When it comes to choosing a family-friendly SUV, few names carry the weight of trust and reliability that Toyota does. In 2023, Toyota continues to lead the pack with a range of SUVs that combine performance, comfort, and above all, safety. If you’re in the market for a Toyota SUV and safety is your top priority, this detailed guide will walk you through the safest Toyota SUV options for 2023, including their safety ratings, advanced driver assistance systems, crash test performance, and comparisons between top models.
The Importance of Safety in SUVs
Before diving into specific models, it’s important to understand why safety is so crucial when it comes to SUVs, especially for families or frequent road trippers. SUVs are often chosen for their spacious interiors, off-road capabilities, and towing strength, but these vehicles must also feature robust safety systems to protect occupants from potential accidents.
In recent years, consumer expectations have increased dramatically. Today, safety doesn’t just mean a strong chassis and airbags. It also includes advanced technologies like automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, lane departure alerts, and more. Toyota has embraced these evolving requirements and has integrated sophisticated safety systems across its SUV lineup.
Toyota Safety Sense™: The Foundation of Toyota’s Safety Technology
Toyota’s commitment to safety is best exemplified by its proprietary suite of safety technologies known as Toyota Safety Sense™ (TSS). This advanced package includes a variety of driver-assistive technologies that are standard across most of Toyota’s newer models.
What’s Included in Toyota Safety Sense 3.0?
Toyota introduced an updated version of its safety suite in 2023—Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (TSS 3.0)—offering even more advanced features aimed at preventing accidents and improving driver confidence. Here’s a breakdown of the key technologies:
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection: Detects vehicles and pedestrians during the day and at night, and includes bicyclist detection in some models.
- Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC): Maintains a set speed and distance from the vehicle ahead, using adaptive radar cruise control.
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist: Provides optical and audible alerts when the vehicle begins to drift lanes and gently guides it back with steering support.
- Road Sign Assist: Recognizes traffic signs such as speed limits and stop signs, and displays them on the dashboard or head-up display.
- Automatic High Beams: Adjusts headlamp brightness automatically based on surrounding traffic conditions.
- Proactive Driving Assist: Helps avoid collisions by detecting vehicles and pedestrians ahead, even at intersections and in urban settings.
- Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Assist: Alerts drivers to vehicles in adjacent lanes when changing lanes and detects cross traffic when reversing from a parking spot.
Toyota Safety Sense is standard on nearly all 2023 model-year vehicles, but features may vary slightly depending on the trim and model. This updated system significantly enhances the safety profile of all Toyota SUVs, making them strong contenders in the safety arena.
Comparing the Safest Toyota SUVs in 2023
Now that we’ve laid the technological groundwork, let’s look at the top Toyota SUVs in 2023 and compare them from a safety standpoint. The safest Toyota SUVs are not only those that perform well in crash tests, but also those that come standard with advanced safety features.
1. 2023 Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 is one of the best-selling compact SUVs in the U.S. and is consistently praised for its fuel efficiency, practicality, and safety features.
Safety Ratings
The RAV4 earned top ratings from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS):
- NHTSA: 5-Star Overall Safety Rating
- IIHS: Top Safety Pick+ (TSP+), with top scores in all crashworthiness tests and superior crash avoidance performance.
Safety Features
All RAV4 trims come with TSS 3.0, which includes the technologies listed above. Additional features on premium trims include:
- Rear Seat Reminder: Alerts drivers if the rear doors were opened before driving, to ensure children or pets aren’t left behind.
- Enhanced SmartStop Technology: Automatically reduces engine power if unintended acceleration is detected with brake application.
- Eight Airbags in most trims, including front, side, curtain, and knee airbags.
2. 2023 Toyota Highlander
Ideal for larger families, the Toyota Highlander is a midsize SUV that combines seating for up to eight, refined styling, and comprehensive safety.
Safety Ratings
The Highlanders for 2023 also received stellar safety ratings:
- NHTSA: 5-Star Overall Safety Rating
- IIHS: Top Safety Pick (TSP), with good scores in most crash tests and top ratings for headlights and front crash prevention.
