When it comes to choosing a family-friendly or adventure-ready SUV, two models often rise to the top of the list: the Toyota 4Runner and the Toyota Highlander. Both vehicles are produced by one of the top-rated automakers for reliability, but which one provides superior safety? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll dive deep into the safety features, crash test ratings, and real-world performance of both the Toyota 4Runner and Toyota Highlander to help you determine which model offers better protection for you and your loved ones.
Understanding Safety Categories in SUVs
Before jumping into a head-to-head analysis, it’s essential to understand how car safety is assessed. Safety ratings can stem from multiple sources, including:
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) – provides crash test ratings and overall safety scores
- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) – conducts rigorous crash tests and evaluates crash avoidance features
- Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) – includes technology like automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control
The safest modern SUVs combine good crash test results with advanced active safety systems. That’s exactly what we’ll examine in the 4Runner and Highlanders’ latest iterations.
NHTSA and IIHS Ratings: Side-by-Side Safety Analysis
The NHTSA and IIHS ratings provide an objective baseline for comparing vehicle safety. Let’s see how the 4Runner and Highlander fare based on the most recent data.
4Runner Safety Ratings (2023 Model Year)
For the 2023 model year, the Toyota 4Runner received:
- Overall NHTSA Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
- Frontal Crash: 5 stars
- SIDE Crash: 5 stars
- Rollover Resistance: 4 stars
Interestingly, the IIHS coverage for the 4Runner isn’t as robust due to its infrequent redesigns. As of early 2025, only limited testing data is available:
- Small Overlap Front Test: Poor
- Structure and Safety Margins: Not Good
Highlander Safety Ratings (2023 Model Year)
Toyota’s Highlander, on the other hand, shows stronger performance across the board:
- Overall NHTSA Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
- Frontal Crash: 5 stars
- SIDE Crash: 5 stars
- Rollover Resistance: 5 stars
The IIHS testing from early 2025 also proves impressive:
- Small Overlap Front: Good
- Side: Good
- Headlights: Good
- Child Seat Anchors: Adequate
Furthermore, the Highlander received the coveted IIHS Top Safety Pick+ status, which the 4Runner failed to attain.
Toyota Safety Sense: Comparing ADAS Availability
Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) is Toyota’s suite of advanced driver-assist technologies. While both the 4Runner and Highlander come with TSS, the level and availability of these systems vary.
4Runner Safety Tech (2023 Model)
The base 4Runner offers TSS 1.5, which includes:
- Lane Departure Alert (LDA)
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
- Automatic High Beam Headlights
- Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC)
However, when compared to TSS 3.0 in more modern vehicles, certain features are not available, such as:
- Emergency Steering Assist
- Intersection Turn Assist
The 4Runner lacks the more advanced and recently introduced TSS 3.0 that Toyota offers on many of its newer models.
Highlander Safety Tech (2023 Model)
The Highlander, being a newer and digitally updated platform, comes equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 as standard on most trims. That’s a major advantage and significantly boosts driver confidence and overall safety.
TSS 3.0 includes:
- Lane Tracing Assist (more refined lane keeping)
- Pre-Collision with Vehicle, Pedestrian, and Cyclist detection
- Automatic Emergency Steering
- Intersection Support
Moreover, optional features like a 360-degree camera system, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and front and rear parking sensors are available on higher trims and often included as part of smart packages.
Crucial Note:
The evolution of ADAS dramatically influences how safe a vehicle can be in complex situations — and here, the Highlander dramatically outpaces the 4Runner.
Variation by Trim Levels
The trim level plays a massive role in determining how many safety features are available or standard. Understanding which trims come with the best safety packages is crucial.
4Runner Trim-Based Safety Summary
- SR5 and TRD Pro: These are the most commonly driven trims, and while they include TSS 1.5, they lack more advanced systems.
- TRD Off-Road: Basic safety suite without additional tech beyond TSS 1.5.
- Higher Trims? No additional tech offerings. The 4Runner prioritizes off-road capability over advanced safety and creature comforts.
