2016 Toyota Highlander earns IIHS 2016 Top Safety Pick+ Award

IN CONTEXT: 2016 Toyota Highlander Specs, Comparisons, Ratings and Prices

ARLINGTON, Va.February 23, 2016; The 2016 Toyota Highlander earns a good rating in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's small overlap front test, improving from acceptable to clinch a 2016 Top Safety Pick+ award.

Last year's model was also a Top Safety Pick+, but the criteria for the award were tightened for 2016. Previously, an acceptable rating for small overlap protection was enough, but now a good rating is required. Toyota made structural modifications to improve small overlap performance for 2016.

During the test of the 2016 Highlander, the dummy's movement was better controlled than in the test of the earlier model. The head hit the front airbag, which stayed in front of the dummy until rebound. In contrast, the dummy in the previous test slid off the airbag's left side.

To qualify for Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+, a vehicle must earn good ratings in all five crashworthiness evaluations — small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraints. Top Safety Pick winners also have an available front crash prevention system that earns a basic rating; vehicles earning the "plus" have an advanced or superior rating. The Highlander's optional front crash prevention is rated advanced.