econ driving modes. Though Highlander Hybrid is 4WD vehicle, it is not suited for off road driving. Base models are equipped with 17 inch alloy wheels, while Limited trim brings 19 inch alloy wheels and power rear lift gate.
The big plus inside is standard third row seating. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid offers wonderful 40/20/40 split second row bench seat. With all rear seats stowed away, the Highlander Hybrid allows for voluminous 94 cubic feet of storage area.
The Highlander Hybrid is available in both base and limited trim levels. Base models come well equipped with 6 passenger seating, air conditioning with rear climate control, telescoping steering wheel and eight way power driver’s seat. Limited model adds leather interior with 10 way power driver’s seat and four way power front passenger seat that are both heated, power moon roof and three zone climate controls. Both the hybrid and standard Highlander are car based — or crossover — midsize SUVs based on the Toyota Camry sedan. Car and Driver had this to say: Despite its electric bits, the hybrid drives almost exactly like a conventional Highlander.
2012 Toyota Highlander Hybrid has a base price that ranges from $38,140 for the entry model to $43,795 for the Limited. That’s approximately $3,000 to $7,700 more than conventional gas powered Highlander, depending on model comparison. Highlander is about $5,800 more expensive. Highlander Hybrid offers 280 horsepower and can tow up to 3,500 pounds, while Ford Escape Hybrid rates at much less useful 177 horsepower, with towing capacity of only 1,000 pounds. Escape hybrid does, however, edge the Highlander out in fuel efficiency, by about five to 10 percent, depending on model comparisons.
That said, the 2012 Highlander Hybrid’s detached driving dynamics are its biggest drawback. If you’re looking for another affordable hybrid SUV with seating for more than five, your only other choices are the GMC Yukon Hybrid and the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid.
Reviewers appreciate the Highlander cabin, which is mostly well built, though it features some sub par materials. The 2012 Toyota Highlander Hybrid can seat up to seven people. Base hybrid models come with cloth upholstery and an eight way adjustable driver’s seat, while Hybrid Limited trims add standard leather upholstery and a heated 10 way adjustable driver’s seat. The Hybrid Limited adds a standard power lift gate, three zone automatic climate control and keyless entry. Behind the first row of seats, the Highlander Hybrid provides an impressive 94.1 cubic feet of cargo space, and behind the second row of seats there’s still a decent 42.4 cubic feet of space. It’s not available as a hybrid, though.
The Highlander Hybrid's standard safety features are impressive and include rare for the class equipment such as a driver's knee airbag. For 2012, the third row seat and rear climate control are now standard on all Highlander Hybrid models.
The 2012 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is an answer to a vexing conundrum facing environmentally conscious car shoppers these days. As the most fuel efficient seven passenger vehicle on the market, midsize Highlander Hybrid fills unique niche. Its gasoline “electric hybrid” powertrain turns in EPA mileage estimates that are roughly 50 percent better than comparable non hybrid crossovers and 25 percent better than the only other “seven passenger hybrids” on the market. First, the standard 50/50 split folding third row seat is really only suitable for young kids. To get seven passenger hybrids, you'd have to step up to GM's more expensive, less efficient Chevy Tahoe Hybrid/GMC Yukon Hybrid twins.
The 2012 Toyota Highlander Hybrid comes standard with, traction and stability control, antilock disc brakes, side curtain airbags that cover all three rows, front side airbags, active front head restraints, and driver side knee airbag.
Unlike some other environmentally friendly models, 2012 Toyota Highlander Hybrid has enough oomph under the hood to deliver satisfying acceleration. As far as handling goes. On the upside, Highlander Hybrid offers smoother ride and more maneuverability than the full size Chevy Tahoe Hybrid.
For 2012, the Highlander Hybrid has no significant changes. The gas electric Highlander was outfitted last year with 3.5 liter V 6 engine, replacing the 3.3 liter six of its predecessors. For even greater emphasis on efficiency, Toyota has outfitted Highlander Hybrid with both EV and Econ driving modes. Though Highlander Hybrid is 4WD vehicle, it is not suited for off road driving. Base models are equipped with 17 inch alloy wheels, while Limited trim brings 19 inch alloy wheels and power rear lift gate.
The big plus inside is standard third row seating. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid offers wonderful 40/20/40 split second row bench seat. With all rear seats stowed away, the Highlander Hybrid allows for voluminous 94 cubic feet of storage area.
The Highlander Hybrid is available in both base and limited trim levels. Base models come well equipped with 6 passenger seating, air conditioning with rear climate control, telescoping steering wheel and eight way power driver’s seat. Limited model adds leather interior with 10 way power driver’s seat and four way power front passenger seat that are both heated, power moon roof and three zone climate controls. Both the hybrid and standard Highlander are car based — or crossover — midsize SUVs based on the Toyota Camry sedan. Car and Driver had this to say: Despite its electric bits, the hybrid drives almost exactly like a conventional Highlander.
2012 Toyota Highlander Hybrid has a base price that ranges from $38,140 for the entry model to $43,795 for the Limited. That’s approximately $3,000 to $7,700 more than conventional gas powered Highlander, depending on model comparison. Highlander is about $5,800 more expensive. Highlander Hybrid offers 280 horsepower and can tow up to 3,500 pounds, while Ford Escape Hybrid rates at much less useful 177 horsepower, with towing capacity of only 1,000 pounds. Escape hybrid does, however, edge the Highlander out in fuel efficiency, by about five to 10 percent, depending on model comparisons.
That said, the 2012 Highlander Hybrid’s detached driving dynamics are its biggest drawback. If you’re looking for another affordable hybrid SUV with seating for more than five, your only other choices are the GMC Yukon Hybrid and the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid.
Reviewers appreciate the Highlander cabin, which is mostly well built, though it features some sub par materials. The 2012 Toyota Highlander Hybrid can seat up to seven people. Base hybrid models come with cloth upholstery and an eight way adjustable driver’s seat, while Hybrid Limited trims add standard leather upholstery and a heated 10 way adjustable driver’s seat. The Hybrid Limited adds a standard power lift gate, three zone automatic climate control and keyless entry. Behind the first row of seats, the Highlander Hybrid provides an impressive 94.1 cubic feet of cargo space, and behind the second row of seats there’s still a decent 42.4 cubic feet of space. It’s not available as a hybrid, though.
The Highlander Hybrid's standard safety features are impressive and include rare for the class equipment such as a driver's knee airbag. For 2012, the third row seat and rear climate control are now standard on all Highlander Hybrid models.
The 2012 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is an answer to a vexing conundrum facing environmentally conscious car shoppers these days. As the most fuel efficient seven passenger vehicle on the market, midsize Highlander Hybrid fills unique niche. Its gasoline “electric hybrid” powertrain turns in EPA mileage estimates that are roughly 50 percent better than comparable non hybrid crossovers and 25 percent better than the only other “seven passenger hybrids” on the market. First, the standard 50/50 split folding third row seat is really only suitable for young kids. To get seven passenger hybrids, you'd have to step up to GM's more expensive, less efficient Chevy Tahoe Hybrid/GMC Yukon Hybrid twins.
The 2012 Toyota Highlander Hybrid comes standard with, traction and stability control, antilock disc brakes, side curtain airbags that cover all three rows, front side airbags, active front head restraints, and driver side knee airbag.
Unlike some other environmentally friendly models, 2012 Toyota Highlander Hybrid has enough oomph under the hood to deliver satisfying acceleration. As far as handling goes. On the upside, Highlander Hybrid offers smoother ride and more maneuverability than the full size Chevy Tahoe Hybrid.
