MODEL
Toyota Highlander Safety
NHTSA safety across every Toyota Highlander model year we cover.
Across the 8 model years of the Toyota Highlander we cover (2019 to 2026), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2026 at 91 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2023 at 76. 36 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Toyota Highlander is a three-row midsize SUV that has been a cornerstone of the family hauler segment for over two decades. Aimed squarely at households that need real passenger capacity without the bulk of a full-size truck-based SUV, the Highlander competes in one of the most contested and safety-scrutinized segments on the market. Our coverage spans the 2019 through 2025 model years.
The 2025 Toyota Highlander earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 88 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. Its crash-test results present a mixed picture. A perfect 5 out of 5 stars in side impact testing points to robust structural engineering. However, frontal impact testing returned a 4 out of 5 star rating, and its rollover rating also stands at 4 out of 5 stars. This rollover score is consistent with the physical realities faced by all tall SUVs. A total of 35 recalls have been issued for the Highlander across model years 2019 to 2025. This number is on the higher side for its segment. Prospective owners should verify that all open recalls on any specific vehicle have been completed by a dealer. Owner complaints total 1,647. These filings include 77 alleged crash involvements, 73 reported injuries, and 1 reported death. These are unverified allegations, but their volume indicates areas for scrutiny. The Highlander demonstrates genuine safety strengths as a family SUV. Its recall history, however, necessitates thorough due diligence from any shopper.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally regard the Toyota Highlander as a polished, family-friendly midsize SUV that prioritizes comfort and practicality. Most praise its composed ride, intuitive cabin layout, and strong reputation for mainstream appeal. Critics occasionally note that performance and driving engagement fall behind some rivals, but the overall consensus positions it as a sensible, well-rounded choice in the competitive three-row segment.
- The 2025 Highlander earns the strongest Safety Index in our covered range at 88 out of 100, so if safety is the top priority, newer model years offer the most favorable overall profile.
- With 35 recalls across the 2019 to 2025 model years, recall activity is elevated for this segment. Always verify that all open recalls have been completed before buying new or used, using the free VIN lookup tool at NHTSA.gov.
- The side-impact crash rating of 5 out of 5 stars is a genuine strength, but the 4 out of 5 rollover rating is a reminder that the Highlander's taller SUV stance carries inherent stability tradeoffs common across the segment.
- Owner complaints across covered years total 1,647, including 77 alleged crash involvements and 73 reported injuries. These are unverified allegations filed with NHTSA, but the volume is worth reviewing in detail on NHTSA's complaint database before making a purchase decision.
Most-recalled year on record: 2023 Toyota Highlander with 9 recalls.