The Toyota Highlander, a popular midsize SUV, was redesigned in 2020, and the 2022 model continues to offer the same design and safety features. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the 2022 Toyota Highlander’s safety performance based on evaluations conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Small Overlap Front: Driver-Side
Rating: Good
Applicable Models: 2020-2025 Toyota Highlander
The driver-side small overlap front crash test evaluates the vehicle’s structural performance and occupant protection in a collision involving the front corner of the vehicle. The 2022 Toyota Highlander earned a “Good” rating in this test, the highest possible.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | G |
| Structure and safety cage | G |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | G |
| Chest | G |
| Hip/thigh | G |
| Lower leg/foot | G |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | G |
The Highlander demonstrated good structural integrity, maintaining the driver’s safety space well. Injury measures for the driver dummy were also rated “Good” across all body regions, indicating a low risk of significant injuries in a real-world crash of this type.
Technical Measurements:
The table below shows detailed measurements from two driver-side small overlap front tests conducted by Toyota and used by IIHS for rating.
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement | |
|---|---|---|
| Test ID | VTN2003 | VTN1915 |
| Lower occupant compartment intrusion | ||
| Lower hinge pillar max (cm) | 2 | 6 |
| Footrest (cm) | 4 | 4 |
| Left toepan (cm) | 4 | 4 |
| Brake pedal (cm) | 7 | 3 |
| Rocker panel lateral average (cm) | 1 | 0 |
| Upper occupant compartment intrusion | ||
| Steering column | 3 | 2 |
| Upper hinge pillar max (cm) | 2 | 5 |
| Upper dash (cm) | 5 | 7 |
| Lower instrument panel (cm) | 4 | 6 |
| Driver injury measures | ||
| Head | ||
| HIC-15 | 155 | 102 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | no contact | no contact |
| Neck | ||
| Tension (kN) | 1.4 | 1.3 |
| Extension bending moment (Nm) | 8 | 13 |
| Maximum Nij | 0.24 | 0.24 |
| Chest maximum compression (mm) | 18 | 19 |
| Femur (kN) | ||
| Left | 3.0 | 3.5 |
| Right | 1.0 | 1.3 |
| Knee displacement (mm) | ||
| Left | 5 | 5 |
| Right | 4 | 3 |
| Knee-thigh-hip injury risk (%) | ||
| Left | 0 | 0 |
| Right | 0 | 0 |
| Maximum tibia index | ||
| Left | 0.65 | 0.52 |
| Right | 0.54 | 0.40 |
| Tibia axial force (kN) | ||
| Left | 1.5 | 1.1 |
| Right | 2.1 | 1.1 |
| Foot acceleration (g) | ||
| Left | 93 | 39 |
| Right | 63 | 34 |
About the small overlap front test
Small Overlap Front: Passenger-Side
Rating: Good
Applicable Models: 2020-2025 Toyota Highlander
The passenger-side small overlap front test mirrors the driver-side test but assesses protection for the front passenger. Like the driver-side, the 2022 Toyota Highlander achieved a “Good” rating.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | G |
| Structure and safety cage | G |
| Passenger injury measures | |
| Head/neck | G |
| Chest | G |
| Hip/thigh | G |
| Lower leg/foot | G |
| Passenger restraints and dummy kinematics | G |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | G |
| Chest | G |
| Hip/thigh | G |
| Lower leg/foot | G |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | G |
The structure held up well in the passenger-side test, and both driver and passenger dummy injury measures were “Good,” indicating consistent protection across the front seating positions in this type of frontal crash.
Technical Measurements:
Detailed measurements from the passenger-side small overlap front test.
