The Toyota Highlander is a popular mid-size SUV known for its reliability, spacious interior, and robust performance. However, when it comes to safety, potential buyers often have one overriding concern: how well will it protect its occupants in the event of a crash? In this article, we will delve into the safety features of the Toyota Highlander, examining its crash test ratings, advanced safety technologies, and other factors that contribute to its overall safety performance.
Introduction to the Toyota Highlander’s Safety Features
The Toyota Highlander has a long history of prioritizing safety, and its latest models are no exception. With a 5-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Highlander has established itself as one of the safest vehicles in its class. But what exactly makes it so safe?
Crash Test Ratings: A Closer Look
The NHTSA and IIHS conduct rigorous crash tests to evaluate a vehicle’s safety performance. The Toyota Highlander has consistently scored well in these tests, with a perfect 5-star rating in every category, including frontal crash, side crash, and rollover tests. The IIHS has also awarded the Highlander its highest rating of Good in all six crashworthiness tests, including small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength, head restraints, and seats.
Frontal Crash Tests: A Key Indicator of Safety
In frontal crash tests, the Toyota Highlander has demonstrated its ability to absorb and distribute the forces of impact, minimizing the risk of injury to its occupants. With a 5-star rating in both the driver and passenger frontal crash tests, the Highlander has shown that it can provide excellent protection in the event of a head-on collision.
Advanced Safety Technologies: The Toyota Highlander’s Secret to Success
The Toyota Highlander comes equipped with a range of advanced safety technologies, including Toyota’s Safety Sense 2.0 (TSS 2.0) suite of features. This comprehensive package includes:
- Pre-collision system with pedestrian detection
- Full-speed dynamic radar cruise control
- Lane departure alert with steering assist
- Automatic high beams
- Lane tracing assist
- Road sign assist
These features work together to provide a high level of protection and convenience, giving drivers greater peace of mind on the road.
The Importance of Adaptive Cruise Control
One of the most significant safety features of the Toyota Highlander is its full-speed dynamic radar cruise control. This advanced system uses a combination of radar and camera technology to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, adjusting speed as needed to prevent collisions. By reducing the risk of rear-end crashes, this feature has been shown to be highly effective in preventing injuries and fatalities.
Other Safety Features: A Comprehensive Approach
In addition to its advanced safety technologies, the Toyota Highlander also features a range of other safety components, including eight airbags, electronic stability control, and anti-lock braking. These features work together to provide a comprehensive safety net, protecting occupants from a variety of potential hazards.
The Role of High-Strength Steel in Vehicle Safety
The Toyota Highlander’s body is constructed from high-strength steel, which provides exceptional strength and durability. This helps to absorb and distribute the forces of impact, reducing the risk of injury to occupants. By using high-strength steel in its construction, Toyota has been able to create a safe and robust vehicle that can withstand even the most severe crashes.
Real-World Safety Performance: What the Data Says
While crash test ratings and safety features are essential, they only tell part of the story. To get a more complete picture of the Toyota Highlander’s safety performance, we need to look at real-world data. According to the NHTSA, the Toyota Highlander has a lower-than-average rate of fatal crashes, with a 5-star rating for rollover safety. This suggests that the Highlander is not only safe in a crash but also less likely to be involved in a crash in the first place.
The Impact of Safety Features on Insurance Costs
Another important consideration for potential buyers is the cost of insurance. Vehicles with advanced safety features, such as the Toyota Highlander, often qualify for lower insurance rates. This is because these features have been shown to reduce the risk of accidents and injuries, resulting in lower claims costs for insurance companies.
Conclusion: The Toyota Highlander’s Safety Record
In conclusion, the Toyota Highlander has an impressive safety record, with a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS. Its advanced safety technologies, including Toyota’s Safety Sense 2.0 suite of features, provide a high level of protection and convenience. With its comprehensive safety net, high-strength steel construction, and lower-than-average rate of fatal crashes, the Toyota Highlander is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a safe and reliable vehicle. Whether you’re driving on the highway or navigating through city streets, the Toyota Highlander has got you covered.
What safety features does the Toyota Highlander offer to ensure passenger protection in the event of a crash?
The Toyota Highlander is equipped with a wide range of safety features designed to protect passengers in the event of a crash. These features include a robust body structure, multiple airbags, and advanced safety systems such as electronic stability control and anti-lock braking. The Highlander also features a suite of advanced safety technologies, including lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. These features work together to help prevent accidents and reduce the risk of injury or damage in the event of a crash.
In addition to these features, the Toyota Highlander also offers a number of other safety technologies, including adaptive cruise control and a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection. These features use a combination of cameras, radar, and sensors to detect potential hazards and alert the driver or take action to avoid a collision. The Highlander’s safety features have been recognized by a number of independent testing organizations, including the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), which have awarded the vehicle top safety ratings.
How does the Toyota Highlander’s crash test performance compare to other vehicles in its class?
The Toyota Highlander has consistently performed well in crash tests conducted by the NHTSA and IIHS. In fact, the Highlander has been named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, which is the organization’s highest safety rating. The vehicle has also received a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, which is the highest rating awarded by the organization. In comparison to other vehicles in its class, the Highlander’s crash test performance is among the best, with many of its competitors receiving lower safety ratings.
