2012 Toyota Highlander / Better than the Pilot?

The 2nd gen Highlander took a different approach than most of its competitors. It opted to stay more SUV-like than the Chevy Traverse, GMC Acadia, 2011+ Nissan Pathfinder and Ford Explorer. The result was a crossover that is appealing to both families AND people that just want a little extra practicality.
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Realistick_
Thank you, Royal South Toyota, for letting me review the Highlander for today's review!

[@luvdacurvyones]

The 2nd Generation is the best looking I think.

[@DJBpartyTV]

I have a 2011 limited GOLD. I can't complain. 😎

[@_..-.._..-.._]

The v6 (2gr-fe) engine in these is a beast, very powerful and extremely reliable. The Aisin 151 transmission is also one of the most stout and reliable ones made in this type of SUV.

[@merrydixon2273]

I just bought a 2013 in excellent condition with 70k miles. I love the styling and it’s so comfortable to drive. Great video.

[@ernestovelasquez3457]

What was the price if you don't mind asking?

[@merrydixon2273]

@@ernestovelasquez3457 21k

[@johnbirch5896]

Good luck....in general used toyotas are expensive but extremely reliable. Thanks for posting

[@jasonlax2102]

Change ur pcv valve

[@HelpatHomeJim]

I had a 2012 Highlander Limited with the v6 engine for four years and I want you to know that you will never see 28/31/36mpg; not going down a hill in neutral. I always got 14-16 in town and sometimes could squeeze 20 mpg out of a very long trip on a straight road, but usually 19. It was safe, reliable and purposeful, but very expensive to fill up and "fun-less" to drive. Mine did not have the pep that yours seems to have. I will say it is a very attractive suv.

[@Atreus006]

That's because you only achieve that kind of mpg in the hybrid model. I have that model and get 28 to 30 regularly.

[@Blank00]

The removable middle seat is such an underrated feature. The Acura MDX is now the only SUV with this feature, and hopefully we will soon see the Pilot join the list of SUVs with this feature.

[@kiflomloops4927]

I bought my 2013 highlander limited back in 2015 and still have it till this very day. It's been very reliable with no major issues besides basically changing fluids/brakes/tires. I will keep this vehicle forever!

[@alianaliana816]

Very detailed and Informative video. Your presentation skills are excellent! Thanks so much. 🏆

[@Realistick]

Thank you!

[@echo405]

Guess what? I just bought a 2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited! 58K mile on it! You just can't get this kind of car anymore. So excited.

[@simplyidiotic1]

Bought a 2012 a few years ago with 70k miles for $19k. Has 110k now. Clean as a whistle. Just did the I-5 between SF and LA in 100c heat at 90 MPH with the utmost ease. Highly recommend!

[@jasonlax2102]

Make sure to change ur pcv valve

[@realuxx]

Great content. I'm looking into buying a 2012 and this video has been very helpful. Thanks!

[@Realistick]

Happy to help!

[@TyNicholsen]

I love my 2nd gen. It looks good, drives good, is faster than it should be, and can still have people and stuff shoved into it without a problem.

[@TheMarialm66]

Perfect timing. I’m looking to buy one

[@Tyweezy84]

I’m 6’5 & have 4 kids, i was seriously considering a mini van lol but this will do for now, i just purchased 2012 highlander today, hopefully it holds me down until i have enough money for a Escalade or suburban

[@Ahmed-rh5rt]

What’s the combined mpg you are getting? I wonder if the older it gets the better?

[@yoitsnick1497]

@@Ahmed-rh5rt they’re not the best on gas, but then again I have a heavy ass foot-I get 9-12mpg

[@lazaroambrosio5646]

How’s your fit with the ca? I’m 6”4 not sure if I will fit.

[@Username-username6]

We just had an average of 19 on a 12 hr drive

[@TheRealHungryJoe]

@@Ahmed-rh5rt I have had mine for 3 years. When I purchased it, it Michelin tires and got 24 MPG avg, sometimes 25 high way w/ speed control. Now I’m at 20 :/ Looking into a sequoia now due to space

[@voidofbeeswax]

I have a 2010. All I do is is it as a comfortable 4 seater with adequate storage for shopping and going to work. It works great for that.

