Bill Estes Toyota

2012 Toyota Highlander

Now available at Bill Estes Toyota in Indianapolis, IN

  • Starting MSRP$28,240
  • Horsepower187–270 hp
  • EPA MPG18–20 city / 24–25 hwy
  • Max Towing3,500–5,000 lbs
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Common questions

The 2012 Toyota Highlander brings midsize SUV practicality to Bill Estes Toyota in Indianapolis, IN. This page covers the Highlander’s trim-level pricing, front-wheel-drive configuration, fuel economy, towing capacity, dimensions, and engine choices, helping shoppers understand how it fits within Toyota’s 2012 SUV lineup. Across three trims, the Highlander offers a starting MSRP range of $28,240 to $35,745, 18 to 20 city MPG, 24 to 25 highway MPG, and maximum towing from 3,500 to 5,000 pounds. Review the specifications, compare related Toyota models, then search inventory at Bill Estes Toyota.

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 SUVs

Pricing, power, fuel economy, towing, and drivetrain help distinguish the Highlander from other Toyota SUVs of the same model year. The Highlander starts at $28,240, and MSRP excludes tax, title, registration and dealer fees.

2012 Toyota Highlander compared with 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser, 2012 Toyota RAV4, 2012 Toyota 4Runner
Spec2012 Toyota Highlander2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser2012 Toyota RAV42012 Toyota 4Runner
Starting MSRP$28,240$27,705$24,685$32,830
Horsepower187–270 hp260 hp179–269 hp270 hp
EPA MPG18–20 city / 24–25 hwy—19–21 city / 27 hwy17 city / 22 hwy
Max Towing3,500–5,000 lbs—1,500–3,500 lbs5,000 lbs
DrivetrainFront Wheel DriveFour Wheel DriveFront Wheel Drive / Four Wheel DriveFour Wheel Drive / Rear Wheel Drive
FuelRegular UnleadedRegular UnleadedRegular UnleadedRegular Unleaded

Manufacturer figures for the model year shown; a range spans that model's trims. Starting MSRP excludes tax, title, registration, and dealer fees.

The 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser starts at $27,705 and produces 260 horsepower with four-wheel drive and regular unleaded fuel, while the Highlander offers 187 to 270 horsepower, front-wheel drive, and 18 to 20 city MPG. The FJ Cruiser suits shoppers focused on four-wheel-drive capability, while the Highlander favors front-wheel-drive SUV use with a broader trim power range.

The 2012 Toyota RAV4 starts at $24,685 and offers 179–269 horsepower, 19–21 city MPG, 27 highway MPG, and 1,500–3,500 pounds of towing with front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. The Highlander offers 3,500 to 5,000 pounds of towing and 18 to 20 city MPG, favoring shoppers who need more towing capacity, while the RAV4 favors those seeking a lower starting price and higher stated fuel economy.

The 2012 Toyota 4Runner starts at $32,830, makes 270 horsepower, achieves 17 city MPG and 22 highway MPG, and can tow 5,000 pounds with four-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive. The Highlander matches the 4Runner’s maximum towing figure while using front-wheel drive and offering 18 to 20 city MPG, making each configuration relevant to a different type of SUV shopper.

Specifications and Configuration

The 2012 Toyota Highlander is an SUV with front-wheel drive, regular unleaded fuel, and an automatic transmission. Across the three trims, engine output ranges from 187 to 270 horsepower and torque ranges from 186 to 248 lb-ft.

Engine choices span 2.7 to 3.5 liters, with inline and V engine layouts, four to six cylinders, and five- or six-speed automatic transmissions. Peak power occurs from 5,800 to 6,200 rpm, while peak torque occurs from 4,100 to 4,700 rpm.

The Highlander measures 188.4 inches long, 75.2 inches wide, and 68.1 to 69.3 inches high on a 109.8-inch wheelbase. Curb weight ranges from 3,946 to 4,255 pounds, fuel capacity is 19.2 gallons, and cargo space behind the rear seats is 10.3 cubic feet.

Buying This Vehicle in Indianapolis

Bill Estes Toyota serves Indianapolis and the Greater Indianapolis metro area, including Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville, Westfield, Lawrence, Zionsville, and Brownsburg. The dealership is located at 3232 Harper Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46240, with Toyota sales, certified pre-owned vehicles, used vehicles, and factory-authorized service.

Vehicle inventory changes on a rolling basis, so shoppers can review current listings through the dealership’s search inventory link. A trade can also be started online through the trade appraisal process.

What to Weigh Before Buying

Consider how much towing capacity, fuel economy, engine output, and drivetrain configuration fit the intended use. The Highlander’s stated maximum towing range is 3,500 to 5,000 pounds, while city fuel economy ranges from 18 to 20 MPG.

Trim selection also changes the powertrain character. The SE lists 187 horsepower, a 2.7-liter inline four-cylinder engine, 186 lb-ft of torque, and a six-speed automatic transmission; the Limited lists 270 horsepower, a 3.5-liter V6, 248 lb-ft of torque, and a five-speed automatic transmission.

Frequently Asked Questions

6 common questions answered

What is the starting price of the 2012 Toyota Highlander?The 2012 Toyota Highlander starts at $28,240.

Across the three trims, starting MSRP ranges from $28,240 to $35,745. MSRP excludes tax, title, registration and dealer fees.

  • Highlander SE starting MSRP: $32,845
  • Highlander Limited starting MSRP: $35,745
  • Pricing varies by trim
What engine choices does the 2012 Toyota Highlander offer?The Highlander range uses 2.7- to 3.5-liter engines with four to six cylinders.

Output ranges from 187 to 270 horsepower and torque ranges from 186 to 248 lb-ft. Engine layouts include inline and V configurations.

  • 2.7-liter inline four-cylinder configuration
  • 3.5-liter V6 configuration
  • Automatic transmissions with five or six speeds
How fuel-efficient is the 2012 Toyota Highlander?The 2012 Toyota Highlander is rated for 18 to 20 city MPG and 24 to 25 highway MPG.

Fuel economy varies across the three trims. Every configuration uses regular unleaded fuel and front-wheel drive.

  • City MPG range: 18 to 20
  • Highway MPG range: 24 to 25
  • Fuel capacity: 19.2 gallons
How much can the 2012 Toyota Highlander tow?The 2012 Toyota Highlander can tow 3,500 to 5,000 pounds.

The stated maximum varies across the three trims. That range gives shoppers a useful way to compare the Highlander with other Toyota SUVs.

  • Maximum towing range: 3,500 to 5,000 pounds
  • Front-wheel-drive configuration
  • Automatic transmission
Should I choose the Highlander or the 2012 Toyota RAV4?The Highlander favors greater towing capacity, while the RAV4 favors a lower starting price and higher stated fuel economy.

The RAV4 starts at $24,685, offers 179–269 horsepower, 19–21 city MPG, 27 highway MPG, and 1,500–3,500 pounds of towing. The Highlander starts at $28,240 and offers 3,500 to 5,000 pounds of towing with 18 to 20 city MPG and 24 to 25 highway MPG.

  • Choose based on towing needs
  • Compare the $28,240 Highlander starting point with the $24,685 RAV4 starting point
  • Consider front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive requirements
How can I see a 2012 Toyota Highlander in Indianapolis?Contact Bill Estes Toyota in Indianapolis and review the dealership’s live inventory online.

Inventory changes on a rolling basis, so current listings are the best way to check vehicle availability. Bill Estes Toyota is located at 3232 Harper Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46240.

  • Call Bill Estes Toyota at 3174346990
  • Use the search inventory link
  • Visit the Indianapolis dealership location