Highlander Trim Safety Analysis
The Highlander comes in a variety of trims with a much more varied inclusion of advanced safety features:
| Trim | TSS Version | Blind Spot Monitor | Standard 360 Camera |
|---|---|---|---|
| L | TSS 3.0 | No | No |
| LE | TSS 3.0 | Yes | No |
| XLE | TSS 3.0 | Yes | Yes |
| Platinum | TSS 3.0 | Yes | Yes |
Choosing the right trim in the Highlander can dramatically change the “in-vehicle” and “out-of-vehicle” awareness capabilities.
Real-World Safety and User Reviews
Safety is not just confined to official ratings and data—it also depends on real-world usage. Consumer reports, user forums, and insurance company data provide invaluable insights.
4Runner Owner Feedback
- Owners praise the **durability and ruggedness**, especially as a vehicle that holds up well off-road or in rural environments.
- Many admit that the outdated design and limited tech can be a downside for newer drivers or those used to ADAS features in SUVs of the last decade.
- Some criticisms center around blind spots in higher trims and **lack of rear visibility systems** on base models.
Highlander Owner Feedback
- Owners consistently praise the Highlander’s **easy-driving interface and comprehensive safety features.**
- Many point to the **Peace of Mind** that ADAS provides on busy highways and around city traffic, especially for new and elderly drivers.
- A few concerns exist regarding initial seating height and ingress/egress for elderly drivers, but that’s more about vehicle design than a safety flaw.
Vehicle Weight, Structure, and Crash Dynamics
The size and build of a vehicle make a significant difference in how it handles high-speed incidents or rollovers. Let’s look at both structural and physical aspects.
4Runner Dimensions and Build
The 4Runner is built with body-on-frame construction, which is typically more durable in off-road accidents but not necessarily more crash-resistant.
- Weight Range: 4,400 – 4,800 lbs
- Wheelbase: Less than 110 inches
- Rollover Potential: Moderate due to center of gravity
Some safety concerns stem from the IIHS’s poor rating for small-overlap front crash performance, indicating that the 4Runner might not perform consistently in offset collisions common in real-world accidents.
Highlander Dimensions and Build
The Highlander is a unibody SUV, which typically handles impacts with more balanced weight distribution and controlled crumple zones.
- Weight Range: 4,300 – 4,800 lbs
- Wheelbase: ~113 inches
- Rollover Potential: Very Low (5-star NHTSA rating)
Thanks to advanced crash engineering, the Highlander is more equipped to absorb front and side impact energy safely.
Off-Road Safety: A Unique Consideration
If you’re considering either SUV for off-road use, safety takes on a different dimension.
4Runner’s Off-Road Preparedness
The 4Runner is built with a high towing capacity and off-road suspension systems—great for trails. Because of this, it excels in handling uneven terrain, but advanced road safety features aren’t optimized for this environment.
- Off-road safety equipment: Hill Start Assist, Downhill Assist, Crawl Control
- Roll cages available with certain packages
- Caveat: Rollover risks increase with higher ground clearance and rugged terrain
Highlander Off-Road Optionality
The Highlander has an available AWD system, but there’s no trim specifically designed for off-road terrain. It’s better optimized for urban and highway driving.
- Driving modes may include trail/snow/wet but lack aggressive terrain options
- No built-in hill descent or crawl control
- Low ride height limits practicality for severe off-road conditions
That said, the 4Runner’s off-road capabilities don’t inherently make it safer than the Highlander in an urban or highway environment; the reverse is generally true.
Which SUV Offers Better Family Safety?
If you’re choosing one of these vehicles for daily use, family trips, or school runs, safety extends beyond crash avoidance.
Interior Safety and Design
The Highlander wins due to:
- More accessible LATCH car seats and systems
- More comfortable seating layout with wider rows
- Better ergonomics and dashboard accessibility
- Quieter cabin contributing to driver focus
4Runner Family Use: Pros and Cons
While the 4Runner is not a dedicated family vehicle, many still use it for family duties. It’s more rugged and functional but can pose challenges:
- Small third-row seating fits only small children
- Limited cargo space with third-row in use
- Less intuitive tech and safety interface for parents and kids
In terms of practical family safety, especially in emergencies or daily driving environments, the Highlander is clearly superior.