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Test ID | VTP1933 |
| Lower occupant compartment intrusion | |
| Lower hinge pillar max (cm) | 11 |
| Footrest (cm) | 9 |
| Right toepan (cm) | 6 |
| Center toepan (cm) | 5 |
| Rocker panel lateral average (cm) | 3 |
| Upper occupant compartment intrusion | |
| Center dash (cm) | 6 |
| Upper hinge pillar max (cm) | 7 |
| Upper dash (cm) | 9 |
| Right lower dash (cm) | 7 |
| Passenger injury measures | |
| Head | |
| HIC-15 | 153 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | no contact |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 1.2 |
| Extension bending moment (Nm) | 12 |
| Maximum Nij | 0.22 |
| Chest maximum compression (mm) | 20 |
| Femur (kN) | |
| Left | 1.1 |
| Right | 4.9 |
| Knee displacement (mm) | |
| Left | 4 |
| Right | 8 |
| Knee-thigh-hip injury risk (%) | |
| Left | 0 |
| Right | 3 |
| Maximum tibia index | |
| Left | 0.42 |
| Right | 0.47 |
| Tibia axial force (kN) | |
| Left | 0.2 |
| Right | 0.4 |
| Foot acceleration (g) | |
| Left | 61 |
| Right | 68 |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head | |
| HIC-15 | 117 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | no contact |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 0.9 |
| Extension bending moment (Nm) | 4 |
| Maximum Nij | 0.17 |
| Chest maximum compression (mm) | 23 |
| Femur (kN) | |
| Left | 0.7 |
| Right | 0.6 |
| Knee displacement (mm) | |
| Left | 3 |
| Right | 2 |
| Knee-thigh-hip injury risk (%) | |
| Left | 0 |
| Right | 0 |
| Maximum tibia index | |
| Left | 0.21 |
| Right | 0.27 |
| Tibia axial force (kN) | |
| Left | 0.9 |
| Right | 0.7 |
| Foot acceleration (g) | |
| Left | 27 |
| Right | 41 |
About the small overlap front test
Moderate Overlap Front: Original Test
Rating: Good
Applicable Models: 2020-2025 Toyota Highlander
In the original moderate overlap front test, which simulates a head-on collision between two vehicles of similar weight, the 2022 Toyota Highlander again earned a “Good” rating.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | G |
| Structure and safety cage | G |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | G |
| Chest | G |
| Leg/foot, left | G |
| Leg/foot, right | G |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | G |
The Highlander’s structure effectively protected the driver, with “Good” ratings for all driver injury measures.
Technical Measurements:
Measurements from the original moderate overlap front test.
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Test ID | VTF1925 |
| Footwell intrusion | |
| Footrest (cm) | 4 |
| Left (cm) | 5 |
| Center (cm) | 5 |
| Right (cm) | 6 |
| Brake pedal (cm) | 3 |
| Instrument panel rearward movement | |
| Left (cm) | 0 |
| Right (cm) | 1 |
| Steering column movement | |
| Upward (cm) | 3 |
| Rearward (cm) | 1 |
| A-pillar rearward movement (cm) | 0 |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head | |
| HIC-15 | 184 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | no contact |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 0.8 |
| Extension bending moment (Nm) | 20 |
| Maximum Nij | 0.22 |
| Chest maximum compression (mm) | 25 |
| Legs | |
| Femur force – left (kN) | 0.9 |
| Femur force – right (kN) | 0.7 |
| Knee displacement – left (mm) | 1 |
| Knee displacement – right (mm) | 1 |
| Maximum tibia index – left | 0.27 |
| Maximum tibia index – right | 0.28 |
| Tibia axial force – left (kN) | 1.4 |
| Tibia axial force – right (kN) | 1.8 |
| Foot acceleration (g) | |
| Left | 43 |
| Right | 51 |
About the original moderate overlap front test
Moderate Overlap Front: Updated Test
Rating: Marginal
Applicable Models: 2022-2025 Toyota Highlander
The IIHS updated the moderate overlap front test to include a rear passenger dummy to assess rear occupant protection. In this more challenging test, the 2022 Toyota Highlander received a “Marginal” overall rating. While structural performance remained “Good” and driver injury measures were also “Good”, rear passenger protection was a point of concern.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | M |
| Structure and safety cage | G |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | G |
| Chest | G |
| Thigh/hip | G |
| Leg/foot | G |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | G |
| Rear passenger injury measures | |
| Head/neck | A |
| Chest | G |
| Thigh | G |
| Rear passenger restraints and dummy kinematics | M |
Rear passenger head and neck injury measures were rated “Acceptable,” and rear passenger restraints and kinematics were “Marginal.” Specifically, the lap belt moved out of position on the rear dummy, increasing the risk of abdominal injury.
