Stevinson Toyota East
2012 Toyota Highlander
Now available at Stevinson Toyota East in Aurora, CO
- Starting MSRP$28,240
- Horsepower187–270 hp
- EPA MPG18–20 city / 24–25 hwy
- Max Towing3,500–5,000 lbs
The 2012 Toyota Highlander brings midsize SUV utility to Aurora, Colorado, with front-wheel drive, automatic transmission, regular unleaded fuel, and seating-friendly cargo flexibility. At Stevinson Toyota East, shoppers can explore how its three-trim range balances pricing, output, efficiency, towing, and everyday dimensions. This page highlights the Highlander’s specifications, compares it with other 2012 Toyota models in the same size class, and explains what to consider before buying. Located at 444 South Havana Street, Stevinson Toyota East serves Aurora, Denver, Boulder, Lakewood, Arapahoe County, and surrounding Front Range communities with vehicle shopping, trade-in support, financing resources, and factory-authorized service.
- Starting MSRP
- $28,240
- Horsepower
- 187–270 hp
- EPA MPG
- 18–20 city / 24–25 hwy
- Max Towing
- 3,500–5,000 lbs
- Drivetrain
- Front Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Unleaded
- Body Style
- SUV
How the 2012 Toyota Highlander Compares With Toyota’s Lineup
The 2012 Toyota Highlander starts at $28,240, while trim pricing reaches $35,745. MSRP excludes tax, title, registration and dealer fees. Cross-shopping comes down to the balance between SUV size, power, fuel economy, towing, and drivetrain preference.
| Spec | 2012 Toyota Highlander | 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser | 2012 Toyota RAV4 | 2012 Toyota 4Runner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $28,240 | $27,705 | $24,685 | $32,830 |
| Horsepower | 187–270 hp | 260 hp | 179–269 hp | 270 hp |
| EPA MPG | 18–20 city / 24–25 hwy | — | 19–21 city / 27 hwy | 17 city / 22 hwy |
| Max Towing | 3,500–5,000 lbs | — | 1,500–3,500 lbs | 5,000 lbs |
| Drivetrain | Front Wheel Drive | Four Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive / Four Wheel Drive | Four Wheel Drive / Rear Wheel Drive |
| Fuel | Regular Unleaded | Regular Unleaded | Regular Unleaded | Regular Unleaded |
Manufacturer figures for the model year shown; a range spans that model's trims. Starting MSRP excludes tax, title, registration, and dealer fees.
Compared with the 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser, the Highlander starts at $28,240 versus $27,705 and uses front-wheel drive, while the FJ Cruiser has four-wheel drive. Highlander output ranges from 187 to 270 hp, while the FJ Cruiser has 260 hp, making the Highlander relevant to shoppers prioritizing family-oriented SUV configuration and the FJ Cruiser relevant to buyers seeking four-wheel-drive capability.
Compared with the 2012 Toyota RAV4, the Highlander starts at $28,240 versus $24,685. The Highlander produces 187 to 270 hp, achieves 18 to 20 city MPG and 24 to 25 highway MPG, and offers 3,500 to 5,000 lbs of maximum towing, while the RAV4 has 179–269 hp, 19–21 city / 27 highway MPG, and 1,500–3,500 lbs of towing. The RAV4 may suit shoppers focused on a lower starting price and compact efficiency, while the Highlander may suit those seeking greater towing range.
Compared with the 2012 Toyota 4Runner, the Highlander starts at $28,240 versus $32,830. The Highlander uses front-wheel drive and offers 3,500 to 5,000 lbs of maximum towing, while the 4Runner has four-wheel drive / rear-wheel drive and 5,000 lbs of towing. The Highlander may appeal to shoppers seeking front-wheel-drive SUV transportation, while the 4Runner may fit buyers considering its available drivetrain choices.
Specifications and Configuration
The 2012 Toyota Highlander is an SUV with front-wheel drive, an automatic transmission, and regular unleaded fuel. Across its three trims, engine output ranges from 187 to 270 hp, torque ranges from 186 to 248 lb-ft, and engine displacement ranges from 2,672 to 3,456 cc.
Its four-cylinder and six-cylinder configurations use 2.7- or 3.5-liter engines, with inline or V engine layouts and five- or six-speed automatic transmissions. Fuel economy ranges from 18 to 20 city MPG and 24 to 25 highway MPG, while maximum towing ranges from 3,500 to 5,000 lbs.
The Highlander measures 188.4 inches long and 75.2 inches wide, with a height range of 68.1 to 69.3 inches and a 109.8-inch wheelbase. It has a 19.2-gallon fuel capacity, 10.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, and a curb-weight range of 3,946 to 4,255 lbs.
Buying a 2012 Toyota Highlander in Aurora
Stevinson Toyota East welcomes shoppers from Aurora and nearby Front Range communities who are considering a Toyota SUV. Begin with the dealership’s search inventory to review current Toyota vehicle options, then use the dealership’s trade-in process when replacing a current vehicle.
Online shopping support can help organize the next steps, while the dealership’s service team handles factory-authorized maintenance and repairs. Contact Stevinson Toyota East at (720) 706-3866 or visit the Aurora dealership for assistance.
What to Weigh Before Buying
Trim selection changes the Highlander’s engine layout, cylinder count, transmission speed, horsepower, torque, and starting MSRP. The SE starts at $32,845 with 187 hp, a 2.7-liter inline four-cylinder engine, 186 lb-ft of torque, and a six-speed automatic transmission. The Limited starts at $35,745 with 270 hp, a 3.5-liter V6 engine, 248 lb-ft of torque, and a five-speed automatic transmission.
Consider how often towing, fuel stops, cargo space, and city driving will shape ownership. The Highlander’s maximum towing range is 3,500 to 5,000 lbs, while its fuel economy range is 18 to 20 city MPG and 24 to 25 highway MPG.
