Toyota Highlander Safety Rating: How Safe Is This Popular SUV?

When you’re shopping for a family SUV, safety isn’t just a feature — it’s a necessity. The Toyota Highlander has long been praised for its commitment to protecting drivers and passengers alike. But how does it actually perform when it comes to real-world and lab-tested safety standards? Having driven a 2022 Toyota Highlander XLE for over a year, including family road trips and everyday commutes, I’m here to share both the official data and my firsthand experience.

Official Toyota Highlander Safety Ratings

Here’s how the Toyota Highlander performs according to top safety organizations:

1. IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety)

• Top Safety Pick+ designation (for 2022 and 2023 models)
• Good rating (the highest score) in all crashworthiness tests:
  • Small overlap front (driver-side and passenger-side)
  • Moderate overlap front
  • Side impact
  • Roof strength
  • Head restraints and seats
• Superior rating for front crash prevention (vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian)

2. NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

• 5-Star Overall Safety Rating
  • 5 stars in frontal crash
  • 5 stars in side crash
  • 4 stars in rollover resistance

The Highlander’s consistent top-tier ratings place it among the safest midsize SUVs available today.

Key Toyota Highlander Safety Features

• Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ standard on all trims
  • Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
  • Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
  • Lane Tracing Assist
  • Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
  • Road Sign Assist
• Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (standard on most trims)
• Ten Airbags strategically placed throughout the cabin
• Star Safety System™ including vehicle stability control, traction control, ABS, and brake assist

From my experience, the Lane Tracing Assist was particularly useful during long highway drives. It gently nudged the steering wheel to keep the SUV centered, reducing fatigue and boosting my confidence, especially at night or in heavy rain.

Personal Experience: Feeling Safe Behind the Wheel

I’ll never forget a particularly nerve-wracking moment when a car ahead of me suddenly slammed on the brakes on a rainy freeway. The Highlander’s Pre-Collision System detected the sudden deceleration and alerted me instantly. Although I was already reacting, the extra few milliseconds provided by the system made all the difference, helping me avoid a potential accident.

Another feature I grew to appreciate was the Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. Backing out of busy parking lots, especially with limited rear visibility, became much less stressful knowing that my Highlander would warn me of approaching vehicles I couldn’t see.

How Does the Highlander Compare to Rivals?

While models like the Subaru Ascent are close competitors in terms of safety, the Highlander often wins in overall build quality, standard features, and driver-assistance technology coverage across all trims.

Real-World Safety for Families

As a parent, I can’t overstate how reassuring it is to know that the Highlander’s rear seats have easy-to-use LATCH systems for child seats. Installing my toddler’s car seat was a breeze, and the rear-seat alert system (which reminds you to check the back seat before exiting) is a thoughtful touch that adds an extra layer of safety.

During a snowy drive last winter, the Highlander’s stability control and all-wheel drive gave me total confidence. Even when the roads were slick, I felt fully in control — a critical factor when driving with precious cargo.

Final Verdict: Is the Toyota Highlander a Safe SUV?

Without a doubt.
The Toyota Highlander not only meets but exceeds modern safety expectations, backed by top scores from IIHS and NHTSA, a robust list of standard safety features, and real-world reliability.
Whether you’re commuting alone or carrying your entire family, the Highlander delivers a peace-of-mind driving experience few competitors can match.

Speaking from personal experience, driving a Highlander feels like you’re wrapped in a bubble of protection — and that’s exactly what a great family SUV should provide.

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