2012 Toyota Highlander
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.

- Class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV 4WD, 4dr SUV 4WD Limited, 4dr SUV 4WD V6, Hybrid 4dr SUV 4WD-I/Limited 4WD-I
- Engines
- 3.5L 6-cyl, 2.7L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Hybrid, Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 28 combined · 28 city / 28 hwy
- Length
- 188.6 in
- Curb weight
- 3,847–4,641 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 28 MPG combined — 47% better than the average 2012 SUV - (19 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 25 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2012 Toyota Highlander is a SUV - offered with 2 engines (3.5L 6-cyl and 2.7L 4-cyl), including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 189 inches long and 75 inches wide on a 110-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,847 lb (4dr SUV 4WD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 28 MPG combined (28 city / 28 highway), 47% better than the 2012 SUV - average of 19 MPG, for an estimated $2,400 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 147 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the steering.
What changed for 2012
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2011 Highlander — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 Highlander →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV 4WD | 188.6 in | 75.2 in | 69.3 in | 109.8 in | 64.2 / 64.2 in | 3,847 lb | 55/45 |
| 4dr SUV 4WD Limited | 188.6 in | 75.2 in | 69.3 in | 109.8 in | 64.2 / 64.2 in | 4,321 lb | 55/45 |
| 4dr SUV 4WD V6 | 188.6 in | 75.2 in | 69.3 in | 109.8 in | 64.2 / 64.2 in | 4,180 lb | 55/45 |
| Hybrid 4dr SUV 4WD-I/Limited 4WD-I | 188.6 in | 75.2 in | 69.3 in | 109.8 in | 64.2 / 64.2 in | 4,641 lb | 55/45 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highlander Hybrid 4WD Hybrid | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | All-Wheel Drive | 28 / 28 / 28 | +47% | $2,400 | 317 |
| Highlander 2WD | 2.7L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 25 / 22 | +5% | $3,050 | 404 |
| Highlander 2WD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S5) | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 24 / 20 | -4% | $3,350 | 444 |
| Highlander 4WD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S5) | All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 22 / 19 | 0% | $3,550 | 468 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Toyota Highlander.
Similar 2012 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Toyota Highlander (this car) | 28 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2012 Toyota RAV4 | 24 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2012 Toyota 4Runner | 19 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
| 2012 Ford Explorer | 23 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2012 Subaru Forester | 23 MPG | Not rated | 15 |
| 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 19 MPG | Not rated | 10 |
| 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe | 23 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (2)
Equipment › Other › Labels · Apr 9, 2013
NHTSA campaign 13V123000 · 7,525 vehicles
- Problem
- Southeast Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 and 2010-2013 Toyota Tundra, 2010-2012 Rav4, 2012 Toyota Sequoia, 2010-2011 Toyota Corolla, 2010-2011 Toyota Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser, 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser, 2010-2013 Toyota Venza, 2010-2011 Toyota 4Runner, 2010-2013 Toyota Tacoma, 2011-2012 Toyota Sienna, 2012 Toyota Prius, 2013 Scion FR-S, 2011 Scion XD, 2011 Scion XB, and 2012 Scion TC vehicles. These vehicles were sold with labels that were outside the allowable one percent of accuracy of actual weight added. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) Number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
- Risk
- An inaccurate label could lead to owners overloading their vehicles and tires. An overloaded vehicle can result in a tire failure which may result in a vehicle crash, personal injury, or property damage.
- Fix
- Southeast Toyota will notify owners and provide a corrected label with instructions concerning its installation. A small group of the affected vehicles will need additonal remedies which are still being developed. The recall began on May 28, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
Seats · Jan 16, 2013
NHTSA campaign 13V014000 · 3,235 vehicles
- Problem
- Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.
- Risk
- If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.
- Fix
- Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
Not every 2012 Toyota Highlander is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2012 Toyota Highlander buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Steering — 44 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Electrical System — 25 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Structure › Body — 12 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 66,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 Toyota Highlander. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Highlander years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Highlander | 35 | 194.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 4 |
| 2025 Highlander | 35 | 194.9 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 10 |
| 2024 Highlander | 36 | 194.9 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 43 |
| 2023 Highlander | 36 | 194.9 in | ★★★★★ | 9 | 198 |
| 2022 Highlander | 36 | 194.9 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 272 |
| 2021 Highlander | 36 | 194.9 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 548 |
| 2020 Highlander | 36 | 194.9 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 330 |
| 2019 Highlander | 29 | 192.5 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 511 |
| 2018 Highlander | 29 | 192.5 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 275 |
| 2017 Highlander | 29 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 3 | 274 |
| 2016 Highlander | 28 | 191.3 in | Not rated | 2 | 117 |
| 2015 Highlander | 28 | 191.3 in | Not rated | 1 | 195 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Toyota. How we calculate this →