[@dogsbark5750]

As someone who owns a 2013 Highlander 4wd Limited with every option but the tow hitch since new and have only 39k on the odo I have yet to want another car. I have hit 60 in 6.8sec at sea level and avg 19mpg. 24-25 highway, the car really could have used a 6sp, but every 5sp from 11-13 came with a trans cooler and it is a beefy transmission for a kid carrier. After seeing this base V6, the limited is the way to go. The backup camera is in the touch screen, gps is the easiest to use, fyi the third row is leather, there is a mat to cover it up as well, every option I have found useful. The rear cup holder insert is the same the base model. But a long windshield scraper tucks away easily on top of it. My dad mirror has never been up. Can't speak on reliability, as I have such low miles for a car knkwn to go past 300k

[@asthorman]

Agree with your comment on the 6 spd. My wife has a lexus es350 with the 2gr and 6spd, really nice combo. My 2012 highlander has the 5 spd and while I like the trans cooler, I often wish it has the 6 like the lexus.

[@cic-jakevanddalgeemyers.2739]

Great review.

[@ongkondeb3928]

quality content bruv

[@GodEmperorTrump]

I mean the 3.5L V6 is incredibly reliable and surprisingly powerful. 270 Horsepower and 250 lb. Ft. torque. More than adequate to move the smaller size SUV. My wife has a AWD 2012 Highlander she uses as her usual daily driver because she doesn’t want to put too many miles on her new 2021 Mercedes GLC300 AWD AMG Trim package. The Highlander does well driving in sand, the AWD is great (we live on an island and can drive on the south end of the beach in late fall all winter). It can tow up to 5,250 pretty easily.

[@daniel.gorini]

The hybrid 'CVT' is actually a PST (Power Split Device) that combines the power of the electric and combustion engines, it does not make that droning sound like most CVTs.

[@Realistick]

You're right about the mechanics but it is still a cvt and it drones under acceleration in every outfit I have used it in so far. It just reacts much quicker which makes it better imo.

[@daniel.gorini]

@@Realistick well yeah it will make the extra noise and revs going over mountain passes, more like an auto transmission, but compared to Nissan and Subaru they do not slip during take offs in the city.

[@_..-.._..-.._]

I bought a 2012 4wd v6 limited for $3k from a budget lot, I fixed some minor rust on the driver’s side rocker panel and installed new sway bar links and steering shaft and now it’s literally perfect. Not a single thing on it that doesn’t work flawlessly. It has 217k highway miles and was babied by the original owner. I honestly think the car lot screwed up. All the dealer updates are done. Heated leather power seats JBL stereo, backup cam, electric lift gate, 5k lbs tow package. By far the best $3k I’ve ever spent. Looks just as clean as the video one, but I have the smart key/push button start model with 19” wheels.

[@asthorman]

I bought a 2012 awd limited with nav and tow package in 2017. Hands down the best vehicle decision ive ever made. The rear lift gate doesnt go up or down automatically however i had a minor rear end collision that could be the cause (few thousand in damage). Beyond that, i had a sun visor fail which got an amazon knock off replacement for $30. 112k (had 35k when i bought) and no other problems... amazing. I even pull a light dirt bike trailer and take it on forest roads! This thing is amazing! The fulltime awd feature was a selling point for me rather than the newer generation where it is fwd until slippage. I'll take the mpg hit all day for that feature. If you're considering this as a possible used vehicle, do it. Play the premium for a toyota over other makes.

[@mhans311]

Curious how usable the removable middle seat is for kids. Could a kid last a couple hours actually sitting in that thing?

