MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index

MODEL

Toyota Land Cruiser Safety

NHTSA safety across every Toyota Land Cruiser model year we cover.

Across the 6 model years of the Toyota Land Cruiser we cover (2019 to 2026), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2026 at 87 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2025 at 86. 4 recalls have been issued across those years.

THE MOTORCALIBER REVIEW
MotorCaliber editorial ◆ Reviewed against NHTSA data ◆ 2026-10-01

The Toyota Land Cruiser is a full-size, body-on-frame SUV with a lineage stretching back decades and a reputation built on serious off-road capability. Positioned at the premium end of the truck-based SUV segment, it targets buyers who want genuine expedition-grade utility alongside everyday comfort. The 2019-to-2025 generation competes in a rarefied space occupied by the Ford Expedition and Land Rover Defender.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser’s rollover rating of 3 out of 5 stars is a critical data point for consumers. While not uncommon for a tall, body-on-frame SUV, this figure warrants consideration, particularly for a vehicle that may encounter uneven terrain or emergency maneuvers. This is the key caveat in an otherwise strong safety profile. The model achieves a Best NHTSA Safety Index of 86 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. Side-impact protection is excellent, earning a full 5 out of 5 stars, a result consistent with the vehicle’s substantial structure. The frontal crash rating is a solid 4 out of 5 stars. NHTSA records show 4 recalls across the 2019-to-2025 coverage window, a low count for a six-year span. Owner complaints total 62, with 1 reported crash and 1 reported injury among these unverified allegations. These figures are modest for the segment. The Land Cruiser posts a strong overall safety score, with excellent side protection and a manageable recall record. However, its rollover vulnerability is the primary safety factor for potential buyers to weigh, especially those intending off-pavement use.

WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally praise the Land Cruiser for its commanding road presence, robust off-road credentials, and premium interior refinement. They tend to note that the driving experience prioritizes capability and comfort over outright agility, and that the vehicle's size and price place it in a niche that rewards buyers with specific adventure-oriented needs rather than those seeking a mainstream family hauler.

WHAT TO KNOW
  • The 3-out-of-5-star rollover rating is the weakest point in the crash-test profile and reflects the inherent physics of a tall, body-on-frame SUV. Buyers should factor this in, especially if the vehicle will be used on uneven or loose surfaces where stability demands are higher.
  • The 2025 model year achieves the best NHTSA Safety Index in the covered range at 86 out of 100, rated Strong, suggesting Toyota made meaningful safety improvements over the generation. Shoppers who prioritize the best available safety package should target the most recent model year.
  • Only 4 recalls were issued across the 2019-to-2025 model years, which is a relatively contained recall record for a six-year window on a premium, technology-laden vehicle. Owners should always verify their specific VIN against the NHTSA recall database to confirm any open campaigns have been addressed.
  • The 62 owner complaints on record, which include 1 reported crash and 1 reported injury, are unverified allegations but represent a low complaint volume relative to the segment. Prospective buyers should review the specific complaint categories on NHTSA's website to identify any recurring issues that match their intended use patterns.

Safety Index by year

Most-recalled year on record: 2019 Toyota Land Cruiser with 3 recalls.

BY YEARLand Cruiser by model year

Other Toyota models