MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index

MODEL

Toyota Grand Highlander Later Release Safety

NHTSA safety across every Toyota Grand Highlander Later Release model year we cover.

Across the 1 model year of the Toyota Grand Highlander Later Release we cover (2025 to 2025), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2025 at 80 on the NHTSA Safety Index. 3 recalls have been issued across those years.

THE MOTORCALIBER REVIEW
MotorCaliber editorial ◆ Reviewed against NHTSA data ◆ 2026-10-01

The Toyota Grand Highlander is a three-row midsize SUV aimed squarely at families who need the extra space and capability that the standard Highlander cannot deliver. Positioned above its sibling in Toyota's lineup, it targets buyers who prioritize passenger room, towing capacity, and long-haul comfort without stepping into full-size truck-based territory. It competes in one of the most hotly contested segments in the American market.

The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander achieves a 5-star rating in NHTSA's side-impact crash test, demonstrating excellent occupant protection in that critical scenario. Its overall NHTSA Safety Index of 80 out of 100 places it in the Strong performance band. The frontal crash test yielded a 4-star rating, a solid result. A 4-star rollover rating is also reported; this is a typical outcome for a vehicle of its size and ride height. The model has been subject to three recalls for the 2025 model year, a modest count for a new nameplate. These recalls should be verified as addressed for any individual vehicle. Owner complaints total 52, but critically, none of these reports allege crashes, fires, injuries, or fatalities. The data compiled presents a safety profile of a well-performing family SUV without significant concerns.

WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally regard the Grand Highlander as a significant upgrade over the standard Highlander in terms of interior space and driving refinement, praising its genuinely usable third row and composed highway manners. Most consider it a strong choice in the competitive three-row midsize SUV segment, though some note that the segment itself is exceptionally crowded with capable alternatives.

WHAT TO KNOW
  • The 2025 Grand Highlander earns a 5-star NHTSA side-crash rating, which is the strongest result in its crash-test profile and a meaningful safety advantage for occupants in lateral-impact collisions.
  • Frontal and rollover ratings both come in at 4 out of 5 stars. The rollover rating is typical for tall three-row SUVs, but it is not a perfect score, and buyers with rollover concerns should factor this in.
  • Three recalls have been issued for the 2025 model year. Shoppers should run the vehicle's VIN through NHTSA's free recall database before purchase to confirm all open recalls have been remedied by the dealer.
  • All 52 owner complaints on record report zero crashes, zero fires, zero injuries, and zero deaths. While complaints should always be monitored as a leading indicator of emerging issues, there are no fatality or injury patterns in the current data that raise immediate concern.

Most-recalled year on record: 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Later Release with 3 recalls.

BY YEARGrand Highlander Later Release by model year

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