In terms of safety, Highlander won the overall value of four stars (of five), with four stars for frontal crash protection and five stars for side-impact protection. In tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highlander received a "Good" rating (highest possible) in both frontal-offset and side impact tests.
2012 Toyota Highlander is not all about looks and storage space. Crossover line that has become known as the unification of space and comfort with the power and performance. Toyota offers a choice of crossover fans between four-cylinder and six cylinder gasoline engine and electric gas hybrid models as well. Four-cylinder models equipped with 2.7 liter engine that offers an impressive 187 horsepower with 186 pounds feet of torque. It should offer an economical option that Toyota fans do not skimp on power. Six-cylinder models, on the other hand, is a 3.5 liter engine and has a very respectable 270 horsepower with 248 pounds feet of torque.
The 2012 Toyota Highlander Hybrid models are shipped with a six-cylinder engine and equipped with electric motors at each wheel. These motors provide Highlander 2012, all wheel drive is standard on the hybrid model. While hybrid vehicles are known for having a pretty weak engine, Highlander 2012 offers an eye-opening 280 horsepower, which means that it can compete with hybrid gas-powered siblings. Hybrid models have a self-charging system that allows it to run on electric power alone but can also be run on a combination of gas and electric power. In the current climate of high fuel costs, hybrid crossover with this kind of power is a welcome addition to the automotive market.
The 2012 Toyota Highlander features one of the better-looking cabin in the segment, and this is especially true of models of top-of-the-line Limited. Gauges and controls boast easy and familiar layout, so that later won to be used. This cabin also offers exceptional visibility from most angles.
There is no lack of space in the front seats and second row, but legroom is tight in the third row, and thus, it is only suitable for young children. Models such as the Flex fare better in this regard. On the plus side, the second row seats slide forward and the Highlander in the back to change the ratio of legroom with a cargo capacity, and the seat also reclines for greater comfort. 40/20/40-split this unique chair design, which has a removable center section that stows neatly in a special compartment under the center console, making it easy to access way-back seat even with a pair of child's car seat strapped into the second row.
If you have a haul cargo, the Highlander offers 95.4 cubic feet of space with the second and third row seatbacks folded down. This is the figure of a stronger and better than many competitors, but the GM full-size crossover offers even more.
