NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Safety Ratings
The 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid scores 91 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 1 owner complaint on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid achieved a five-star overall crash rating from NHTSA, contributing to its NHTSA Safety Index of 91/100, which places it in the Exceptional band. The vehicle's avoidance technology received a perfect score. No recalls are currently on file for this model year.
The 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid SUV HEV AWD received an overall five-star crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 91 out of 100, based on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 143 SUVs from 2026 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid ranks 53 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 | 91 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 16.4% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 1 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 53 of 143 SUVs tested for 2026 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid?
The 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid stands out within the MotorCaliber dataset for one straightforward reason: it scores 91 out of 100 in the Exceptional band while carrying zero recalls and a near-clean complaint file. Because no prior-year Safety Index is on file for comparison, the 91 score must be read on its own terms, and those terms are compelling. The Index breakdown shows where the strength comes from: crash protection contributes 61 of a possible 70 points, avoidance technology earns the full 10 of 10, and the defect record earns the full 20 of 20. That perfect defect-record component reflects the absence of any recall campaign at this stage of the model year. The NHTSA crash-test picture is similarly positive, with a five-star overall result anchored by a five-star side-impact score. The four-star frontal and four-star rollover scores are the only figures below the ceiling, and a 16 percent rollover risk with a No Tip dynamic result is a solid outcome in the SUV segment. The single complaint on file, an unverified allegation about the Back Over Prevention system, does not meaningfully alter the safety picture at this sample size.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid perform in crash tests?
The 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid SUV HEV AWD achieved an overall safety rating of five out of five stars from NHTSA. Its side-impact protection stands out, earning a full five-star rating. Frontal crash protection and rollover resistance were each rated at four out of five stars. The vehicle's rollover risk is assessed at 16 percent, confirmed by a "No Tip" result in the dynamic tip test.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 21665
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid have any recalls?
No recall campaigns are on file for the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. There are zero recall actions recorded with NHTSA for this model year, meaning no park-outside or do-not-drive advisories have been issued. Shoppers should still run a VIN check before purchase, as campaigns can be added at any time.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid?
NHTSA has received one owner complaint for the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. That single unverified allegation involves the Back Over Prevention system. No crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths are alleged in that report. These are unverified consumer allegations, not established facts.
1 owner complaint on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid?
A clean recall record as a new model year can be misleading; purchasers must verify the VIN through NHTSA's recall database, as campaigns can be initiated after a vehicle's market release.
- The 2026 model year carries zero NHTSA recall campaigns on file, earning the full 20 out of 20 points in the defect-record component of the Safety Index.
- NHTSA's crash tests gave this specific configuration a five-star overall rating, with the side-impact test reaching five stars and both the frontal and rollover tests scoring four stars.
- The avoidance-technology component scores a perfect 10 out of 10, reflecting forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all listed as standard equipment.
- Only one unverified owner complaint has been reported to NHTSA for this model year, alleging an issue with the Back Over Prevention system, with no crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths alleged.
RANKINGSWhere the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid places
The 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid safety questions
Was the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 91 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2026 Toyota 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 16.4%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid as of Oct 1, 2026. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the Safety Index. Run your VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm the status is current.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 1 owner complaint is on file for the 2026 Toyota 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 21665), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Toyota 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 53 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.