NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2026 Toyota Highlander Safety Ratings
The 2026 Toyota Highlander 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 achieves an Exceptional rating in our Safety Index, scoring 91 out of 100. This model year presents a compelling safety profile, notably bolstered by a clean recall record and a full score in avoidance technology assessments. Federal crash test results further underscore its strong performance, indicating a robust design for occupant protection.
The 2026 Toyota Highlander holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 91/100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars, sourced from federal 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 ranks 52 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 | 52 of 143 SUVs tested for 2026 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2026 Toyota Highlander?
The 2026 Toyota Highlander marks a meaningful step forward in MotorCaliber's Safety Index, climbing three points from the 2025 model's 88/100 Strong rating to 91/100 Exceptional. That movement is driven by a perfect defect record score of 20/20, reflecting zero recall campaigns on file, and a full avoidance-technology score of 10/10 for standard forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control. The crash protection component contributes 61 out of a possible 70 points, anchored by a 5-star overall NHTSA rating and a perfect 5-star side result. The 4-star frontal and 4-star rollover scores are the areas keeping crash protection short of a maximum contribution, but neither represents a concerning outlier in the full-size SUV segment. With only one reported complaint on file and no recall activity whatsoever, the defect and complaint picture for this model year is notably clean. The combination of a higher Index band, zero recalls, and verified avoidance technology across all three standard categories makes the 2026 model year distinctly stronger on the federal safety record than its immediate predecessor.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2026 Toyota Highlander perform in crash tests?
The 2026 Toyota Highlander earned an overall 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. Side protection is a standout, also rated 5 stars. Frontal protection and the vehicle's rollover rating each score 4 out of 5 stars. The rollover risk is measured at 16 percent, with the dynamic tip test returning a "No Tip" result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 21664
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 have any recalls?
The 2026 Toyota Highlander has zero recall campaigns on file with NHTSA. No components have been flagged, and no park-outside or do-not-drive advisory has been issued for this model year. Shoppers should still run a VIN check, as recall records can be updated at any time.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2026 Toyota Highlander?
NHTSA has received one unverified consumer complaint for the 2026 Toyota Highlander. That single alleged concern involves the Back Over Prevention system. No crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths are reported in connection with it. These are unverified 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?
The 2026 Toyota Highlander currently shows no recalls on file with NHTSA. Despite this clear record, prospective owners should always check the VIN against NHTSA's database before purchase. New recall campaigns can be issued for any model year at any time, and verifying that all remedies have been completed is a critical step to ensure safety.
- The 2026 model year improved the Safety Index by three points over the 2025 Highlander, moving from the Strong band to the Exceptional band, a shift driven largely by a perfect 20/20 defect record score.
- NHTSA has recorded zero recall campaigns for the 2026 Toyota Highlander, making this the first model year in recent history to enter the market with a completely clean federal recall file at launch.
- The single NHTSA complaint on record for this model year involves an unverified allegation about the Back Over Prevention system, with no associated crashes, injuries, or fatalities reported.
- All three crash-avoidance technologies tracked by NHTSA, including forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control, are standard equipment on the 2026 Highlander, earning a full 10/10 avoidance-tech contribution to the Safety Index.
RANKINGSWhere the 2026 Toyota Highlander places
The 2026 Toyota Highlander qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2026 Toyota Highlander safety questions
Was the 2026 Toyota Highlander crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2026 Toyota Highlander, 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 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2026 Toyota Highlander 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 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2026 Toyota Highlander 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?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 1 owner complaint is on file for the 2026 Toyota Highlander. 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.
Other Highlander years
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 21664), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Toyota Highlander 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 52 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.