Which Toyota has the highest safety rating?
There isn’t a single “safest” Toyota model overall; several Toyota vehicles have earned the top safety designations (IIHS Top Safety Pick/Top Safety Pick+ and NHTSA 5-star overall) in recent model years, depending on trim and year.
This article explains how safety ratings are determined, which Toyota models have achieved top marks in recent years, and how buyers can verify current ratings for specific configurations. Ratings can vary by year, trim level, and optional safety packages, so checking the latest data is essential.
How safety ratings are measured
Two major organizations publish independent safety ratings for new cars in the United States: the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Each uses distinct testing protocols and criteria to grade a vehicle's safety performance.
What IIHS looks at
IIHS evaluates crashworthiness across multiple crash scenarios, including small overlap, moderate overlap, and side impacts, as well as the vehicle’s headlights and crash-prevention systems. Vehicles earning IIHS Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ status meet stringent requirements for crash safety and front crash avoidance.
What NHTSA looks at
NHTSA assigns a five-star overall rating based on a combination of frontal, side, rollover, and overall crash tests. A higher overall score indicates stronger crash protection across a range of scenarios, with optional safety features boosting performance in some trims.
Toyota models with top safety ratings in recent years
The following models have repeatedly earned high safety designations in recent model years, though exact ratings depend on year, trim, and optional packages.
- Toyota RAV4 — frequently designated IIHS Top Safety Pick/Top Safety Pick+ and receives strong NHTSA 5-star ratings across multiple generations.
- Toyota Highlander — commonly rated 5-star by NHTSA and has earned IIHS top safety honors in various years and trims.
- Toyota Camry — a long-time performer in IIHS and NHTSA safety assessments, with top-tier designations in several model years.
- Toyota Corolla — has earned IIHS Top Safety Pick/Top Safety Pick+ designations and consistent NHTSA 5-star ratings in recent cycles.
- Toyota Prius — widely recognized for strong safety performance, including high IIHS and NHTSA ratings in multiple years.
Note: Exact designations (Top Safety Pick vs. Top Safety Pick+ and the specific NHTSA star rating) vary by model year, trim, and whether the vehicle includes required safety packages such as advanced front crash prevention and improved headlights. Always consult the latest IIHS and NHTSA results for the specific year and trim you’re considering.
Practical considerations for buyers
When safety is a priority, use these steps to compare current options:
First, verify the latest IIHS designation (Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+) for the exact model year and trim. Then check NHTSA’s 5-star overall rating for the same configuration. Finally, review which safety features are included or available, as these often influence both test results and real-world protection.
Key safety features that influence ratings
Advanced front crash prevention, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, and well-designed headlights are among the features that commonly appear in top-rated trims. Availability can vary by model year and market.
Interpreting these ratings requires attention to the trim level and optional safety packages; some high-safety designations are only achievable with specific equipment.
Summary
In practice, several Toyota models regularly achieve the highest safety marks, but there isn’t a single “safest” Toyota model across all years and trims. For consumers, the best approach is to check the latest IIHS Top Safety Pick/Top Safety Pick+ status and NHTSA 5-star ratings for the exact year and trim, and to confirm that the desired safety features are included. Toyota’s lineup commonly shows strong safety performance, particularly in models like the RAV4, Highlander, Camry, Corolla, and Prius, but up-to-date verification is essential.