Which SUV is Better for Long-Term Safety?
Long-term safety extends beyond just surviving accidents — it includes reliability, maintenance costs, and how well safety systems are maintained.
Reliability and Longevity
- The 4Runner is known for longevity, especially in mechanical systems like engines and drivetrain.
- The Highlander benefits from more modern systems and better diagnostics software.
- However, ADAS systems in newer cars like the Highlander require occasional sensor recalibration or software updates, which may add long-term costs.
But in general, the newer systems in the Highlander are meant to maintain relevance in evolving safety standards, which older SUVs like the 4Runner struggle to meet.
Evolving Technologies and Future Adaptation
With automotive regulations demanding higher safety standards every year, the Highlander’s current systems are more likely to remain compliant and provide meaningful protection for the duration of ownership.
In contrast, older SUVs like the 4Runner may be safe now, but with limited ADAS updates over time, they may quickly fall behind.
Conclusion: So, Which SUV Is Safer — 4Runner or Highlander?
After carefully comparing official crash test ratings, available ADAS systems, body structure, real-world driver feedback, and family-oriented safety, the answer becomes clear:
The Toyota Highlander is significantly safer than the Toyota 4Runner.
While the 4Runner remains a rugged, reliable SUV with some safety systems in place, the Toyota Highlander offers a more comprehensive, modern, and highly rated safety experience. The IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, 5-star NHTSA rating, and the inclusion of the latest Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 systems make the Highlander our top recommendation for drivers prioritizing safety over all other traits.
However, if your primary use case is heavy off-road driving or towing in rugged conditions—not daily commuting or family safety—the 4Runner might still be a better fit, albeit with some safety trade-offs.
Ultimately, your choice should reflect both your driving needs and the level of protection you expect for you and your passengers.
Final Thoughts
When comparing two SUVs from the same brand, it’s vital to dig beyond surface-level data and design elements. While the 4Runner and Highlander are both excellent examples of Toyota engineering, only one offers the modern safety technology that stands up to today’s crash standards and driver expectations.
For the majority of consumers—especially families, new drivers, or those concerned with urban and highway safety—the Toyota Highlander is the clear winner in terms of safety. It proves that modernizing a vehicle’s design doesn’t just bring better tech and comfort; it brings crucial, life-saving advancements that should not be ignored.
What safety features are standard in the Toyota 4Runner and Highlander?
The Toyota 4Runner comes well-equipped with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS), which includes features such as pre-collision warning with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert, automatic high beams, and dynamic radar cruise control. Additionally, it offers a rearview camera, multiple airbags, and a robust body structure designed to absorb impact forces. However, it does not include blind-spot monitoring or rear cross-traffic alert as standard equipment on all models, which are important features for comprehensive safety.
In contrast, the Toyota Highlander includes all the features found in the 4Runner’s Toyota Safety Sense package but adds blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert across most trim levels. The Highlander also offers optional features such as a bird’s-eye view camera system, road sign assist, and lane centering assist. As a more family-focused SUV, the Highlander places a stronger emphasis on advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), making it more comprehensive in terms of standard and available safety equipment compared to the 4Runner.
How do the 4Runner and Highlander compare in terms of crash test ratings?
The Toyota 4Runner has not been fully rated by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) as frequently as the Highlander due to its less regular redesign cycles. While it does receive some commendable scores for structural integrity and crash prevention features, it often lacks evaluations for newer safety metrics due to older model releases. This can make it difficult to directly compare its safety performance using current industry standards.
On the other hand, the Toyota Highlander has consistently received high marks from both the IIHS and NHTSA in recent model years. It has earned Top Safety Pick+ designations from the IIHS, thanks to its strong performance in crashworthiness and crash avoidance categories. The NHTSA has also awarded the Highlander a 5-star overall safety rating. This makes the Highlander a more reliably rated SUV in terms of crash safety, particularly when equipped with the latest safety technologies.