Technical Measurements:
Detailed measurements from the updated moderate overlap front test.
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Test ID | CEF2203 |
| Footwell intrusion | |
| Footrest (cm) | 6 |
| Left (cm) | 8 |
| Center (cm) | 10 |
| Right (cm) | 7 |
| Brake pedal (cm) | 3 |
| Instrument panel rearward movement | |
| Left (cm) | 2 |
| Right (cm) | 3 |
| Steering column movement | |
| Upward (cm) | 4 |
| Rearward (cm) | 1 |
| A-pillar rearward movement (cm) | 0 |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head | |
| HIC-15 | 139 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | no contact |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 1.0 |
| Extension bending moment (Nm) | 10 |
| Maximum Nij | 0.20 |
| Chest maximum compression (mm) | 28 |
| Femur (kN) | |
| Left | 1.2 |
| Right | 1.4 |
| Knee displacement (mm) | |
| Left | 5 |
| Right | 3 |
| Knee-thigh-hip injury risk (%) | |
| Left | 0 |
| Right | 0 |
| Maximum tibia index | |
| Left | 0.39 |
| Right | 0.53 |
| Tibia axial force (kN) | |
| Left | 1.3 |
| Right | 1.8 |
| Foot acceleration (g) | |
| Left | 52 |
| Right | 62 |
| Rear passenger injury measures | Measurement |
| — | — |
| Test ID | CEF2203 |
| Head | |
| HIC-15 for head contact during forward excursion | no contact |
| Peak gs at hard contact | no contact |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 2.3 |
| Compression (kN) | 0.2 |
| Maximum Nij for head contact during forward excursion | no contact |
| Chest | |
| Chest index | 30 |
| Shoulder belt tension (kN) | 5.7 |
| Thigh (kN) | |
| Left femur compression | 0.2 |
| Right femur compression | 0.2 |
About the moderate overlap front test
February 2024 adjustment to rating criteria
Side: Original Test
Rating: Good
Applicable Models: 2020-2023 Toyota Highlander
The original side crash test evaluates driver and rear passenger protection in a side impact scenario. The 2022 Toyota Highlander achieved a “Good” rating.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | G |
| Structure and safety cage | G |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | G |
| Torso | G |
| Pelvis/leg | G |
| Driver head protection | G |
| Rear passenger injury measures | |
| Head/neck | G |
| Torso | G |
| Pelvis/leg | G |
| Rear passenger head protection | G |
Both driver and rear passenger injury measures were rated “Good,” indicating effective side impact protection.
Technical Measurements:
Measurements from the original side crash test.
