NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2026 Toyota 4runner Hybrid Safety Ratings
The 2026 Toyota 4runner Hybrid scores 86 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 5 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2026 Toyota 4Runner Hybrid enters the market with a strong NHTSA Safety Index of 86/100, a score supported by comprehensive NHTSA crash-test coverage and a flawless evaluation of its avoidance technology. This model year demonstrates a clean defect record, marked by a single, minor recall. These factors combine to position the 4Runner Hybrid as a well-supported safety choice.
The 2026 Toyota 4Runner Hybrid SUV HEV AWD holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 86 out of 100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 4 out of 5 stars, sourced from NHTSA federal safety data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 143 SUVs from 2026 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2026 Toyota 4runner Hybrid ranks 105 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 86 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 3 stars |
| Rollover risk | 20.4% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 5 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 105 of 143 SUVs tested for 2026 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2026 Toyota 4runner Hybrid?
The 2026 Toyota 4Runner Hybrid achieves a perfect 10 out of 10 in its avoidance technology sub-score. This reflects standard equipment that includes forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control. The overall Safety Index for this model year stands at 86 out of 100, establishing a new baseline for the vehicle. Crash protection accounts for 57 out of a possible 70 points. This is supported by a 5-star side impact rating. However, the 4Runner Hybrid received a 3-star rollover rating, indicating a 20 percent rollover risk. The defect record sub-score is 19 out of 20, based on a single recall. This recall, issued by Gulf States Toyota, concerns a label-related administrative matter and is not safety-critical. Five owner complaints have been filed, with the most recent appearing shortly after the recall. Two of these complaints pertain to the Power Train. A single complaint regarding Forward Collision Avoidance warrants attention, given the vehicle's high marks in that safety category. The early data suggests strong structural and electronic safety, with a minor administrative recall and a limited complaint history.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2026 Toyota 4runner Hybrid perform in crash tests?
The 2026 Toyota 4Runner Hybrid presents a 20 percent rollover risk, reflected in its 3 out of 5 star rollover rating from NHTSA. This result stands as the model's weakest performance in federal safety assessments. Despite this, dynamic tip testing concluded with a "No Tip" outcome. Side-impact protection is a clear strength, earning a full 5 out of 5 stars. Frontal crash protection received 4 out of 5 stars, contributing to an overall vehicle safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 21658
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2026 Toyota 4runner Hybrid have any recalls?
One recall has been issued for the 2026 Toyota 4Runner Hybrid. The campaign, initiated by Gulf States Toyota, Inc., involves an incorrect load-carrying capacity modification label under the Equipment - Labels category. This is a documentation-level concern, not a park-outside or do-not-drive campaign. No stop-drive order is associated with this recall.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS26V282000
Risk: An incorrect load carrying capacity label may lead to improper loading of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GST will mail a new modification label to owners, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 18, 2026. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1-800-444-1074. GST's number for this recall is 26R1.
Reported 2026-05-04
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2026 Toyota 4runner Hybrid?
Five owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA for the 2026 Toyota 4Runner Hybrid. Top alleged problem areas include Power Train (2 reports), with single unverified allegations each touching Exterior Lighting, Fuel and Propulsion System, Visibility and Wipers, and Forward Collision Avoidance. All are unverified consumer allegations, not established defects.
5 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2026 Toyota 4runner Hybrid?
Shoppers should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool to confirm the Gulf States Toyota label recall has been remedied. The complaint record is still forming, so checking for any new NHTSA filings before purchase is advisable.
- The 2026 model year carries one active recall specific to an incorrect load-carrying capacity label issued by Gulf States Toyota, a non-drive-risk campaign with no stop-drive order.
- NHTSA awarded this model year a 5-star side-impact rating alongside a 3-star rollover rating with a 20 percent rollover risk, making the rollover figure the single weakest crash-test result for this year.
- The avoidance-tech sub-score is a perfect 10 out of 10 for this model year, reflecting standard fitment of forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control across the trim.
- With only 5 owner complaints on file and the most recent logged shortly after the recall notice, the complaint record for this model year is still in its earliest formation and should be monitored as the vehicle ages into the fleet.
RANKINGSWhere the 2026 Toyota 4runner Hybrid places
The 2026 Toyota 4runner Hybrid qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2026 Toyota 4runner Hybrid safety questions
Was the 2026 Toyota 4runner Hybrid crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2026 Toyota 4runner Hybrid, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 86 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2026 Toyota 4runner Hybrid crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2026 Toyota 4runner Hybrid earned 4 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 3 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 20.4%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2026 Toyota 4runner Hybrid have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2026 Toyota 4runner Hybrid. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2026 Toyota 4runner Hybrid?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 5 owner complaints are on file for the 2026 Toyota 4runner Hybrid. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Rivals in SUV (2026)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Lexus GX 550 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus Rz 350e BEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus Rz 550e BEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander MHEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 21658), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Toyota 4runner Hybrid 2026.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 105 of 143 in the SUV class for 2026.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.