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    • 2021 Toyota Highlander  RealSafeCars90Safety Rating

    #9 of 2021 SUVs

    #16 of all 2021 vehicles


    Pictured: 2020 Toyota Highlander
    The Highlander, a mainstay of Toyota's lineup since 2001, is a three-row midsize SUV with seating up to 8. Having better than average EPA (miles per gallon) for its class, it reduces fuel costs and pollution. The Toyota Highlander has exceptional horsepower for its class, packing substantial oomph. It has technology that is now expected: Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It handles mud, snow, and sand with ease with optional all-wheel drive (AWD). Toyota offers a 3-year, 36,000-mile basic warranty, and a 5-year, 60,000-mile powertrain warranty on its lineup.

    The 2021 Toyota Highlander is safe compared to all vehicles.

    Comparison to all vehicles.  This plot shows RSC safety scores on the horizontal axis vs. the number of vehicles with each safety score (depicted by bar height and percentages at the bottom). Colors reflect vehicle safety, ranging from red (not that safe) to green (safer). For reference, a score of 0 implies a 0.15% chance of driver death (13% chance of driver injury) over 15 years, and a score of 100 reflects a 0.016% chance (1.4% chance of driver injury). The 2021 Toyota Highlander has a score of 90, implying a 0.029% chance of driver death (2.6% chance of injury).

    We estimate that the 2021 Toyota Highlander has a vehicle lifetime fatality chance of 0.0292% and a vehicle lifetime injury chance of 3.3324%, meaning the average driver has a 0.0292% chance of dying in an accident if they drive the car under regular conditions for fifteen years, and a 3.3324% chance of being injured.

    Compared to the average vehicle, the 2021 Toyota Highlander is 37% less likely to result in a fatal accident. Compared to other suvs, the 2021 Toyota Highlander is 28% less likely to result in a fatal accident.

    Active safety features with Toyota's Safety Sense can substantially reduce the risks of harm to vehicle occupants by preventing severe accidents. An active safety system that is standard on the 2021 Toyota Highlander is Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD). There are optional safety features on the 2021 Toyota Highlander which may add to the cost but should be strongly considered --- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA) and Blind Spot Monitor.

    Another advanced safety feature --- while not cutting edge --- can still improve vehicle safety. Side mirror turn signals are standard on the Toyota Highlander. They alert other vehicles of your intention to switch lanes, which allows the other vehicle's driver to prevent an impending accident with you.

    But it is about as safe as many comparable models.

    9676Nissan MuranoChevrolet BlazerGMC AcadiaFord EdgeHyundai PalisadeMazda CX-9Toyota HighlanderFord ExplorerSubaru AscentAcura RDXHonda PilotKia TellurideComparison to similar models.  This plot compares the RSC rating of the 2021 Toyota Highlander with its main competition. Models are plotted on a scale from 76 to 96. The 2021 Toyota Highlander is safer than the 2021 Nissan Murano, the 2021 Chevrolet Blazer, the 2021 GMC Acadia, the 2021 Ford Edge, and the 2021 Hyundai Palisade.

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