2012 Toyota Highlander

The 2012 Toyota Highlander is available in both front- and all-wheel drive. Offered with your choice of a four cylinder engine or more powerful V-6, the new Highlander promises to satisfy with versatility, performance and style.

Mechanically speaking, the 2012 Toyota Highlander comes standard with a 2.7 liter four cylinder engine in front-wheel, but is available with a 3.5 liter V-6 in all wheel-drive as an option. In the four cylinder, you'll enjoy a capable 187 horsepower with 186 pound feet of torque. If you opt up for the V-6, you'll find that your Highlander produces an impressive 270 horsepower and 248 pound feet of torque. Tow up to 3,500 pounds in the four cylinder and 5,000 pounds in your V-6 when the Highlander is enabled properly.

Regarding safety, the 2012 Toyota Highlander offers a broad array of standard features that are often seen only as options in similar vehicles in its class. Along with anti-lock brakes and an advanced electronic traction and stability system, you'll find side curtain airbags, driver's side knee airbags and head restraints that actively reduce the risk of whiplash.

On the inside, the 2012 Toyota Highlander sports a spacious interior, seating up to seven people in three rows of comfortable seats. For more cargo room, the third seat folds quickly and easily into the floor while the bench seat in the second row offers a removable middle for extra storage.

Additional interior features include standard cloth upholstered seats with the option for a premium leather upgrade. The steering wheel tilts and telescopes and the standard audio system includes a CD player and an MP3 jack for iPod connectivity. Air conditioning comes standard, but you can upgrade to automatic three-zone climate control as an option. Add an extra touch of comfort and luxury with an optional entertainment system for rear passengers. The available navigation system features a touch-screen for quick access to traffic updates and driving directions.

Exterior elements include a variety of aesthetic improvements and functional features, making the 2012 Toyota Highlander a top pick for practical buyers who still crave a bit of excitement in their crossovers. 17" alloy wheels offer enhanced fuel efficiency, which tops out at an estimated 20 miles per gallon in the city and 25 miles per gallon on the highway.

Chrome accented rocker panels add to the sports luxury appeal of the Highlander, as do black roof rails and fog lights in the SE trim level. Upgrade to the Limited trim for substantially larger 19" wheels and roof rails in polished chrome. A power lift gate and moonroof are also available as options on the 2012 Toyota Highlander, one of the most compact popular crossovers on the market today.