Most 2012 Highlanders on the road today have well over 100,000 miles, and plenty of owners would rather drop in a good used motor than give up an SUV that still fits the family. If you're looking for a 2012 Toyota Highlander engine for sale, there are three engines to choose between, and the VIN tells you which one is yours.
Which Engine Does a 2012 Highlander Have?
| VIN 5th character | Engine | Paired with |
|---|---|---|
| K | 3.5L V6 (2GR-FE) | 5-speed automatic |
| A | 2.7L 4-cylinder (1AR-FE) | 6-speed automatic |
| C | 3.5L V6 hybrid (2GR-FXE) | Hybrid drive (eCVT), all-wheel drive |
The 3.5L V6 was offered with front- or all-wheel drive. The 2.7L four-cylinder was the economy option on lower trims. The hybrid V6 is a different engine built to work with Toyota's hybrid system, so it doesn't swap with the gas 3.5L.
All three use a timing chain rather than a belt, so there's no belt service to plan around during the install.
Matching a 2012 Toyota Highlander Engine for Sale to Your SUV
- Read the 5th VIN character and match it to the table above.
- Check the 10th character. It should be C, Toyota's code for 2012.
- Ask about the oil cooler. Some 3.5L V6 engines were built with an engine oil cooler and some without, and the fittings differ. Tell us which one you're pulling out.
- Compare the listing. Every unit shows recorded mileage and grade, like this 2012 Highlander 3.5L V6, Grade A.
Our guides on matching a used engine by VIN code and what to look for when buying a used engine cover the details.
What You Get
- A 2-year limited parts warranty on the block and internal parts, if a qualified technician installs it within 10 business days of delivery
- Free shipping to commercial addresses in the lower 48 states (a $250 fee applies to residential delivery)
- No core deposit, so your old engine stays with you
The 2011 and 2013 models share this engine lineup. Browse 2011 and 2013 Highlander engines, or every generation on our Toyota Highlander engines page.