When considering a family SUV, safety is often at the forefront of any buyer's mind. The 2017 Toyota Highlander, a popular choice in the midsize SUV segment, underwent rigorous testing to assess its crashworthiness and crash avoidance capabilities. It's always reassuring to dive into the details of how a vehicle performs when the unexpected happens.
Looking at the crashworthiness ratings, the Highlander generally performed well. The overall evaluation for the small overlap front test on the driver's side was rated 'Good.' This is particularly encouraging because this type of crash, where only a small portion of the vehicle's front hits an object, can be particularly challenging. Toyota made structural reinforcements to the driver-side A-pillar, door sill, and internal door structure starting with the 2016 model year, and these changes clearly made a difference. The testing revealed that the driver's survival space was maintained reasonably well, with airbags working effectively to protect the head. Even with some intrusion into the lower door hinge pillar, the risk of leg and foot injuries was kept low.
However, the passenger-side small overlap front test presented a different picture. While the overall evaluation was 'Acceptable,' the structure and safety cage received a 'Marginal' rating. This suggests that while occupant protection was still decent, the space for the passenger wasn't maintained as effectively as for the driver. The dashboard and door hinge pillar showed more intrusion, though thankfully, the airbags and restraints still did a commendable job of minimizing injury risk to the passenger's head, chest, hips, thighs, and lower legs.
Beyond the direct crash impacts, the Highlander also scored well in other critical areas. Moderate overlap front and side original tests both earned 'Good' ratings, as did roof strength and head restraints & seats. These are all vital components contributing to overall occupant safety.
When it comes to preventing accidents, the 2017 Highlander offered some solid features. The headlights received an 'Acceptable' rating, which is a common area for improvement in many vehicles. More impressively, the standard front crash prevention system, specifically the vehicle-to-vehicle system, was rated 'Superior.' This is a significant plus, indicating its effectiveness in avoiding or mitigating collisions with other vehicles. Additionally, the LATCH system for child seat installation was rated 'Good,' making it easier for parents to secure their little ones safely. Optional blind spot detection and standard lane departure warning & prevention further bolstered its safety suite, offering drivers an extra layer of awareness on the road.
Ultimately, the 2017 Toyota Highlander demonstrated a strong commitment to safety, particularly in its driver-side frontal impacts and its advanced crash avoidance technologies. While there's always room for refinement, especially on the passenger side of small overlap frontal crashes, the overall package offers a reassuring level of protection for families on the go.
