Is the Toyota Highlander a safe car?
Yes. The Toyota Highlander is widely regarded as a safe choice among midsize SUVs, with strong crash-test results and a comprehensive safety package.
To understand this question, it helps to look at official crash-test ratings from IIHS and NHTSA, examine the standard and optional safety features across model years and trims, and consider recall history and routine maintenance that impact real-world safety.
Safety ratings and crash-test results
Before listing what matters in ratings, it’s useful to know the two primary U.S. safety benchmarks and how they apply to the Highlander:
- IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety): Evaluates crashworthiness, crash-prevention systems, and headlights. The Highlander generally earns Good ratings in most crash tests, with front-crash prevention and headlights varying by trim and model year.
- NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration): Provides overall and rollover/frontal/side crash ratings. Recent Highlander models have earned high marks overall, with many configurations rated 5 stars overall.
- Recalls and safety campaigns: Like all vehicles, Highlander models have experienced recalls in certain years. Checking the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) for open recalls via NHTSA or Toyota is important for current safety status.
In practice, these evaluations show the Highlander performing well in crash protection, with strong electronic safety aids that help prevent crashes or reduce injuries. Variations by trim year can affect headlights and the exact level of active braking or steering assist available.
Active safety features and technology
Most Highlanders sold in recent years come equipped with a robust suite of driver-assistance and collision-avoidance features, which are a key part of its safety profile. The core package is Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ or its equivalent, depending on the year and trim.
- Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Lane Tracing Assist
- Road Sign Assist (on newer models)
- Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (availability varies by trim)
These features work together to help prevent crashes and mitigate injuries during routine driving, highway commutes, and family trips. Availability and the sophistication of these systems tend to rise with higher trims and newer model years.
Model-year and trim considerations
Because feature availability can change with updates and trim levels, buyers should consider how they plan to use the vehicle and which safety features matter most.
Trims and model years differ in terms of standard vs. optional safety equipment, headlight technology, and the breadth of driver-assistance options. Higher trims typically add enhanced blind-spot monitoring, more advanced headlights, and additional comfort and convenience features that can indirectly support safer driving (better visibility, uptime of safety tech, etc.).
- All modern Highlanders offer a substantial safety package, but confirm which features are standard on your chosen trim and which require an upgrade.
- Newer model years generally bring improvements in pre-collision systems, sensors, and camera-based features, along with updated infotainment interfaces that can influence how quickly drivers access safety tools.
If you’re shopping used, verify the specific safety features on the exact vehicle you’re considering and check for any recalls or software updates that may have been applied since purchase.
Maintenance, recalls and ongoing safety upkeep
Safety isn’t only about hardware; regular maintenance and monitoring for recalls are essential to keep a Highlander safe over time.
- Check for active recalls on your vehicle’s VIN via the NHTSA recall database or Toyota’s official recall portal.
- Maintain tires at the correct pressure and tread depth; rotate tires per the odometer schedule to preserve braking performance and handling.
- Keep braking components, steering, and suspension in good condition to ensure effective operation of safety systems.
- Ensure headlights, cameras, and radar sensors are clean and properly aimed to maximize visibility and sensor performance.
Staying current with recalls, service campaigns, and recommended maintenance helps ensure the Highlander’s safety features perform as designed when they’re needed most.
Summary
The Toyota Highlander generally stands out as a safe choice in the midsize SUV segment. It benefits from strong crash-test results in IIHS and NHTSA evaluations, a comprehensive and widely available safety package (notably Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+), and a broad set of active safety features that help prevent crashes. Buyers should pay attention to trim-specific feature availability, model-year updates, and any recalls that apply to their exact vehicle. As with any family SUV, ongoing maintenance and timely software updates are key to preserving safety over time.
Bottom line
For families prioritizing safety, the Highlander typically represents a solid, well-rounded option, with good protection in crashes and a robust set of driver-assistance technologies that align with current safety standards in the United States. Always verify the specific features and recall status for the exact vehicle you’re considering or currently own.