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Test ID | VTS1927 |
| Measures of occupant compartment intrusion on driver side | |
| B-pillar to longitudinal centerline of driver’s seat (cm) | -23.0 |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head HIC-15 | 156 |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 0.8 |
| Compression (kN) | 0.2 |
| Shoulder | |
| Lateral deflection (mm) | 22 |
| Lateral force (kN) | 1.0 |
| Torso | |
| Maximum deflection (mm) | 20 |
| Average deflection (mm) | 17 |
| Maximum deflection rate (m/s) | 1.80 |
| Maximum viscous criterion (m/s) | 0.12 |
| Pelvis | |
| Iliac force (kN) | 1.4 |
| Acetabulum force (kN) | 1.3 |
| Combined force (kN) | 2.6 |
| Left femur | |
| L-M force (kN) | 0.9 |
| L-M moment (Nm) | 87 |
| A-P moment (Nm) | -20 |
| Passenger injury measures | |
| Head HIC-15 | 146 |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 0.1 |
| Compression (kN) | 0.3 |
| Shoulder | |
| Lateral deflection (mm) | 28 |
| Lateral force (kN) | 1.4 |
| Torso | |
| Maximum deflection (mm) | 20 |
| Average deflection (mm) | 14 |
| Maximum deflection rate (m/s) | 2.50 |
| Maximum viscous criterion (m/s) | 0.14 |
| Pelvis | |
| Iliac force (kN) | 0.0 |
| Acetabulum force (kN) | 0.7 |
| Combined force (kN) | 0.7 |
| Left femur | |
| L-M force (kN) | 0.2 |
| L-M moment (Nm) | 60 |
| A-P moment (Nm) | -34 |
About the original side crash test
Side: Updated Test
Rating: Good
Applicable Models: 2020-2025 Toyota Highlander
IIHS introduced an updated side crash test with a heavier barrier and higher impact speed. Despite the more stringent conditions, the 2022 Toyota Highlander maintained a “Good” overall rating in this updated test. However, the driver pelvis protection was rated “Marginal,” a slight decrease compared to the original side test.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | G |
| Structure and safety cage | G |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | G |
| Torso | G |
| Pelvis | M |
| Driver head protection | G |
| Rear passenger injury measures | |
| Head/neck | G |
| Torso | G |
| Pelvis | G |
| Rear passenger head protection | G |
Rear passenger protection remained “Good” across all measures in the updated side crash test.
Technical Measurements:
Measurements from the updated side crash test.
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Test ID | CES2206 |
| Measures of occupant compartment intrusion on driver side | |
| B-pillar to longitudinal centerline of driver’s seat (cm) | -20.5 |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head | |
| HIC-15 | 71 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | no contact |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 0.7 |
| Compression (kN) | 0.5 |
| Shoulder | |
| Lateral deflection (mm) | 13 |
| Lateral force (kN) | 1.0 |
| Torso | |
| Maximum deflection (mm) | 32 |
| Average deflection (mm) | 21 |
| Maximum deflection rate (m/s) | 2.55 |
| Maximum viscous criterion (m/s) | 0.44 |
| Pelvis | |
| Combined force (kN) | 5.9 |
| Passenger injury measures | |
| Head | |
| HIC-15 | 132 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | no contact |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 0.3 |
| Compression (kN) | 0.5 |
| Shoulder | |
| Lateral deflection (mm) | 27 |
| Lateral force (kN) | 1.6 |
| Torso | |
| Maximum deflection (mm) | 28 |
| Average deflection (mm) | 22 |
| Maximum deflection rate (m/s) | 2.50 |
| Maximum viscous criterion (m/s) | 0.35 |
| Pelvis | |
| Combined force (kN) | 0.9 |
Roof Strength
Rating: Good
Applicable Models: 2020-2023 Toyota Highlander
The roof strength test assesses the roof’s ability to withstand forces in a rollover crash. The 2022 Toyota Highlander earned a “Good” rating, indicating strong roof structure.
| Overall evaluation | G |
|---|---|
| Curb weight | 4,340 lbs |
| Peak force | 20,077 lbs |
| Strength-to-weight ratio | 4.63 |
Head Restraints & Seats
Rating: Good
Seat Type: Power leatherette seat
The 2022 Toyota Highlander’s head restraints and seats were evaluated for their ability to protect against neck injuries in rear-end collisions. The overall rating is “Good,” with both dynamic and geometric evaluations also rated “Good.”
| Overall evaluation | G |
|---|---|
| Dynamic rating | G |
| Seat/head restraint geometry | G |
Technical Measurements:
| Seat type | Power leatherette seat |
|---|---|
| Geometry | |
| Backset (mm) | 14 |
| Distance below top of head (mm) | 3 |
| Seat design parameters | |
| Pass/fail | Pass |
| Max T1 acceleration (g) | 12.0 |
| Head contact time (ms) | 55 |
| Force rating | 1 |
| Neck forces | |
| Max neck shear force (N) | 0 |
| Max neck tension (N) | 156 |
About the head restraint & seat test
Headlights
The IIHS evaluates headlight performance as it is a critical factor in preventing nighttime crashes. The 2022 Toyota Highlander comes with two different headlight variations, and their ratings differ.
