Choosing the right SUV for your family involves many considerations, but safety is undoubtedly paramount. The Toyota Highlander and 4Runner are perennial favorites, both renowned for their reliability and capability. However, when it comes to safety, understanding their differences is crucial. This article delves into a detailed comparison of the Highlander and 4Runner’s safety features, crash test ratings, and overall safety performance to help you make an informed decision.
Understanding the Safety Landscape
Safety in modern vehicles is a multifaceted concept encompassing active safety features, passive safety systems, and the vehicle’s inherent structural integrity. Active safety features, like advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), help prevent accidents from happening in the first place. Passive safety features, such as airbags and robust construction, mitigate the severity of injuries in the event of a collision. Understanding how the Highlander and 4Runner stack up in each of these areas is key to assessing their overall safety.
The Role of Crash Test Ratings
Crash test ratings, primarily from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), provide standardized assessments of a vehicle’s ability to protect occupants in various crash scenarios. These tests simulate real-world collisions and evaluate factors like structural deformation, airbag deployment, and injury risk. It’s essential to review the latest crash test results for both models, keeping in mind that ratings can change with model year updates.
Highlander Safety Features and Performance
The Toyota Highlander is a mid-size SUV designed with family safety in mind. It consistently earns high safety ratings, largely due to its comprehensive suite of standard safety features and its strong structural design.
Standard Safety Technologies in the Highlander
The Highlander comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS), a suite of active safety features designed to prevent accidents. This typically includes:
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection: This system uses a camera and radar to detect vehicles or pedestrians in front of the vehicle and can automatically apply the brakes to mitigate or avoid a collision.
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist: This feature alerts the driver if the vehicle starts to drift out of its lane and can provide steering assistance to help keep the vehicle centered.
- Automatic High Beams: This system automatically switches between high and low beams based on the presence of other vehicles.
- Dynamic Radar Cruise Control: This adaptive cruise control system maintains a set following distance from the vehicle ahead, automatically adjusting the speed to maintain a safe gap.
- Road Sign Assist: This system uses a forward-facing camera to detect and display road signs on the instrument panel.
- Lane Tracing Assist: Works with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control to keep the vehicle centered in its lane by reading the lane markings and following the curves of the road.
Beyond Toyota Safety Sense, the Highlander boasts other standard safety features such as:
- Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: These systems help the driver monitor blind spots and detect vehicles approaching from the sides when backing up.
- Eight airbags, including driver and front passenger Advanced Airbag System, driver and front passenger seat-mounted side airbags, driver knee airbag, passenger seat cushion airbag, and front and second-row side curtain airbags.
- Star Safety System, which includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), and Smart Stop Technology (SST).
Highlander Crash Test Performance
The Highlander generally performs well in IIHS and NHTSA crash tests. Check the specific model year’s ratings for the most accurate information. IIHS ratings consider factors like small overlap front crashes, moderate overlap front crashes, side impact, roof strength, and head restraints and seats. NHTSA ratings include frontal crash, side crash, and rollover tests. The Highlander frequently earns top safety pick awards, indicating its strong overall safety performance.
4Runner Safety Features and Performance
The Toyota 4Runner, known for its off-road capability and rugged design, has a different approach to safety. While it incorporates essential safety features, its focus leans more towards durability and off-road prowess.
Standard Safety Technologies in the 4Runner
The 4Runner also comes with Toyota Safety Sense, but it’s important to note that the specific features and versions may vary depending on the model year. Generally, TSS in the 4Runner includes:
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection: Similar to the Highlander, this system helps prevent frontal collisions.
- Lane Departure Alert: Alerts the driver if the vehicle drifts out of its lane.
- Automatic High Beams: Automatically adjusts high beams based on surrounding traffic.
- Dynamic Radar Cruise Control: Maintains a set following distance from the vehicle ahead.
In addition to TSS, the 4Runner includes standard safety features like:
- Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: Helps the driver monitor blind spots and detect vehicles approaching from the sides when backing up.
- Eight airbags, including driver and front passenger Advanced Airbag System, driver and front passenger seat-mounted side airbags, driver knee airbag, passenger seat cushion airbag, and front and second-row side curtain airbags.
- Star Safety System: Includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), and Smart Stop Technology (SST).