[@lucymontes4602]

I just bought a 2013 Gray Toyota Highlander with 100k, it looks brand new from the outside. No dents, or scratches. I LOVE Toyota. I just gave away my 2006 Toyota Camry to a good friend, it has 213k, and still drives perfectly smooth. Toyota runs forever man. I drove that Camry from CT to GA 5 times, there, and back of course, never an issue. Great SUV for the price. I prefer the look of this SUV compared with the pilot, and others. It’s sleek, and elegant on the outside, from the lights, to the body style, without going overboard. The inside style does not….put me to sleep…I actually prefer it compared to others styles. It is practical, again, without going overboard. The cup holders for us is MIND blowing, I can’t tell you how much this extra feature means to a large family! And the removable middle seat, brilliant! This is a mom with 4 kids. And we want to say, thank you Toyota, for making such a BEAUTIFUL SUV! 🌈🌸🇵🇷.💆🏻‍♀️

[@ernestovelasquez3457]

What was the price?

[@ernestovelasquez3457]

I'm thinking on buying one

[@TheCodMineMan]

I’m a CT driver as well. I have almost 200k on my 2011 highlander. Absolutely love it

[@dman321]

great job

[@jewelskeaton]

I have a 2012 highlander, I believe it’s the se trim. The lift gate stopped working a few years ago and the paint color I have has a problem with peeling.

[@toddpacker7058]

What color?

[@jewelskeaton]

@@toddpacker7058 white, something pearl I believe. I received a letter from Toyota stating they will cover the cost to repaint but only the panels that are peeling.

[@toddpacker7058]

@@jewelskeaton well repaint it then jee-hoo.

[@_..-.._..-.._]

My pearl paint is peeling on the roof, I wrap cars though, so it’ll be gloss black on the hood and roof soon.

[@_..-.._..-.._]

@@toddpacker7058 did you just use a slur?

[@pestlund]

Just got 2012 Highlander Limited.. after an 06 Passport EX-L. 2 days in pleased so far

[@scottsluggosrule4670]

Like my 2012 Highlander limited. Body roll on corners is a little unsettling to me but runs like a top..112K on mine. Replacing the plugs was a little tough but doable..see videos. Tow a 2500lb boat..hardly know its there. Plenty of power and get 24mpg highway 16mpg local. Tons of room..very comfy on my 1200 mile trips to FL...a great car with toyota quality all round.

[@jet_blast1622]

I just replaced my strut assemblies on all 4 corners because of this issue. Same mileage as yours, 2013 Sport. Not sure what that trim was called in the States but essentially one down from Limited. Anyway, I got KYB struts from RockAuto, and body roll is much improved. Fronts were definitely shot, rears maybe had some life left but figured might as well refresh them all and be good for another 100K miles.

[@michaelskinner8146]

You just convinced me to buy one 😂

[@asthorman]

I support that! Very pleased with my 2012 after 6+ years of ownership. Those have been some hard years too... kids, dogs, dirt roads, snow, trailer, etc.

[@GunnyArtG]

I'd like to see the accurate dimensions of the cargo space with the seats folded down. I am looking for a work vehicle and need to make sure everything fits. Thanks

[@Probe253]

10.3 ft³, 95.4 ft³ with seat area

[@whyme6036]

Can anybody tell me the dimensions of the cargo area with only the 3rd row seats down? Thanks!

[@user-ok7mt6fg9n]

Where can I buy one

[@jefemuga416]

so me, this model highlander is nice af. i'd buy one real quick for the right price.

[@raylegend808]

I bought a 2013 Highlander limited v6 in 2019 one owner in mint condition, it now has 57k on it and have no regrets 😃

[@LordoftheEagles]

Are you me? I bought a 2013 Limited in 2019 also appeared garage kept leather basically never sat on (even at 90k). Lol. 😂

[@user-ok7mt6fg9n]

@@LordoftheEagles 1:58

[@sjnavaid]

we have a 2009 pilot ex, looks very similar

[@tombarton1]

Many of us like the old school 5 speed versus vct or other undependable transmissions.

[@Realistick]

Everyone likes reliability, you don’t need to be stuck with bad gearing to achieve it.