Trim Levels: Platinum, Hybrid Platinum
Rating: Good
These top trim levels are equipped with LED projector headlights that are curve-adaptive and feature high-beam assist.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Low-beam headlight type | LED projector |
| High-beam headlight type | LED projector |
| Curve-adaptive? | Yes |
| High-beam assist? | Yes |
| Overall rating | G |
These headlights provide “Good” visibility on straightaways and curves with both low and high beams, with high-beam assist compensating for some low-beam limitations. Glare is present but within acceptable limits.
Technical Measurements:
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Trim level(s) | – Platinum trim – Hybrid Platinum trim |
| Low-beam headlight type | LED projector |
| High-beam headlight type | LED projector |
| Curve-adaptive? | Yes |
| High-beam assist? | Yes |
| Overall rating Applies to 2020-2025 models | G |
| LOW BEAMS | Average minimum useful illumination distance (5 lux) | Amount glare exceeded threshold |
|---|---|---|
| Straightaway right edge | 105.9 m | None |
| Straightaway left edge | 50.8 m | None |
| 250m radius right curve, right edge | 94.1 m | 40.4% |
| 250m radius left curve, left edge | 57.0 m | 21.6% |
| 150m radius right curve, right edge | 72.6 m | None |
| 150m radius left curve, left edge | 49.0 m | None |
| HIGH BEAMS | Average minimum useful illumination distance (5 lux) |
|---|---|
| Straightaway right edge | 153.1 m |
| Straightaway left edge | 149.1 m |
| 250m radius right curve, right edge | 94.4 m |
| 250m radius left curve, left edge | 89.7 m |
| 150m radius right curve, right edge | 70.9 m |
| 150m radius left curve, left edge | 68.3 m |
Trim Levels: L, LE, Hybrid LE, XLE, Hybrid XLE, XSE, Limited, Hybrid Limited
Rating: Acceptable
Lower trim levels of the 2022 Toyota Highlander also feature LED projector headlights and high-beam assist, but are not curve-adaptive. These headlights receive an “Acceptable” rating.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Low-beam headlight type | LED projector |
| High-beam headlight type | LED projector |
| Curve-adaptive? | No |
| High-beam assist? | Yes |
| Overall rating | A |
While still providing good visibility on straight roads, these headlights are rated fair to inadequate on curves. High-beam assist helps to compensate for low beam limitations. Some glare is also present.
Technical Measurements:
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Trim level(s) | – L trim – LE trim – Hybrid LE trim – XLE trim – Hybrid XLE trim – XSE trim – Limited trim – Hybrid Limited trim |
| Low-beam headlight type | LED projector |
| High-beam headlight type | LED projector |
| Curve-adaptive? | No |
| High-beam assist? | Yes |
| Overall rating Applies to 2020-2025 models | A |
| LOW BEAMS | Average minimum useful illumination distance (5 lux) | Amount glare exceeded threshold |
|---|---|---|
| Straightaway right edge | 122.2 m | None |
| Straightaway left edge | 57.1 m | None |
| 250m radius right curve, right edge | 65.3 m | 3.3% |
| 250m radius left curve, left edge | 55.6 m | None |
| 150m radius right curve, right edge | 51.4 m | 11.7% |
| 150m radius left curve, left edge | 46.9 m | None |
| HIGH BEAMS | Average minimum useful illumination distance (5 lux) |
|---|---|
| Straightaway right edge | 153.7 m |
| Straightaway left edge | 146.6 m |
| 250m radius right curve, right edge | 65.8 m |
| 250m radius left curve, left edge | 63.3 m |
| 150m radius right curve, right edge | 51.7 m |
| 150m radius left curve, left edge | 49.0 m |
About the headlight evaluation
Front Crash Prevention: Vehicle-to-Vehicle
Rating: Superior
Applicable Models: 2021-2023 Toyota Highlander
System Details: Standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+: Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
The 2022 Toyota Highlander comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, including a pre-collision system. This system earned a “Superior” rating in vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention tests.