4Runner Crash Test Performance
Historically, the 4Runner’s crash test performance has been less impressive than the Highlander’s. While it performs adequately in some tests, its performance in others, particularly the small overlap front crash test, has been a point of concern. This is partially attributed to its body-on-frame construction, which, while beneficial for off-road durability, can impact crash energy absorption. It is crucial to review the specific model year’s crash test ratings from both IIHS and NHTSA. The 4Runner’s rollover rating is typically lower than that of the Highlander, reflecting its higher center of gravity and off-road design.
Comparing Active Safety Features: Highlander vs. 4Runner
A crucial aspect of safety is the availability and sophistication of active safety features. The Highlander generally boasts a more advanced and comprehensive suite of these features compared to the 4Runner, especially when comparing newer models.
Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS)
The Highlander often includes more advanced versions of Toyota Safety Sense, with more refined systems and potentially additional features not found on all 4Runner trims. This can include enhanced pedestrian detection, more precise lane keeping assistance, and more sophisticated adaptive cruise control systems. For families prioritizing the latest in accident-prevention technology, the Highlander holds an edge.
Visibility and Driver Assistance
Both vehicles offer good visibility, but their designs influence the driver’s perspective. The Highlander, with its car-like unibody construction, tends to provide a more sedan-like driving experience with potentially better visibility due to a lower seating position (depending on trim). The 4Runner, with its truck-based body-on-frame design and higher ground clearance, offers a commanding view of the road, which some drivers may prefer.
Passive Safety: Crashworthiness and Structural Design
Passive safety measures are essential for protecting occupants in the event of a collision. The structural design and airbag systems play a vital role in absorbing impact energy and minimizing injuries.
Body Construction and Impact Absorption
The Highlander’s unibody construction is designed to crumple in a controlled manner during a crash, absorbing impact energy and protecting the passenger compartment. The 4Runner’s body-on-frame construction, while robust for off-road use, may not absorb impact energy as effectively in certain crash scenarios.
Airbag Systems and Occupant Protection
Both vehicles are equipped with multiple airbags, including front, side, and curtain airbags, to protect occupants in various types of collisions. However, the specific design and deployment characteristics of these airbags may differ between the two models.
Real-World Safety Considerations
Beyond crash test ratings and safety features, real-world driving conditions and usage patterns can influence safety.
Driving Conditions and Road Hazards
The 4Runner’s higher ground clearance and four-wheel-drive capability make it well-suited for navigating challenging terrain and inclement weather. Its robust construction can also provide an advantage in certain off-road situations. The Highlander, with its all-wheel-drive option and comfortable ride, is better suited for everyday driving on paved roads.
Vehicle Size and Maneuverability
The Highlander is slightly larger than the 4Runner, which can impact maneuverability in tight spaces. The 4Runner’s shorter wheelbase and body-on-frame construction can make it more agile in off-road environments.
Maintenance and Reliability
Both the Highlander and 4Runner have excellent reputations for reliability, which contributes to their long-term safety. Regular maintenance and timely repairs are crucial for ensuring that all safety systems function correctly. Proper tire maintenance, brake inspections, and fluid checks are essential for maintaining optimal safety performance.
The Verdict: Which is Safer?
Determining which SUV is “safer” depends on individual needs and priorities.
The Toyota Highlander generally offers a higher level of safety for everyday family use, thanks to its comprehensive suite of advanced safety features, excellent crash test ratings, and comfortable on-road driving experience.
The Toyota 4Runner, while capable and rugged, may not offer the same level of crash protection or advanced safety technology as the Highlander. However, its off-road capabilities and robust construction can provide advantages in certain situations.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific driving needs, priorities, and budget. Always review the latest crash test ratings and safety features for the specific model year you are considering, and test drive both vehicles to assess their handling and visibility. Consider the types of roads you typically drive on, the weather conditions you encounter, and the importance you place on advanced safety technologies. By carefully weighing these factors, you can make an informed decision and choose the Toyota SUV that best meets your safety needs.
Which Toyota SUV, the Highlander or 4Runner, generally performs better in crash tests?
The Toyota Highlander generally performs better in crash tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This is largely due to its unibody construction, which is designed to crumple in a controlled manner to absorb impact energy and protect occupants. The Highlander consistently earns top safety ratings from both organizations, reflecting its robust performance in various crash scenarios.