[@Nick-zy9tx]

7:46 when you say smaller than current models. The maximum interior volume of 94 cu ft behind the first row is the largest out of all the highlander models, even the current ones. Is that not a better indicator for actual size? Auto makers have reduced cargo volume for larger seats, thicker side walls and more airbags. Honestly, if it's me, cargo volume behind front seats is the most important factor when considering how big a SUV is for maximum versatility.

[@Realistick]

Cargo volume can be quite misleading!

[@Nick-zy9tx]

@@Realistick Interesting. Do you think the 2012-2015 honda pilot offers a much bigger cargo area with all the seats down?

[@rania-mr6ki]

5:22😅

[@johnr5545]

Nice job god bless

[@jyang69scashappme33]

Out of this generation, which years should I avoid?

[@Realistick]

Typically, if you can avoid the first couple of model years in a generation, you should. But I don't remember if this actually had many issues then. I'd rewatch the reliability segment at the end or search forums!

[@jyang69scashappme33]

@@Realistick thank you fam! You doing good

[@artistnyc123]

2008 and 2009 were made in Japan, 2010-13 are made in Indiana. You decide 🙂

[@jyang69scashappme33]

@@artistnyc123 Basically I have a choice between JDM or a ford lol

[@artistnyc123]

@@jyang69scashappme33 when it comes to Toyotas, I think I trust Scotty Kilmer's opinion on this. Toyotas built in Indiana or Canada are great but nothing beats a Toyota built in Japan. By the way, I have a Toyota Highlander 2009 the last year built in Japan :-)

[@charleysapaloh2275]

I love toyotahighlander

[@toronado455]

"Toyota reminds 4cyl buyers that they're broke" 😂 And here I thought that 4WD was too much added weight and stress for the 4 cyl and that's why Toyota didn't offer it.

[@Realistick]

I'm sure they just offered it there as a way to have super cheap base model to get people in. Which works, Toyota isn't afraid to put a 4 cylinder into something that needs more grunt (they have 160 hp in a 4000 pound tacoma)

[@toronado455]

@@Realistick Yes. And now that Toyota finally dropped the 4cyl option on the Highlander, they're like, if you're broke, just buy a RAV4 or something.😂

[@konradhittner4668]

We weren’t broke when we bought our ‘11 Highlander Base, but off the lot for $28K was a good deal. I like the simplicity of maintenance with the 4-cylinder (no inaccessible rear cylinder bank), and, with the 6-speed, the horsepower has always been sufficient for our family of four (now all adults). I use a dedicated set of snow tires and wheels in the winter, and have never had issues getting around in town, or out in the hinterlands. Ours has 196K miles on it, and the drivetrain hasn’t needed more than routine maintenance, apart from one replaced intake cam phaser. We’ll drive it to/past 300K without worries.

[@toronado455]

@The Real VR my comment was from five months ago. Now Toyota has dropped V6 and replaced with turbo 4 for 2023 as you say.

[@rudycastellon6360]

@@konradhittner4668 any oil burning with the base 4 cylinder highlander?

[@TheMarialm66]

Older style

[@Chernabog123]

I like the Pilots due to size difference

[@theophilusandrew3800]

I want this car am from Lagos Nigeria

[@toddpacker7058]

Nigeria security forces vip support vehicle?

[@jklmnk9596]

The Nigerian Thieves..

[@BernonCars]

NPC mobile!

[@billwheeler5782]

Stay away from 2008til 2013 the older models have a rattle in timing chain til oil pressure gets high enough it lasts about 4 second but I have her Toyota mechanics call it the rattle of death and Toyota will not fix it even with warranty Toyota don't like to fix stuff til it breaks never had this problem with Ford this will be last Toyota I buy

[@sebastianromero420]

I had that problem in my 2009 rx 350. The problem was resolved by 2012 all across the Toyota and Lexus lines.

[@bartholomewlyons]

So what? Let it rattle

[@billwheeler5782]

@@bartholomewlyons yep u got that right

[@wdtaut5650]

My problem with Ford is the lack of parts after 10 years or so. Little stuff can't be fixed without a junkyard trip, sometimes major stuff. I'm switching to Toyota.

[@jcherestal]

​@@billwheeler5782 ive let mine take over 150k miles