The Toyota Highlander, redesigned for the 2020 model year, consistently earns high marks in crashworthiness tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). This mid-size SUV boasts a comprehensive suite of safety features, making it a popular choice for families seeking a secure and reliable vehicle. Let’s delve into the specific crash test ratings and safety technologies that contribute to the Highlander’s impressive safety record.
IIHS Crash Test Ratings: A Deep Dive into the Toyota Highlander’s Performance
The IIHS rigorously evaluates vehicles across various crash scenarios, assigning ratings based on performance. The Toyota Highlander consistently achieves “Good” ratings, the highest possible designation, in most categories.
Small Overlap Front Test: Protecting Occupants in Challenging Collisions
Both driver-side and passenger-side small overlap front tests yield “Good” ratings for the Highlander. This test simulates a frontal collision with a narrow object, such as a tree or utility pole, and assesses the vehicle’s ability to protect occupants from severe injury. The Highlander’s robust structure and safety cage effectively minimize intrusion into the occupant compartment, safeguarding both driver and passengers.
View of the 2022 Toyota Highlander XSE after the updated moderate overlap front crash test, showing deployed airbags and damage.
Moderate Overlap Front Test: Evaluating Performance in Common Crash Scenarios
In the original moderate overlap front test, the Highlander earns a “Good” overall evaluation. The updated moderate overlap front test, which includes a rear passenger, resulted in a “Marginal” rating for rear passenger protection due to issues with the rear seatbelt allowing too much movement. However, driver protection remains “Good” in this updated test. This test simulates a frontal collision with another vehicle or a fixed object with a larger overlap area.
The rear passenger dummy in the updated moderate overlap front test shows potential for head or neck injury.
Side Impact Test: Ensuring Protection in T-Bone Collisions
The Highlander receives a “Good” rating in both the original and updated side impact tests. These tests evaluate the vehicle’s ability to protect occupants in a side impact collision, often referred to as a T-bone crash. The Highlander’s strong side structure and side curtain airbags effectively shield occupants from injury. While the updated side impact test resulted in a “Marginal” pelvic injury measure for the driver, overall side impact protection remains strong.
The 2022 Toyota Highlander XSE immediately after the updated side impact crash test.
Roof Strength and Head Restraints: Protecting Against Rollovers and Rear-End Collisions
The Highlander achieves a “Good” rating in the roof strength test, indicating its ability to withstand forces encountered in a rollover crash. Similarly, the head restraints and seats earn a “Good” rating for their effectiveness in reducing the risk of neck injuries in rear-end collisions.
Toyota Safety Sense: Advanced Technologies for Enhanced Safety
The Toyota Highlander comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS), a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems designed to prevent or mitigate collisions.
Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection: Preventing Collisions with Vehicles and Pedestrians
This system uses radar and cameras to detect potential collisions with vehicles or pedestrians. It provides audible and visual warnings to alert the driver and can automatically apply the brakes to avoid or reduce the severity of a collision. The Highlander’s system earns a “Superior” rating in both vehicle-to-vehicle and pedestrian (day and night) front crash prevention tests.
The 2022 Toyota Highlander XSE after the updated side impact test with doors removed, highlighting the side airbags and structural damage.
Other Notable Safety Features: Lane Departure Alert, Automatic High Beams, and More
The Highlander also includes features like Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Automatic High Beams, and Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. These technologies work together to enhance driver awareness and provide assistance in various driving situations. While the seat belt reminder system receives a “Marginal” rating, and improvements could be made in this area, the Highlander’s LATCH system for child seat installation earns a “Good” rating.
Conclusion: The Toyota Highlander, a Safe and Reliable Choice
The Toyota Highlander consistently excels in crash tests and offers a comprehensive array of advanced safety features. These results, combined with its family-friendly design and reliability, make the Highlander a top contender for anyone prioritizing safety. While some areas, such as the updated moderate overlap front test impacting rear passengers, show room for improvement, the Highlander demonstrably prioritizes occupant protection.