The Toyota 4Runner, with its body-on-frame construction, typically receives lower, though still respectable, safety scores compared to the Highlander. While its rugged build provides off-road capability, it doesn’t offer the same level of controlled crumple zones in a crash. Consequently, the 4Runner’s crash test performance tends to be less consistent than the Highlander’s, potentially impacting occupant safety in certain collision types.
Do the Highlander and 4Runner come standard with the same advanced safety features?
No, the Toyota Highlander generally comes standard with a more comprehensive suite of advanced safety features compared to the 4Runner. The Highlander often includes Toyota Safety Sense (TSS), which encompasses features like pre-collision systems with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, automatic high beams, and dynamic radar cruise control as standard equipment. These features are designed to prevent accidents and mitigate their severity.
The Toyota 4Runner typically has a slightly less extensive list of standard advanced safety features. While some newer 4Runner models may include Toyota Safety Sense, certain features or more advanced versions of TSS might be optional or unavailable. This difference in standard safety equipment makes the Highlander a potentially safer choice for drivers prioritizing advanced accident prevention technologies.
How does the Highlander’s unibody construction compare to the 4Runner’s body-on-frame design in terms of safety?
The Highlander’s unibody construction generally provides better safety in on-road collisions. In a unibody design, the frame and body are integrated into a single structure, allowing for more controlled crumple zones to absorb impact energy. This design helps to distribute the force of a crash throughout the vehicle, reducing the impact on occupants.
The 4Runner’s body-on-frame construction, while excellent for off-road durability and towing, isn’t as effective at absorbing impact energy in a collision. In this design, the body sits on top of a separate frame. While the frame provides strength, it doesn’t crumple as effectively, potentially transferring more force to the occupants during a crash, particularly in on-road scenarios.
What are the differences in blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert availability between the two SUVs?
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) are often available on both the Highlander and the 4Runner, but the availability might vary depending on the trim level and model year. The Highlander tends to offer these features more readily across its trim lineup, sometimes even including them as standard equipment on higher trims, making them more accessible.
For the 4Runner, BSM and RCTA are usually available, but they might be restricted to higher trim levels or offered as part of optional packages. This means that buyers looking for these specific safety features on the 4Runner might need to choose a more expensive trim or add-on package, potentially impacting the overall cost of the vehicle.
Which SUV is better suited for families prioritizing passenger safety?
For families prioritizing passenger safety, the Toyota Highlander generally presents a stronger case. Its superior crash test ratings from IIHS and NHTSA, coupled with a more comprehensive suite of standard advanced safety features like Toyota Safety Sense, contribute to a safer environment for all occupants, including children. The unibody construction also plays a role in mitigating impact forces during collisions.
While the Toyota 4Runner is a capable and reliable SUV, its body-on-frame design and potentially fewer standard advanced safety features might make it a less optimal choice for families who prioritize the highest levels of passenger safety. Although the 4Runner offers excellent off-road capabilities and durability, its safety performance doesn’t quite match the Highlander’s in most standardized testing scenarios.
How do the rollover ratings compare between the Highlander and the 4Runner?
The Toyota Highlander typically earns better rollover ratings compared to the 4Runner. This is largely due to its lower center of gravity and wider stance, which contribute to enhanced stability and reduced risk of rollover in accident situations. The unibody construction also helps maintain structural integrity during maneuvers that could lead to a rollover.
The Toyota 4Runner, with its body-on-frame design and higher center of gravity, is more susceptible to rollover in certain situations. While it is still a safe vehicle, its rollover ratings are generally lower than the Highlander’s. This difference is an important consideration for drivers who frequently encounter uneven terrain or situations that might increase the risk of rollover accidents.
Are there differences in headlight performance ratings between the Highlander and 4Runner models?
Yes, there can be noticeable differences in headlight performance ratings between the Toyota Highlander and the Toyota 4Runner models, as evaluated by the IIHS. The Highlander often receives higher ratings, especially on trims equipped with upgraded headlight systems, which provide better visibility and illumination during nighttime driving. These systems are often designed to minimize glare for oncoming drivers while maximizing visibility for the driver.
The 4Runner’s headlight performance can vary depending on the trim level and model year, with some models receiving lower ratings due to inadequate illumination or excessive glare. While newer models may feature improved headlight technology, it’s important to check the specific IIHS ratings for the year and trim you’re considering, as the headlight performance can significantly impact nighttime driving safety.