Note: This interior review was created when the 2012 Toyota Highlander was new.
Interior: | 8.0 |
Reviewers say the 2012 Toyota Highlander’s cabin is comfortable, spacious and intuitive. Plus, they say it uses relatively high-quality interior materials.
The Toyota Highlander has standard seating for seven passengers in three rows of seats. Testers say the front seats are plenty comfortable, and that the second row is fit for adults. Though some complain that the third row is cramped, this is common for many vehicles in the class. In spite of this, almost every reviewer loves the third-row access thanks to a sliding and folding second-row bench seat.
The base Highlander comes with a CD player, auxiliary audio jack, power windows and door locks, remote keyless entry, a tilt/telescopic steering wheel and cruise control. It also features a family-friendly conversation mirror, which allows the driver to keep an eye on kids in the back without turning around. Note that very few options or upgrades are available for the base model.
A premium sound system with Bluetooth, a voice-activated navigation system and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system are optional for the SE and Limited models. However, make sure to consider the options packages carefully, since the packages can get expensive and cause the Highlander’s reasonable base price to skyrocket.
Test drivers say that most of the controls are well laid-out and easy to use, although one mentions that the navigation isn’t quite so simple.
Overall cargo space in the 2012 Highlander may be impressive, but space with all three rows in use doesn't measure up to top rivals. The Highlander can hold a maximum of 95.4 cubic feet of cargo with the second and third rows folded, though reviewers note that the load floor isn’t quite flat. With the third row in use, it provides just 10.3 cubic feet of cargo space, which is one of the smallest in the class.
Small storage areas are a high point for the Highlander. Features include a center console with plenty of cubbies for small items. Two-row models also get an under-floor storage compartment in the cargo area. Second-row seat one-touch fold-flat levers are standard on all models.
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