Safety Features
The Highlander comes equipped with TSS 3.0 and offers additional features:
- Rear Cross-Traffic Braking (RCTB): Automatically brakes the vehicle to avoid collisions when reversing from a parked position.
- Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) with Turn Signal Indicator: Alerts the driver when it’s unsafe to change lanes due to vehicles in the blind spot.
- Smart Key System: Enables push-button start and keyless entry, enhancing convenience and reducing the risk of theft or misplacing keys.
- Up to Nine Airbags, including front driver and passenger knee airbags, a first for midsize SUVs and improving lower body protection.
3. 2023 Toyota 4Runner
For those who regularly drive off-road or prefer rugged SUVs, the 2023 Toyota 4Runner remains a popular choice. While it’s built on an older platform, the 4Runner’s inherent off-road safety features and Toyota-approved durability make it a standout in reliability and rugged safety.
Safety Ratings
- NHTSA: 5-Star Overall Safety Rating
- IIHS: Notably, due to crash test updates after 2020, the 4Runner has not been re-evaluated, but its older IIHS scores were strong for side impact and rollover resistance.
Safety Features
While the 4Runner doesn’t include all of the TSS 3.0 suite, it does feature:
- Standard Toyota Safety Sense-P (TSS-P): Includes enhanced versions of pre-collision system, lane departure alert, automatic high beams, and dynamic radar cruise control.
- Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control: Helps drivers navigate difficult off-road conditions with greater control, reducing the risk of rollover or skid-related incidents.
- Kidney Airbags (front), hill start assist, and downhill assist control as standard.
4. 2023 Toyota Sequoia
Toyota’s full-size SUV, the Sequoia, is designed for large families and heavy-duty tasks. The 2023 model is all-new, built on a robust body-on-frame platform and packed with safety technology.
Safety Ratings
While the new Sequoia had not yet been rated at the time of this publication, early test results and comparisons to similarly-sized SUVs indicate it should perform strongly in crash testing.
Safety Features
- TSS 3.0 Package: Standard across all trims, offering enhanced pre-collision detection and enhanced traffic awareness.
- Rear Seat Belt Reminder: Unique for its segment, this feature reminds passengers to fasten rear seat belts, increasing occupant safety.
- Electronic Trailer Brake Controller: Helps prevent trailer jackknifing when towing, critical for safety when hauling heavy loads.
- 10 Airbags: Including a driver knee airbag, frontal and side airbags rear, and rollover airbags, ensuring comprehensive protection.
Which Toyota SUV Stands Out as the Safest in 2023?
Among the 2023 Toyota SUV lineup, the most consistently top-rated in both IIHS and NHTSA tests—and equipped with the latest in advanced driver assistance—is the Rav4. However, the decision depends largely on your lifestyle and what you need from an SUV.
Toyota SUV Comparison Table – Safety Features
| Model | NHTSA Rating | IIHS Rating | Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 | Additional Safety Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RAV4 | 5-Star | Top Safety Pick+ | Yes | Rear Seat Reminder, Enhanced SmartStop, Smart Key |
| Highlander | 5-Star | Top Safety Pick | Yes | Rear Cross-Traffic Braking, Nine Airbags, Smart Key |
| 4Runner | 5-Star | Previous Top Safety Pick (2020 test only) | Yes (TSS-P) | Multi-Terrain Select, Crawl Control, Hill Start Assist |
| Sequoia | 5-Star (Expected) | Ratings Pending | Yes | Rear Seat Belt Reminder, 10 Airbags, Smart Key |
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Safest SUV for Your Needs
Here are some crucial elements to consider when selecting the safest Toyota SUV for your lifestyle and driving habits:
1. Driver Assistance Systems
More than ever, driver assistance systems are crucial in preventing accidents. Look for full Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 system availability on a trim, particularly the pre-collision and lane centering features. These technologies automatically respond to potential threats and significantly reduce accident risk.
2. Crash Test Performance
NHTSA and IIHS provide comprehensive tests that simulate common crash scenarios—frontal, side, rollover, and roof crush. IIHS Top Safety Pick+ is a strong indicator of a vehicle’s overall safety performance, and most Toyota SUVs meet or exceed expectations.
