NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Safety Ratings
The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid scores 87 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 4 recalls, and 16 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid HEV AWD presents a strong safety profile. It achieves a 5 out of 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, complemented by a near-perfect score for its standard crash-avoidance technology. This performance contributes to a NHTSA Safety Index of 89/100, placing the vehicle squarely in the Strong safety band.
The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid SUV HEV AWD received a 5-star overall crash rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 89/100, based on NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 143 SUVs from 2026 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid ranks 86 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 | 87 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 17.4% |
| Recalls on file | 4 |
| Owner complaints | 16 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 86 of 143 SUVs tested for 2026 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid?
The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid enters the market with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, achieving a Safety Index score of 89 out of 100. This strong debut is underpinned by a perfect 10/10 for avoidance technology, reflecting the standard inclusion of forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control. Crash protection earned 61 out of a possible 70 points, with a 5-star rating in the side impact test. Frontal crash protection and rollover resistance each received 4-star ratings. The vehicle's defect record scored 18/20, with two active recalls noted: one concerning a label issue and the other related to back-over prevention display functionality. While 16 unverified owner complaints have been filed, no alleged crashes or injuries have been reported for this new model.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid perform in crash tests?
The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid achieved a 5 out of 5 star overall safety rating from NHTSA. Its side protection was particularly strong, also earning a 5-star rating. Frontal crash protection was rated at 4 stars, matching its rollover resistance, which showed a 17% risk of rollover and a "No Tip" result in dynamic testing. All safety categories received ratings.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 21685
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid have any recalls?
Two recall campaigns affect this model year. The first involves equipment labels, covering a broad range of Toyota vehicles including this one. The second, and more safety-relevant, targets back-over prevention display function across 2022-2026 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra vehicles. Neither campaign carries a park-outside or do-not-drive advisory based on available data, but shoppers should verify remedy status by VIN.
STEERING:LINKAGES:KNUCKLE:SPINDLE:ARM26V598000
Risk: A loss of vehicle steering control increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the front steering knuckles, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 2, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 26TA19 and 26LA09.
Reported 2026-09-17
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY26V437000
Risk: A broken rear axle carrier can cause a sudden loss of vehicle stability and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear axle carrier sub-assembly code, and replace the sub-assemblies as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 8, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 26TB13, 26TA13, 26LB08, and 26LA08.
Reported 2026-07-08
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS26V179000
Risk: A vehicle with an incorrect maximum capacity weight value may be overloaded, which can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the load carrying capacity modification label, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 26, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 26LB04, 26LA04, 26TB07, and 26TA07.
Reported 2026-03-24
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION25V744000
Risk: A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the parking assist software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed January 2, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB13 and 25LB06. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE25.
Reported 2025-10-30
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid?
Sixteen owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for this model year. These are unverified consumer allegations. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Unknown Or Other (6 reports), Engine (3), and Structure (3), with single reports touching the Fuel/Propulsion System, Visibility, and Wheels. No crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths are alleged.
16 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid?
Buyers of this current-model-year vehicle should check its VIN with NHTSA's recall lookup tool before purchase or delivery, as both active recall campaigns require confirmed remedy completion.
- The back-over prevention display function recall is the more operationally significant of the two 2026 campaigns, affecting rearview camera or display systems across a wide range of Toyota and Lexus models, and remedy status should be confirmed by VIN.
- The perfect 10/10 avoidance technology sub-score reflects forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all being standard on this specific model year configuration, not optional upgrades.
- The rollover sub-rating of 4 stars with a 17% risk figure and a No Tip dynamic result is the one area where this model year falls short of a perfect crash-test sweep, alongside a 4-star frontal score.
- With no prior-year Safety Index on file, the 89/100 Strong band result for 2026 establishes a baseline rather than representing an improvement or decline from a previous version of this vehicle.
RANKINGSWhere the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid places
The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid safety questions
Was the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 87 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 Grand Highlander Hybrid crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 17.4%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 4 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 16 owner complaints are on file for the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander 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 21685), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Toyota Grand Highlander 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 86 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.