The 2012 Toyota Highlander is how much? The 2012 Highlander is available on our site in over 390 listings, with an average price of $17,900. Prices range from around $13,900 to about $22,000 and depend on the location, features, mileage, and condition of the car.
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How many miles can a 2012 Toyota Highlander travel?
What Is the Toyota Highlander’s Lifespan? One of the most durable midsize SUVs on the market, the Toyota Highlander can keep going for up to 300,000 miles after you drive it off the lot.
Do Toyota Highlanders frequently experience issues?
Knowing what kind of performance to anticipate from each model year is crucial if you’re thinking about purchasing a Toyota Highlander. Although Toyota is a reliable brand and the Highlander is a well-liked and sturdy SUV, not every year for the Highlander was successful. If you want to be sure you get a dependable car that will endure through years of regular use, you must be aware of the Toyota Highlander years to stay away from.
Some buyers love experimental cars, but nobody wants to purchase one they believe won’t be a dependable daily driver.
We’ll also touch on the Highlander model years that have received the best ratings and reviews, as well as any other factors you might want to take into account before purchasing a Toyota Highlander.
In A Hurry? Here Are The Toyota Highlander Years To Avoid
Here are the primary Toyota Highlander model years to stay away from if you want a vehicle that will last.
- 2003
- 2008
- 2014
- 2015
That’s a relatively short list of trouble years for a car that has been in regular production since 2001, in all honesty. Consumers today should steer clear of those four years because they had the most serious issues.
Additionally, there was a rocky time between 2010 and 2012, and those model years nearly made this list. The 2010 and 2012 models aren’t quite as reliable or useful as the model years prior to or beyond 2015, despite the few complaints.
On the other hand, a 2010 or 2012 Highlander can still be a wise purchase if it’s priced reasonably and has a decent maintenance history. However, if you are interested in any of the models we’ve already discussed, you should probably conduct some investigation. Some of the frequent issues with the Toyota Highlander are simple to fix. If you use the car as your main mode of transportation, other problems can be far more serious and a major inconvenience.
The CoPilot app isn’t just for purchasing a car; it can also be used to keep track of recalls and receive recommendations on which regular maintenance activities are most crucial.
Engine Bolts Becoming Stripped
If you don’t identify the problem right away, it could become quite serious. Unfortunately, coolant leaks and overheated engines are the most typical first signs that your engine bolts are stripped.
When necessary, the bolts can be changed, and the bolt holes can be redrilled, but only if your engine hasn’t already suffered other harm as a result of overheating. That means that for many customers who experienced this problem, a complete engine replacement was the only option.
The 130k mile mark is the problem’s peak frequency, however once it occurs once, it may happen again.
Engine Failure
One of the more serious problems with Toyota Highlanders is often engine failure. Engine failure can be caused by a variety of factors, but those failures are likely connected to the engine bolts being stripped and contributing to overheating issues.
In light of these factors, purchasing a Toyota Highlander from one of their problematic years puts you at a significantly higher risk of needing an engine replacement.
It’s also important to think about whether you have the funds to replace your engine or if you would probably need a new car if your engine failed, as engine failure is an issue that only certain car owners are prepared to fix.
Engine failure tends to occur around 120k miles, while it can occasionally occur significantly earlier. Many Highlanders will run above 120k miles without any problems, but they could develop issues afterwards.
Using Engine Oil Faster Than Average
Unfortunately, the Toyota Highlander is one of those cars infamous for using oil. Although this issue can affect practically any model of Highlander, it tends to be more prevalent in older models.
Interestingly, despite being a good automobile overall, the 2002 model year has the worst oil burn rate. So, on a 2002 Highlander, we wouldn’t worry about this issue too much if you’re okay with spending a bit more money on oil. However, it can be a bigger issue if you’re thinking about a different model year with other documented problems.