The Highlander’s strong crash test performance can be attributed to its robust body structure and advanced safety features. The vehicle’s body is designed to absorb and distribute crash energy, reducing the risk of injury to passengers. The Highlander’s multiple airbags and advanced safety systems also work together to provide excellent protection in the event of a crash. Overall, the Toyota Highlander’s crash test performance is a key factor in its reputation as a safe and reliable vehicle, and it is an important consideration for anyone in the market for a new SUV.
What is the Toyota Highlander’s rollover risk, and how does it compare to other vehicles in its class?
The Toyota Highlander has a relatively low rollover risk compared to other vehicles in its class. According to data from the NHTSA, the Highlander has a rollover risk of around 12%, which is lower than many of its competitors. This is due in part to the vehicle’s wide stance and low center of gravity, which make it more stable and less prone to rollover. The Highlander’s electronic stability control system also helps to reduce the risk of rollover by automatically adjusting the vehicle’s engine power and braking to help maintain stability.
In comparison to other vehicles in its class, the Toyota Highlander’s rollover risk is among the lowest. Many of its competitors have higher rollover risks, ranging from 15% to over 20%. This makes the Highlander a good choice for anyone who is concerned about rollover risk, such as families with young children or individuals who frequently drive in areas with windy or slippery roads. Overall, the Highlander’s low rollover risk is just one of the many reasons why it is considered a safe and reliable vehicle.
Can the Toyota Highlander’s safety features be upgraded or modified to provide additional protection in the event of a crash?
The Toyota Highlander’s safety features can be upgraded or modified to provide additional protection in the event of a crash. For example, some trim levels of the Highlander offer optional safety features such as a 360-degree camera system and a panoramic view monitor. These features can provide additional visibility and awareness, helping drivers to avoid accidents and reduce the risk of injury or damage. Additionally, some aftermarket safety products, such as dash cams and collision avoidance systems, can be installed to provide additional safety benefits.
It’s worth noting, however, that any upgrades or modifications to the Highlander’s safety features should be made with caution and in consultation with a qualified mechanic or safety expert. Some modifications may not be compatible with the vehicle’s existing safety systems, and could potentially compromise safety or void the vehicle’s warranty. Additionally, some safety features may require calibration or programming to function properly, which can be complex and require specialized expertise. As such, it’s generally recommended to stick with the safety features that come standard on the vehicle, and to consult with a qualified professional before making any modifications.
How do the Toyota Highlander’s safety features compare to those of its hybrid counterpart, the Highlander Hybrid?
The Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid share many of the same safety features, including a robust body structure, multiple airbags, and advanced safety systems such as electronic stability control and anti-lock braking. However, the Highlander Hybrid also offers some unique safety features, such as a regenerative braking system that helps to recharge the vehicle’s battery and improve fuel efficiency. The Highlander Hybrid also features a number of safety technologies that are designed to improve visibility and awareness, such as a head-up display and a 360-degree camera system.
In terms of safety ratings, both the Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid have received top ratings from independent testing organizations such as the NHTSA and IIHS. The Highlander Hybrid has been named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, which is the organization’s highest safety rating. The vehicle has also received a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, which is the highest rating awarded by the organization. Overall, the safety features of the Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid are very similar, and both vehicles are considered to be safe and reliable choices.
What are some common safety concerns or issues that have been reported by Toyota Highlander owners?
Some common safety concerns or issues that have been reported by Toyota Highlander owners include problems with the vehicle’s electronic stability control system, which can malfunction and cause the vehicle to pull to one side or lose traction. Some owners have also reported issues with the vehicle’s airbags, which can fail to deploy in the event of a crash or deploy inadvertently. Additionally, some owners have reported problems with the vehicle’s brakes, which can be prone to wear and tear and require frequent maintenance.
It’s worth noting, however, that these safety concerns or issues are relatively rare and can often be addressed through routine maintenance or repairs. Toyota has also issued a number of recalls to address safety concerns or issues with the Highlander, and the company has a reputation for standing behind its vehicles and providing excellent customer support. As such, while some safety concerns or issues may be present, they should not necessarily be a deal-breaker for anyone considering purchasing a Toyota Highlander. Instead, potential buyers should do their research, review safety data and ratings, and take a test drive to get a sense of the vehicle’s safety features and performance.
How does the Toyota Highlander’s safety record compare to that of its competitors, such as the Honda Pilot and Ford Explorer?
The Toyota Highlander’s safety record is generally considered to be among the best in its class, with a number of independent testing organizations recognizing the vehicle for its excellent safety performance. In comparison to its competitors, such as the Honda Pilot and Ford Explorer, the Highlander’s safety record is generally stronger, with higher safety ratings and fewer safety concerns or issues reported by owners. For example, the Highlander has been named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, while the Pilot and Explorer have received lower safety ratings from the organization.
The Highlander’s strong safety record can be attributed to its robust body structure, advanced safety features, and excellent reliability and durability. The vehicle’s safety features, such as its electronic stability control system and multiple airbags, have been designed to provide excellent protection in the event of a crash, and have been recognized by independent testing organizations for their effectiveness. Overall, while the Honda Pilot and Ford Explorer are both safe and reliable vehicles, the Toyota Highlander’s safety record is generally considered to be among the best in its class, making it a great choice for anyone who prioritizes safety and reliability.