- Forward Collision Warning: System meets requirements.
- 12 mph Test: Collision Avoided.
- 25 mph Test: Collision Avoided.
The system effectively avoided collisions in both 12 mph and 25 mph tests, demonstrating excellent performance in preventing vehicle-to-vehicle front crashes.
About the original front crash prevention test
Front Crash Prevention: Pedestrian (Day)
Rating: Superior
Applicable Models: 2020-2025 Toyota Highlander
System Details: Standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0/2.5+: Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
The 2022 Toyota Highlander’s pedestrian detection system also received a “Superior” rating for daytime performance.
Crossing Child:
- 12 mph Test: Collision Avoided.
- 25 mph Test: Impact speed reduced by 22 mph.
Crossing Adult:
- 12 mph Test: Collision Avoided.
- 25 mph Test: Collision Avoided.
Parallel Adult:
- 25 mph Test: Collision Avoided.
- 37 mph Test: Impact speed reduced by 24 mph. Warning issued 1.6 seconds before impact.
The system showed impressive performance in avoiding collisions with pedestrians in various daytime scenarios.
About the pedestrian front crash prevention test
Front Crash Prevention: Pedestrian (Night)
Rating: Superior
Applicable Models: 2022-2025 Toyota Highlander (L, LE, Hybrid LE, XLE, Hybrid XLE, XSE, Limited, Hybrid Limited trims)
System Details: Standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0/2.5+: Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
The pedestrian front crash prevention system on the 2022 Toyota Highlander also earned a “Superior” rating for nighttime performance, especially when using high beams.
Crossing Adult:
- 12 mph Test (High Beams): Collision Avoided.
- 12 mph Test (Low Beams): Collision Avoided.
- 25 mph Test (High Beams): Collision Avoided.
- 25 mph Test (Low Beams): Collision Avoided.
Parallel Adult:
- 25 mph Test (High Beams): Collision Avoided.
- 25 mph Test (Low Beams): Collision Avoided.
- 37 mph Test (High Beams): Impact speed reduced by 25 mph. Warning issued 2 seconds before impact.
- 37 mph Test (Low Beams): Impact speed reduced by 25 mph. Warning issued 2 seconds before impact.
The system effectively prevented collisions with pedestrians in nighttime conditions, both with high and low beams engaged.
About pedestrian front crash prevention test
Seat Belt Reminders
Rating: Marginal
Applicable Models: 2022 Toyota Highlander
Seat belt reminders are crucial safety features. The 2022 Toyota Highlander’s seat belt reminder system received a “Marginal” rating.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | M |
| Front row | |
| Unbelted occupant alert (audible & visual) | |
| Initiation time | |
| Duration | Long enough (90+ seconds) |
| Volume | |
| Audio frequency | |
| Second row | |
| Startup status alert (visual) | |
| Initiation time | |
| Duration at least 60 seconds | |
| Belt disengaged alert (audible & visual) | |
| Initiation time | |
| Duration at least 30 seconds | |
| Volume | |
| Audio frequency |
The front row reminder is adequate in duration, but details on initiation time, volume and audio frequency are not specified as meeting good criteria. Second-row seat belt reminders also have unspecified performance levels according to IIHS detailed criteria.
Technical Measurements:
| Background cabin sound pressure level at 24 km/h | 51 dB |
| Audible signal sound pressure level at 24 km/h | 78 dB |
| Difference between background and signal | 26.3 dB |
| Background cabin sound pressure level at 40 km/h | 54 dB |
| Audible signal sound pressure level at 40 km/h | 76 dB |
| Difference between background and signal | 21.8 dB |
| Dominant audio frequency | 800 Hz |
About the seat belt reminder evaluation
Child Seat Anchors (LATCH)
Rating: Good
Applicable Models: 2020-2025 Toyota Highlander
Vehicle Trim: XLE
Seat Type: leatherette
The LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system in the 2022 Toyota Highlander is rated “Good” for ease of use.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | G |
| Vehicle trim | XLE |
| Seat type | leatherette |
The Highlander has two rear seating positions with complete LATCH hardware and additional positions with tether anchors. Some lower anchors can be borrowed from adjacent positions, adding flexibility.