3. Vehicle Size and Weight
Larger and heavier vehicles typically offer greater crash protection due to energy absorption during collisions. However, this must be balanced with fuel efficiency and practicality. For example, smaller SUVs like the RAV4 offer better maneuverability while sacrificing some of the mass of larger SUVs.
4. Seating for Children and Rear Occupants
If you’re transporting young passengers regularly, make sure the SUV includes proper LATCH systems, rear seat airbags, blind zone detection at the rear, and rear seatbelt reminders, especially in SUVs like the new 2023 Sequoia.
5. Reliability
Toyota is known for its durable, long-lasting vehicles. This ties directly into safety—maintaining performance and predictable behavior over time. A reliable SUV is more likely to function safely for more miles driven.
Final Thoughts: Which Toyota SUV Is the Safest in 2023?
When rounding up the 2023 Toyota SUVs, each model has its strengths depending on the buyer’s priorities, but based on a combination of safety scores, technological features, and overall value, the Toyota RAV4 emerges as the top recommendation for the safest Toyota SUV in 2023.
Its NHTSA 5-star rating, IIHS Top Safety Pick+, and comprehensive suite of Toyota Safety Sense features—including automatic emergency braking, lane-centering assistance, and pedestrian detection—make it a top pick for both city driving and highway travel.
However, there are great contenders like the Highlander and Sequoia for those needing space and seating for more passengers or regular towing ability. The 4Runner, while not the most tech-savvy, remains a rock-solid performer for rugged off-road users with fewer city commuters.
Choosing the Safest Toyota SUV for Your Needs
Whether you choose the all-around excellent RAV4, the midsize powerhouse Highlander, the rugged 4Runner, or the full-size Sequoia, Toyota remains a global leader in producing vehicles that blend safety, reliability, and performance. Investing in a 2023 Toyota SUV means investing in peace of mind—especially with their advanced safety technology and industry-leading reputation.
So, when looking at “what is the safest Toyota SUV in 2023?”, the answer isn’t just a model, but a statement: Toyota continues to build SUVs that not only protect you but actively prevent harm before it occurs.
Make sure to test drive and compare these models based on your family’s needs, driving habits, and expectations—including safety, technology, space, and budget. With so many powerful, safe SUVs from Toyota in 2023, the choice may be closer than you think.
What safety features make the 2023 Toyota SUVs stand out?
The 2023 Toyota SUV lineup is renowned for its comprehensive suite of safety features, highlighted by the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 3.0 system. This advanced package includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and advanced pre-collision technology that can mitigate collisions with both vehicles and pedestrians at intersections. Additionally, many models come equipped with lane-tracing assist, road sign assist, and emergency driving stop systems, which significantly enhance driver awareness and vehicle control.
Beyond the active safety technologies, Toyota SUVs in 2023 also offer superior structural integrity with high-strength steel frames and strategically engineered crumple zones. Many models incorporate Toyota’s Star Safety System, which includes features such as enhanced vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, and electronic brake-force distribution. The combination of proactive and reactive safety technologies ensures occupants remain protected in a wide range of real-world driving scenarios, making Toyota SUVs a trusted choice for safety-conscious consumers.
Which 2023 Toyota SUV has the highest safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS?
Among the 2023 Toyota SUVs, the Toyota Highlander stands out with some of the highest safety ratings from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Highlander earned a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and received Top Safety Pick+ honors from the IIHS. These accolades are attributed to its robust crash-test performance and its advanced driver-assist systems that meet the most current safety standards.
The Highlander’s superior safety scores are bolstered by its wide range of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking assist. The IIHS praised the vehicle for its good performance in most crash tests, including small and moderate overlap front, side, and roof strength tests. For consumers seeking a family-friendly SUV with the highest levels of safety validation, the Highlander represents an excellent option backed by industry-leading evaluations.
How does the Toyota RAV4 compare to other Toyota SUVs in terms of safety?