Fuel Tank and AC Condenser Problems
Although both buyers and critics gave the 2020 Highlander redesign a generally positive review, it had a few dependability issues. There have been rumors that the gasoline tank on the 2020 model is defective.
In particular, reports stated that they were unable to fill the tank to its 17.1 gallon maximum capacity. Instead, they were only able to fill approximately 12 to 14 gallons.
Additionally, a number of complaints claimed that the Highlander’s air conditioning system might or might not work. The AC apparently ceased delivering chilly air since the condenser was prone to damage. Condenser replacement, which can cost anywhere from $60 to $150 including labor, is a straightforward remedy.
Faulty Head Gasket and Oxygen Sensor
Models of the Highlander from 2001 to 2007 frequently experience engine overheating. Owners who have experienced engine overheating have reported that a blown head gasket is to blame. A closer look reveals that the head bolts frequently pull the engine block’s threads out, which eventually results in a ruptured head gasket.
Meanwhile, it was claimed that the oxygen sensors in a number of Highlander models were defective. This flaw results in the engine misfiring and harsh idling.
These are the ideal vehicles for college students since they can transport you, your friends, and your belongings everywhere you need to go, whether you need to squeeze into a small campus parking space or transport ten loads of laundry home.
Toyota Highlander Years To Buy
Naturally, now that we’ve covered the model years to stay away from, it’s time to discuss the most reliable and cost-effective model years.
All cars run the danger of something going wrong, and parts break in all kinds of vehicles, so these models aren’t ideal. However, these cars are frequently reliable, robust, and enjoyable to drive.
The best Highlander seasons are:
- 2001
- 2005
- 2006
- 2007
- 2009
- 2013
- 2017
- 2018
- 2019
- 2020
- 2021
From 2016 on, Highlander models have all been more reliable and have received far fewer issues or complaints overall than earlier models. The 2021 model appears to be excellent so far, but it is a fairly recent model, so it’s possible that customers haven’t driven the car far enough to experience problems. However, based on Highlanders’ recent performance, we anticipate that the 2021 model will be a strong long-term performer.
You might not be particularly knowledgeable about your car’s brakes unless you’re a mechanic or a super-committed auto enthusiast. How much time do they usually last? How frequently should brakes be replaced? We have solutions.
Which Models Of Toyota Highlander Are Great To Buy Used?
The majority of the models we mentioned in the section above are good choices for secondhand purchases, but some are superior to others. We’d suggest the 2010 model if you’re searching for a decent deal and want a model that’s a little roomier and bigger than others. They have a few more problem reports than other models, but other models from 2009 to 2011 are also an excellent option.
The 2016, 2017, and 2018 versions are all excellent values and provide exceptional performance for the price if you’re searching for a more recent model and don’t mind the price. Although we haven’t had a chance to endorse the 2019 and 2020 models as used cars just yet, they are already demonstrating symptoms of being a decent alternative.
Get a Curated List of the Best Used Cars Near You
The simplest way to purchase a car is using the CoPilot auto shopping app. You may create a customized list of the top car listings in your area by telling us what you’re looking for, and we’ll search the inventories of every dealership in your area.
Just seeking for more recent models? The search engine for virtually new vehicles is CoPilot Compare. only observe recentfive years or lessautos with little mileage. The greatest place to look for off-lease, early trade-in, and CPO vehicles is CoPilot Compare.
What’s best? We have more information on each vehicle than our rivals since CoPilot was developed using the same technologies that dealerships use to acquire and sell their inventories. Since CoPilot doesn’t partner with automakers, there aren’t any sponsored posts or other dubious tacticsjust the most information about the best vehicles. To learn more about CoPilot’s operation, see our About Us page.
What should I expect to pay for a Highlander?
Starting at $37,405, the LE trim. The sportier XSE trim begins at $42,000, while the XLE model starts at $40,405. The Limited model starts at $44,360, and the Platinum model starts at $47,560 for the more opulent trimmings. L, LE, and XLE models must pay an additional $1,600 for all-wheel drive.
