The 2026 Toyota Highlander scores five out of five stars with the NHTSA.1
The Toyota SUV earns high marks from the IIHS and is a consistent Top Safety Pick Award winner in previous model years.2
Every Toyota Highlander after the 2017 iteration boasts some form of Toyota Safety Sense technology.
Everything You Need To Know About Toyota Highlander Safety
The confidence-inspiring Toyota Highlander safety ratings are a remarkable highlight of this midsize SUV, setting an admirable standard in the automotive industry and for families in search of a quality, reliable SUV. Organizations such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) have historically ranked this model high in terms of safety, and that hasn't changed for 2026. So, what are the ratings, and what exactly is being scored?
Join us as we dive into the specific categories of each rating, their meanings, how the Highlander has ranked over time, and the safety features you can expect on the most recent iterations. If you have any questions, reach out to our team at Haley Toyota of Richmond.
What Are the Toyota Highlander Safety Ratings From the IIHS and NHTSA?
If you're interested in knowing the level of protection offered by a certain vehicle, consider the NHTSA as one of your go-to sources. This organization conducts multiple tests on a range of popular, well-known automobiles to assess their safety in the case of an accident. For 2026, the NHTSA Toyota Highlander safety rating is five out of five stars, the highest overall rating possible.1 That score for the new Toyota Highlander for sale comprises these subcategories:1
Frontal Crash: Four out of five (Driver and Passenger)
Side Crash: Five out of five
Side Barrier: Five out of five
Side Pole: Five out of five
Combined Side Barrier and Side Pole: Five out of five
Rollover (Risk of rolling during a loss-of-control scenario): Four out of five (16.4% rollover risk, no "Dynamic Tip")
Plus, most of the safety features present on 2018-2026 Highlander models meet the stringent standards set by the NHTSA.1 These include Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Crash Imminent Braking, and Dynamic Brake Support.
The IIHS is an educational, non-profit organization that focuses on crashes and crash prevention for the automotive industry. The IIHS rates the 2026 Toyota Highlander in the following categories:2
Small Overlap Front: Great
Moderate Overlap Front: Marginal
Side: Great
Headlights: Great or Acceptable (Depending on trim)
Front Crash Prevention: Pedestrian (Standard System): Great
LATCH Ease of Use: Great
Toyota Highlander Safety Ratings Over Time
If you're considering a pre-owned Toyota Highlander, you'll find that they're often safe and well-equipped with helpful technology systems, and both the IIHS and NHTSA agree. See below their rankings:
2026 Toyota Highlander
2025 Toyota Highlander
2024 Toyota Highlander
2023 Toyota Highlander
2022 Toyota Highlander
2021 Toyota Highlander
2020 Toyota Highlander
2019 Toyota Highlander
2018 Toyota Highlander
NHTSA Overall Safety Rating
5/5 stars1
5/5 stars1
5/5 stars1
5/5 stars1
5/5 stars1
5/5 stars1
5/5 stars1
5/5 stars1
5/5 stars1
IIHS Awards
N/A
Top Safety Pick2
Top Safety Pick2
Top Safety Pick+2
Top Safety Pick+2
Top Safety Pick+2
Top Safety Pick2
Top Safety Pick2
Top Safety Pick2
Toyota Highlander Safety Features
Toyota Highlander safety technologies are some of the most advanced in the market, and they're only getting better. These are mostly identified as part of the Toyota Safety Sense suite, which debuted on the 2017 model and has since evolved into what is now called Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+. This set of safety amenities includes the following:
Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
Automatic High Beams
Lane Tracing Assist
Road Sign Assist
Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
That's only the beginning of the standard appointments: You'll also have access to a Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Downhill Assist Control, a Rear Passenger Seatbelt Reminder, and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System that checks individual tires.
The standard lineup is comprehensive; however, higher trims like the Platinum provide an extra edge that boosts the confidence of new and veteran drivers. Available safety technology includes Multi-Terrain Select, a Panoramic View Monitor, a Backup Camera with Dynamic Gridlines, and Front and Rear Parking Assist.
Try Out the Toyota Highlander Safety Systems at Haley Toyota of Richmond
The Toyota Highlander safety ratings reveal how effective the car is at preventing and lessening the impact of accidents, and that when a hazard does occur, this SUV can handle the brunt of the damage and redirect it away from passengers.
So, what are you waiting for? Ready to build your confidence and overall feeling of safety on the roads and highways? Upgrade to a Toyota Highlander today. This modern marvel can easily seat up to eight passengers, making it an excellent choice for parents of younger kids, busy families of five, and drivers who need enough space for a baby seat or two.
What Our Happy Customers Say About The Toyota Highlander
Camilo Jaraba
07-09-2025
I had an outstanding experience purchasing my Toyota Highlander from Jerry Royall. From start to finish, Jerry was a bless, very professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely attentive to my needs. He took the time to answer all my questions thoroughly and made sure I felt confident about my purchase. Jerry’s honesty and friendly approach made the entire process smooth and stress-free. I highly recommend Jerry to anyone looking for a reliable and trustworthy car buying experience. Thank you, Jerry, for going above and beyond!
Maggie Henderson
08-09-2025
I brought my Highlander in for a 50,000 mile service. Paul Taylor was my service rep and I cannot say enough about what a great experience he provided. My car had a recall that they included in the service. Oddly enough, the recall took longer than expected. We were in hour three when Paul decided to provide a loaner car due to the uncertainty of service completion. When I returned the next day, Paul also facilitated a discount on the service cost due to the inconvenience. This is why I travel from the Short Pump area to Haley on Hull Street. The maintenance department and particularly gentlemen like Paul, are worth the trip.
Ruiming Hou
02-09-2024
Got Highlander for my nephew this month. Can’t believe our family has been staying so long with Haley’s Toyota. Back on year 2000, in celebrating my first daughter’s birth. We bought our first Toyota, and it was from Haley’s which at that time on Midlothian Turnpike. Our whole family enjoyed every moment when we on the blue Sienna. And after that we had couples Corona,Highlander,Prius,Rav4,and Landcruise , they all from our trusted Haley’s Toyota. Our family enjoyed every time’s purchases and enjoyed every milestone’s when we got a new car. Even today,after running 20 years successful family owned restaurant business . Lots of our friends asked we can offer other cars why stay Toyota? We answered “we love Toyota and Haley has it.” Thank you Haley’s, you guys are amazing.
1Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://www.nhtsa.gov
2Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit https://www.iihs.org
