2012 Toyota Highlander vs. Its Competition

2012 Toyota Highlander FWD 4-door V6 (SE) Angular Front Exterior View
Bengt Halvorson Bengt Halvorson Senior Editor

We think the Highlander makes the most sense either as a base four-cylinder model or in fuel-stingy Highlander Hybrid form.

At the price of top V-6 Limited models, you might as well choose something with more luxury cachet.

2012 Toyota Highlander FWD 4-door V6 (SE) Angular Front Exterior View2012 Toyota Highlander
Browse Used Listings		2012 Chevrolet Traverse2012 Chevrolet Traverse
Browse Used Listings		2012 Ford Flex 4-door SEL FWD Side Exterior View2012 Ford Flex
Browse Used Listings		2012 Honda Pilot 2WD 4-door EX-L Angular Front Exterior View2012 Honda Pilot
Browse Used Listings		2012 Mazda CX-92012 Mazda CX-9
Browse Used Listings
Quick Specs
7.8
The 2012 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid to roomy, three-row family crossover wagons what the Camry is to mid-size sedans: comfortable, safe, and full-featured—but more than a little bland.
8.0
One of the best big crossovers for families needing seven-passenger capability, the 2012 Chevy Traverse is spacious and safe, though unexciting.
9.2
One of our top-rated vehicles, the 2012 Ford Flex has real distinction, along with top-shelf turbo power, great seats and great features.
7.6
Don't let the macho-boxy look intimidate you; the Honda Pilot makes a lot of sense for large families—especially with improved mileage and a most tasteful front-end design for 2012.
8.0
The 2012 Mazda CX-9 is a little more enjoyable to drive than most crossovers its size, while it manages three rows of seating, a plush cabin, and decent comfort.
MSRP From    
$28,240$29,660$29,465$28,620$29,725
Gas Mileage    
17 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy16 MPG City / 24 MPG Hwy16 MPG City / 24 MPG Hwy17 MPG City / 25 MPG Hwy16 MPG City / 24 MPG Hwy
Engine    
Gas I4Gas V6Gas V6Gas V6Gas V6
EPA Class    
Sport Utility Vehicle2WD Sport Utility Vehicle2WD Sport Utility Vehicle2WD Sport Utility Vehicle2WD Sport Utility Vehicle
Style Name    
FWD 4-Door I4 (GS)FWD 4-Door LS4-Door SE FWD2WD 4-Door LXFWD 4-Door Sport
Drivetrain    
Front Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveFront Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity    
78787
Passenger Doors    
N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
Body Style    
4 Door4 Door4 Door4 Door Sport Utility4 Door Sport Utility Vehicle
Transmission    
AutomaticAutomaticAutomaticAutomatic w/ODAutomatic
Detailed Spec Comparison
 2012 Toyota Highlander vs. 2012 Chevrolet Traverse2012 Toyota Highlander vs. 2012 Ford Flex2012 Toyota Highlander vs. 2012 Honda Pilot2012 Toyota Highlander vs. 2012 Mazda CX-9