Details by Seating Position:
| Position | Rating |
|---|---|
| 1 | |
| Tether anchor | |
| easy-to-find location | |
| no other hardware could be confused for anchor | |
| Lower anchors | |
| not too deep in seat | |
| not too much force needed to attach | |
| easy to maneuver around anchors | |
| 2 | |
| Tether anchor | |
| easy-to-find location | |
| no other hardware could be confused for anchor | |
| Lower anchors | |
| Can be borrowed from 1 and 3 | |
| 3 | |
| Tether anchor | |
| easy-to-find location | |
| no other hardware could be confused for anchor | |
| Lower anchors | |
| not too deep in seat | |
| not too much force needed to attach | |
| easy to maneuver around anchors | |
| 5 | |
| Tether anchor | |
| easy-to-find location | |
| no other hardware could be confused for anchor | |
| Lower anchors | |
| none available |
Technical Measurements:
Seat position 21
| Lower anchor A | |
|---|---|
| Open access rated | No |
| Depth (cm) | 0-2 |
| Force (lbs) | 6 |
| Clearance angle (degrees) | 92 |
| Lower anchor B | |
| Open access rated | No |
| Depth (cm) | 0-2 |
| Force (lbs) | 7 |
| Clearance angle (degrees) | 88 |
| Tether anchor | |
| Location | Middle seatback |
| Confusing hardware present | Yes |
| Has contrasting label within 3 inches of tether anchor | Yes |
| Tether anchors can be accessed while seatback is properly positioned for use of LATCH | Not measured |
Seat position 22
| Lower anchor A | |
|---|---|
| Lower latch is shared for this seat position | |
| Lower anchor B | |
| Lower latch is shared for this seat position | |
| Tether anchor | |
| Location | Middle seatback |
| Confusing hardware present | Yes |
| Has contrasting label within 3 inches of tether anchor | Yes |
| Tether anchors can be accessed while seatback is properly positioned for use of LATCH | Not measured |
Seat position 23
| Lower anchor A | |
|---|---|
| Open access rated | No |
| Depth (cm) | 0-2 |
| Force (lbs) | 11 |
| Clearance angle (degrees) | 82 |
| Lower anchor B | |
| Open access rated | No |
| Depth (cm) | 0-2 |
| Force (lbs) | 10 |
| Clearance angle (degrees) | 83 |
| Tether anchor | |
| Location | Middle seatback |
| Confusing hardware present | Yes |
| Has contrasting label within 3 inches of tether anchor | Yes |
| Tether anchors can be accessed while seatback is properly positioned for use of LATCH | Not measured |
Seat position 32
| Lower anchor A | |
|---|---|
| No lower latch for this seat position | |
| Lower anchor B | |
| No lower latch for this seat position | |
| Tether anchor | |
| Location | Middle seatback |
| Confusing hardware present | Yes |
| Has contrasting label within 3 inches of tether anchor | Yes |
| Tether anchors can be accessed while seatback is properly positioned for use of LATCH | Not measured |
About the child seat anchor evaluation
Conclusion
The 2022 Toyota Highlander performs strongly in most IIHS crash tests, earning “Good” ratings in small overlap front, original moderate overlap front, side (original and updated), roof strength, and head restraints & seats. It also achieves “Superior” ratings for front crash prevention (vehicle-to-vehicle and pedestrian, day and night). However, the “Marginal” rating in the updated moderate overlap front test, specifically concerning rear passenger protection, and the “Marginal” rating for seat belt reminders are areas to consider. Overall, the 2022 Toyota Highlander is a safe vehicle, especially for front occupants and in many crash scenarios, but potential buyers should be aware of the updated moderate overlap front test results and seat belt reminder rating.
