MODEL
Toyota Grand Highlander Safety
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 88 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2024 at 76. 10 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.
For a family SUV designed to carry up to eight occupants, the 2024-2025 Grand Highlander presents a mixed safety profile. A genuinely reassuring 5 out of 5 stars in the side-impact crash test stands out, providing confidence in a critical area. However, the vehicle's 4-star frontal and 4-star rollover ratings indicate areas for improvement, especially the rollover score, which carries particular weight for any tall SUV. The NHTSA Safety Index for the Grand Highlander also shows notable year-to-year variation. The 2025 model year achieves a Strong classification with 88 out of 100 points, a credible result. In contrast, the 2024 model year falls into the Average band, demonstrating that not all model years perform equally in our computed safety metrics. Seven recalls across just two model years is a metric that warrants careful observation. While this pace may reflect early production adjustments for a new nameplate, prospective owners should confirm that all open recalls have been rectified on any individual vehicle prior to purchase. The 246 owner complaints, including 6 alleged crashes, 1 fire, 3 injuries, and 1 death, are unverified by NHTSA, but their volume for a newly introduced model demands attention. On safety grounds alone, the 2025 model year presents as the stronger choice.
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.