The Toyota RAV4, one of Toyota’s most popular SUVs in 2023, boasts strong safety credentials and has also received a 5-star NHTSA rating and IIHS Top Safety Pick recognition. It includes Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 as standard equipment, offering adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert, automatic high beams, and emergency driving stop. These systems work in tandem to provide both urban and highway driving assistance, helping drivers avoid potential collisions and minimize accident severity.
In comparison with other models like the Highlander and 4Runner, the RAV4 offers similar active safety technologies but remains more compact, which can influence crash dynamics. However, its smaller size hasn’t hindered its safety performance, thanks to its well-engineered chassis and high-strength body structure. The RAV4’s combination of affordability, safety, and popularity makes it a compelling choice for buyers seeking a compact SUV that doesn’t compromise on protection or technology.
Does the Toyota Land Cruiser have advanced safety features in 2023?
As a flagship off-road SUV, the 2023 Toyota Land Cruiser is equipped with advanced safety features to complement its rugged performance. Despite being oriented toward adventure and terrain capability, the Land Cruiser doesn’t lag in safety. It comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense Premium, which includes all the features found in TSS 3.0 along with additional enhancements like front and rear parking sensors and a full surround-view camera system to assist in challenging driving environments.
Further supporting its safety profile, the Land Cruiser includes a multi-terrain select system, downhill assist control, and crawl control, all of which enhance stability and driver control in harsh conditions. While the Land Cruiser may be more focused on off-road prowess, its comprehensive suite of modern driver-assist technologies ensures that both paved and unpaved journeys are handled with confidence and protection. It’s a well-rounded SUV for those who want safety on- and off-road.
What about the safety of the Toyota Sequoia in 2023?
The all-new 2023 Toyota Sequoia boasts a refreshed design and a host of safety features designed to protect its passengers in a variety of scenarios. It comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, which consists of pre-collision systems with pedestrian detection, lane-centering assistance, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. The Sequoia also offers parking assist and a bird’s-eye camera system that aids drivers in tight parking and maneuvering areas, particularly helpful for such a large vehicle.
Structurally, the Sequoia benefits from Toyota’s new TNGA-F platform, which enhances rigidity and crash energy absorption. In crash testing, it has shown strong performance, aided by its robust frame and numerous airbags that provide comprehensive coverage. Although larger SUVs often face more scrutiny due to size and weight, the Sequoia has been engineered to deliver both family-friendly utility and exceptional safety performance, appealing to large families and adventurous road-trippers.
How does Toyota’s blind spot monitoring affect SUV safety?
Toyota’s blind spot monitoring system plays a crucial role in the safety of its 2023 SUVs by enhancing a driver’s awareness of vehicles in adjacent lanes. This radar-based system alerts drivers when another vehicle is detected in their blind spot, both during driving and when attempting to change lanes. It’s particularly useful at highway speeds and in heavy traffic, where missing a vehicle in the blind spot can lead to dangerous lane-change accidents.
Integrated as part of Toyota Safety Sense, the blind spot monitoring system often works in conjunction with rear cross-traffic alert and lane change assist. These features are especially beneficial for SUVs, which tend to have larger blind zones due to their body size and shape. By providing timely visual and auditory warnings, Toyota’s system significantly reduces the risk of side collisions and enhances overall driver confidence, especially for families or frequent highway drivers.
Are older Toyota SUV models still considered safe compared to 2023 versions?
Many older Toyota SUV models remain reliable and safe, especially those equipped with earlier versions of Toyota Safety Sense. While the 2023 models offer the latest generation of safety features like improved object detection and automatic emergency braking, previously released SUVs still benefit from Toyota’s long-standing commitment to crash protection and driver assistance across their lineup.
However, the newer TSS 3.0 suite adds capabilities such as emergency driving stop and lane-tracing assist, which weren’t available in earlier years. This advancement gives 2023 models an edge in preventing accidents caused by distracted or impaired drivers. While well-maintained older models are still very safe, for those seeking the highest level of safety and technology, the 2023 models provide a superior combination of innovation, protection, and reliability tailored to modern driving conditions.