MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index
NHTSA crash test of the 2026 Toyota 4Runner

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2026 Toyota 4Runner

Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.

1Recalls
5Complaints
0Investigations
ABOUT THE TOYOTA 4RUNNER

The Toyota 4Runner is a body-on-frame midsize SUV that has carved out a loyal following among off-road enthusiasts and families who prioritize trail capability over on-road refinement. Spanning our 2019 to 2025 coverage window, it competes in a segment that includes the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler, targeting buyers who want genuine four-wheel-drive ruggedness wrapped in a practical, five-door package.

VERDICT

The 2026 Toyota 4Runner earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 86 out of 100, an strong result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. It has 1 recall on record, reflected in the score.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
  • urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY

Reviewers generally praise the 4Runner for its proven off-road capability, straightforward controls, and commanding driving position. Many note that the cabin materials and on-road ride comfort lag behind more modern unibody rivals, and that the driving dynamics feel deliberately old-school. Most conclude it delivers strong value for buyers who prioritize genuine trail utility over polished everyday refinement.

NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 20.4%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 21655

Index breakdown

Crash protection57/70
Avoidance tech10/10
Defect record19/20
Forward collision warning: StandardLane departure warning: StandardStability control: Standard

NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images

Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.

NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record

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 // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints

5 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.

0reported crash
0reported fire
0reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsPower Train 2Unknown Or Other 1Exterior Lighting 1Fuel/Propulsion System 1Visibility/Wiper 1Forward Collision Avoidance 1

Other 4Runner years

Rivals in SUV (2026)

Last verified 2026-07-02. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings (VehicleId 21655), recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for Toyota 4runner 2026. Class rank 106 of 143 in SUV 2026. Methodology · Disclosure