2012 Toyota Highlander

The Toyota Highlander carries over largely unchanged for 2012. A comfortable ride and smooth, 270-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 are its hallmarks, and reviewers say the Highlander continues to be one of the best all-around midsize SUVs. In addition to a polished ride, the Highlander performs well in crash tests and carries a good reputation for reliability.

While the aforementioned V6 engine is mentioned most often in reviews, the Highlander's base engine is a 187-horsepower 2.7-liter 4-cylinder. (Toyota also manufactures a hybrid version of the Highlander, which we cover in our separate report on Hybrid SUVs and Crossovers.) The V6 is paired with a five-speed automatic, the 4-cylinder gets a six-speed auto and the hybrid (also a V6) gets a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). Note also that the 4-cylinder Highlander is only available with front-wheel drive.

Most reviewers say the Highlander's flexible second-row seating is a big bonus, even though the third-row seat isn't particularly roomy. In a comparison test, Motor Trend says that there is "one party trick that amazes us all: its magical, disappearing middle seat," referring to the clever system that allows you to remove the center section of the second-row seat and stow it under the front-seat armrest.

Edmunds.com notes that the midsize SUV segment is "highly competitive," and that the Highlander "isn't the only pick to offer a compelling balance." The 2012 Dodge Durango (Base MSRP: $28,995 to $42,995) and 2012 Mazda CX-9 (Base MSRP: $29,725 to $35,125) generally rank ahead of the Toyota in the eyes of reviewers.

EPA Fuel Economy Estimates

4-cyl 2WD: 20 mpg city / 25 mpg highway / 22 mpg combined

V6 2WD: 18 mpg city / 24 highway / 20 combined

V6 AWD: 17 mpg city / 22 highway / 19 combined

V6 Hybrid: 28 mpg city / 28 highway / 28 combined

All Toyota Highlander fuel economy estimates assume the use of regular-grade gasoline.

NHTSA Safety Ratings:

Front Impact: 4 stars

Side Impact: 5 stars

Rollover Resistance: 4 stars

Overall: 4 stars

IIHS Safety Ratings:

Front Offset Impact: Good

Side Impact: Good

Roof Strength: Good

Top Safety Pick 2012

For additional details, see our 2009 review

The 2012 Toyota Highlander carries forward essentially unchanged. For a more complete picture of what reviewers have to say, visit our full report on the 2011 Toyota Highlander (Base MSRP: $28,090 to $37,045).