Which SUV is better suited for off-road safety: 4Runner or Highlander?
The Toyota 4Runner is built specifically for off-road capability, with features like a high ground clearance, part-time four-wheel drive, and sturdy body-on-frame construction. These design attributes contribute to its ability to tackle rough terrain more safely than typical crossover SUVs. Furthermore, the 4Runner includes features such as downhill assist control and multi-terrain select, which enhance driver confidence and stability in challenging off-road environments.
In comparison, the Toyota Highlander is a unibody crossover not designed for serious off-roading. While it is available with all-wheel drive, it lacks features specifically built to handle rough terrain. Its lower ground clearance and lighter construction make it less suitable for off-road conditions where vehicle security and control are paramount. Therefore, for drivers who value safety in off-road scenarios, the 4Runner is the clear winner.
How do seating positions and visibility differ between the 4Runner and Highlander?
The 4Runner offers a higher seating position typical of a traditional SUV, which can enhance visibility and situational awareness—especially in urban or congested driving conditions. Its upright windshield and boxier design also contribute to better forward visibility, allowing drivers to see obstacles or road changes more clearly. However, due to its rugged construction and wider stance, it may have larger blind spots, particularly in rearward visibility.
The Toyota Highlander also features a comfortable driver’s seat height that offers an elevated view over sedans and compact SUVs, but slightly less than the 4Runner. Its more aerodynamic design can slightly reduce visibility at the front corners compared to the 4Runner, but it makes up for it with optional panoramic cameras and better-integrated blind spot monitoring. Overall, the Highlander offers more modern visibility-enhancing technology, which can contribute to safer driving in tight city conditions and during parking.
What impact does vehicle size have on safety for the 4Runner and Highlander?
The 4Runner is smaller and more compact than the Highlander but benefits from a solid, body-on-frame design that offers durability and strength in challenging situations. Its weight and sturdiness can provide better crash protection in certain collisions, as body-on-frame vehicles often absorb impact differently than unibody structures. However, its smaller size can be a disadvantage in certain crashes, especially when encountering larger vehicles or rollover scenarios.
The Toyota Highlander, being larger and longer, offers more passenger space and can better manage crash forces across a broader area due to its unibody design. It also benefits from a naturally lower center of gravity, which helps reduce rollover risk compared to taller, heavier SUVs. Its increased size and advanced safety engineering make it better suited for family use and highway travel, while the 4Runner’s rugged size and build emphasize durability rather than sheer collision mass.
Are there differences in reliability and maintenance related to safety?
The 4Runner is known for its long-term reliability and mechanical durability, which contributes positively to long-term safety. Its age-tested platform and minimal reliance on complex electronics help reduce the risk of software glitches or failure in safety-critical components. Routine maintenance is straightforward, and parts are widely available, allowing owners to keep the vehicle in safe operating condition more efficiently over time.
In comparison, the Highlander has modern electronics and more sophisticated safety systems, which can enhance driving safety but may require more frequent software updates or sensor calibrations. While Toyota offers a strong reputation for both models, the Highlander’s complexity can lead to higher repair costs and occasional need for specialized diagnostics. However, with proper care and regular service, both vehicles maintain a high standard of operational safety throughout their life cycles.
Which SUV should I choose for maximum safety for a growing family?
The Toyota Highlander is generally the more family-friendly option due to its seating configuration, offering up to eight passenger seats in some models and flexible seating arrangements that enhance kid and cargo room. It includes more standard safety and driver-assist features, such as rear seat reminder systems, surround-view cameras, and parking sensors, which are especially helpful for families with young children or frequent hauling needs.
The 4Runner, while safe and dependable, is not optimized for family use in terms of third-row seating or child-safety features. It can accommodate families perfectly if they do not require the third row, but parents looking for the latest in collision protection and convenience-based safety tech for transporting children will find the Highlander better suited. Overall, for a growing family prioritizing safety, comfort, and technology, the Highlander is the ideal choice.