Has the 2012 Highlander have a third row?
Three rows of seats in the Toyota Highlander’s basic configuration can accommodate seven passengers. According to test participants, the front seats are very comfortable, and the second row is suitable for adults. Despite some complaints, the third row is typically congested in cars of this class.
The 2012 Highlander has a third row of seats, right?
The 2011 Toyota Highlander is as good a choice as you can make if you’re seeking for a three-row SUV. It is reasonably priced, boasts a smooth, pleasant ride, and an inviting interior for families.
I still think of the Highlander as a capable underdog even as newcomers like the Ford Explorer and Dodge Durango compete against it and the Honda Pilot. The V-6 engine performs just as well as the others if you choose it.
The 2012 models are already on sale and are almost equally equipped and priced to the 2011 models I evaluated, which had only 65 miles on them when I first drove them. View a contrast.
Family-friendly surroundings Nearly any three-row crossover on the market would be a good choice for the majority of families, but the Highlander stands out thanks to a few noteworthy features.
My test vehicle’s front seats were cozy for the lengthy drive from Chicago to Wisconsin. All seats have adequate thigh support, and the second-row seat provides a lot of support as well. The third-row occupants will benefit the most from the second row’s ability to slide forward and back.
Even the base Highlander comes with a third row as standard. There is extremely limited room for third-row passengers because the second row has been shifted all the way back. Moving the second row up even a littlesay, two notchesshould allow third-row passengers to enjoy the same level of comfort as I did at 5-foot-10. This crossover is as practical a choice for seven-person transportation as much larger crossovers like the Chevy Traverse and Ford Explorer thanks to its retractable second row. Similar in size to the Highlander, the Honda Pilot has third-row space for three passengers. It can therefore hold a maximum of eight people, as opposed to the other students in the class who can only.
It is possible to totally remove the central piece of the second row of the Highlander, converting the bench into two captain’s chairs with a pass-through to the third row. The pass-through is a popular feature for minivan buyers, and only the Highlander allows customers a choice between a bench and two chairs in the same vehicle.
Overall, I believed the quality of the materials was good, but several editors and a family who participated in a comparative test thought the Highlander appeared to be underwhelming. However, our tester was thousands of dollars less expensive than most of the competition as configured. I thought the interior was adequate for the budget, with the exception of some rough plastic finishes around the door pockets. My wife thought it was an improvement over her 2010 Subaru Outback and agreed.
In terms of safety features, the Highlander SE and higher trim levels come standard with a backup camera; otherwise, it can be added as part of an extra Tech Package, which was also included on my base tester. On models without navigation, the top of the dashboard has a small screen that displays trip information while the vehicle is moving and flips to the rearview display when the transmission is in reverse. Models with navigation display the back view on a larger touch screen.
The four cupholders in the center console between the driver and passenger, plus an additional one in each of the four doors and four more for the second row of passengers, were something my wife particularly liked about the Highlander. Only two cupholders were present in this area on every other crossover that was tested in our most recent comparison study.
If you’ve ever dealt with the sippy cups, water bottles, and soda cans a family of four needs for a Saturday outingfor us, that usually involves visiting an indoor play area with enormous inflatable bounce houses, having lunch, and stopping at either a bookstore or libraryyou know that drinks add up.
There was enough room for the little rascals after I put their convertible car seats. Being able to get in by himself was quite simple for my son, which is crucial for a family with two children under the age of four. A big plus is when one can in by himself while you help the other.
Performance A 2.7-liter, four-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower and a six-speed automated transmission are standard on the 2012 Highlander, which has a 20/25 mpg city/highway fuel economy rating. The Highlander I tested this time had a V-6 engine, but in previous evaluations I found that the four-cylinder Highlander seemed like a weak lummox. Models with four cylinders only have front-wheel drive as standard.
