MODEL
Toyota Grand Highlander
NHTSA safety across every Toyota Grand Highlander model year we cover.
Across the 3 model years of the Toyota Grand Highlander we cover (2024 to 2026), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2026 at 90 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2024 at 76. 8 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Toyota Grand Highlander is a three-row midsize SUV aimed squarely at families who need more passenger and cargo space than the standard Highlander provides. Arriving as a 2024 model, it slots above its sibling in Toyota's lineup and competes in a crowded segment of large family haulers. Its target buyer wants practical versatility, a recognizable nameplate, and the expectation of solid safety credentials.
The Grand Highlander enters our 2024-2025 coverage window with a credible but not flawless safety record. Its best NHTSA Safety Index reaches 88 out of 100 in the 2025 model year, a score we classify as Strong, though the 2024 model falls into the Average band, meaning shoppers should not assume both years perform equally. Crash-test results tell a similar mixed story: a perfect 5 out of 5 stars in the side-impact test is genuinely reassuring for a vehicle carrying up to eight occupants, but the 4-star frontal and 4-star rollover ratings leave room for improvement, particularly the rollover figure, which matters for any tall SUV. Seven recalls across just two model years is a number worth watching. That pace is not alarming for a freshly launched nameplate working through early production issues, but prospective buyers should verify that all open recalls have been addressed on any specific vehicle before purchase. Owner complaints total 246, with reported allegations including 6 crashes, 1 fire, 3 injuries, and 1 death. These are unverified allegations, as NHTSA requires us to note, but the complaint volume for such a new model deserves attention. The Grand Highlander is a capable family SUV with genuine safety strengths, but the year-to-year variation in its safety index means the 2025 model is the stronger choice on safety grounds alone.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally praise the Grand Highlander for its spacious three-row interior, comfortable ride, and well-rounded family-hauler capability. Most consider it a meaningful step up from the standard Highlander in practicality. Some reviewers note that the segment is competitive and flag that the driving experience, while composed, does not stand out dynamically among its rivals.
- The 2025 model year earns a Strong NHTSA Safety Index of 88 out of 100, while the 2024 model year falls in the Average band. If safety ratings are a priority, the 2025 model is the clearer choice.
- Side-impact protection is a genuine highlight at 5 out of 5 stars, but the 4-star frontal and 4-star rollover ratings mean this large SUV has not swept the crash-test charts, and the rollover result warrants awareness given the vehicle's height.
- Seven recalls across the 2024-2025 model years reflect the realities of a newly launched nameplate. Shoppers should run any candidate VIN through NHTSA's recall database and confirm that all outstanding recalls have been remedied before buying.
- Owner complaints number 246 across two model years, with allegations that include crashes, a fire, injuries, and one death. These are unverified allegations as reported to NHTSA, but the volume and severity of the reported incidents make it worth reviewing the complaint database for the specific model year and powertrain you are considering.
Most-recalled year on record: 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander with 4 recalls.