A hybrid vehicle is available with a 3.5-liter V-6 and an electric motor, producing 280 horsepower overall and 28/28 mpg on the interstate. Considering that the hybrid only has all-wheel drive, those mileage numbers are extremely impressive.
The 270-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 engine in my test car, which makes up the majority of sales, was paired with a five-speed automatic transmission to achieve 18/24 mpg with front-wheel drive and 17/22 mpg with all-wheel drive.
With most participants rating only one mpg above or below the Highlander, mileage is comparable to the rest of the segment.
My front-wheel-drive Highlander had enough of power, and it scooted eagerly from a stop and passed impressively at highway speeds. Like in most crossovers, the steering felt light and a little ambiguous. The smooth ride, quiet engine, and nearly nonexistent wind noise provided for enjoyable driving and allowed me to hear every scream, grumble, and occasionally song from my backseat passengers.
The main problem I encountered with the Highlander was its braking system. I still struggled to judge the brake response even after a week and many kilometers of driving. When I had to apply more pressure than I had anticipated close to a halt, I yanked my wife backward in her seat a number of times. This is a characteristic of many Toyota cars that I don’t particularly like.
Cargo When the third row is up, there are only 10.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity available. With 18.0 cubic feet, the Honda Pilot offers a big advantage. With 24.4 cubic feet, the Traverse is much bigger.
When the third row is folded down, the cargo space increases to 42.3 cubic feet, which was more than enough for my needs. A 32-gallon trash canactually, two stacked togetherfit lengthwise between the second-row seats with only a little bit of forward movement. The difference between the two models there is less substantial than it is behind the third row because the Pilot has a rating of 47.7 cubic feet. However, I liked the under-floor storage in the Pilot more.
Features and Cost For 2012, the Highlander’s entry-level four-cylinder with front-wheel drive costs $28,090. Although you don’t get many features at that price, you do get 17-inch alloy wheels, tinted back windows, remote entry, cruise control, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, and two 12-volt power outlets.
My test vehicle was a standard V-6, but it also had the $1,835 Tech Package, which comes with a USB port, Bluetooth for phones and music streaming, and a good trip computer, so I didn’t feel like I was losing out on many things. While I appreciate expensive entertainment systems just as much as the next man, most families will require this feature set, which is available for a fair as-tested price of $32,845. Just $1,450 extra gets you all-wheel drive. In this market, upgrading to all- or four-wheel drive typically costs $2,000 more.
Four-cylinder, front-drive SE models start at $32,695 and add a power sunroof, a rear window that opens separately from the liftgate, roof rails, fog lamps, and a motorized liftgate. All of the tech package’s features, including heated leather front seats, HomeLink, a leather steering wheel with audio and Bluetooth controls, are also included. I would choose the V-6 variant over the SE four-cylinder for a comparable price.
The top-of-the-line, all-wheel-drive Limited V-6 Highlander has 19-inch wheels, three-zone climate control, keyless ignition and entry, and higher-grade leather seats. It starts at $37,045 and is fully equipped.
The Highlander Hybrid is offered in two trim levels with comparable features to V-6 gas models: the base model costs $38,140, while the Limited model costs $43,795.
Similar to the Traverse, Pilot, and the remainder of the class, pricing is offered. In addition, Toyota provides two years of free maintenance with the purchase of a new vehicle, something that none of its rivals in the market do.
Safety The greatest honor given by the organization, the Top Safety Pick designation, goes to the Toyota Highlander. Cars must pass roof-strength tests that gauge rollover protection and get top ratings of Good in front, side, and rear crashes in order to receive the rating.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the Highlander a total rating of four stars. The Chevy Traverse received the highest rating of five stars.
Scottish in the Market In a field with some flashier new models, the Highlander would be simple to write off if it weren’t so damned practical and equipped with a great engine. But the Highlander simply has too many advantages for you to exclude it from your purchase list. The Highlander and Pilot are more convenient for more families because of their reduced footprint in your driveway and garage.