MENU
SEARCHThe mid-size SUV aces crash tests and safety system evaluations to qualify for the highest honor from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Photo of Toyota Highlander courtesy of Toyota.
Photo of Toyota Highlander courtesy of Toyota.
The 2017-model year Toyota Highlander has earned the Top Safety Pick+ award, the highest honor from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
IIHS credited the SUV’s “good crash protection across the board, a superior-rated front crash prevention system and acceptable-rated headlights” for the award qualification.
Unlike most Top Safety Pick+ winners, which only meet front crash prevention and headlight criteria when equipped with optional features, the Highlander qualifies for the award with standard equipment, IIHS pointed out.
The midsize SUV’s new standard front crash prevention system represents an improvement over the optional system on the 2016 model, which earned an “advanced” rating, IIHS said. In IIHS track tests of the 2017 system, the vehicle avoided a collision in the 12 mph test. In the 25 mph test, the Highlander avoided a collision in four out of five runs and slowed 21 mph the fifth time.
The front crash prevention system also includes a forward-collision warning component that meets National Highway Traffic Safety Administration criteria.
To qualify for 2017 Top Safety Pick+, a vehicle must earn the highest possible score — a rating of “good” — in the five IIHS crashworthiness tests: small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength, and head restraints. The vehicle also must earn an “advanced” or “superior” rating for front crash prevention and an “acceptable” or “good” headlight rating.
Distracted driving remains one of the most persistent risks in fleet operations. New approaches focus on removing mobile device use entirely while adding real-time safety support.
Read More →
As distraction risks evolve, fleets are turning to smarter, more connected technologies to better understand what’s happening behind the wheel. Part 2 explores how these tools are helping identify risky behaviors and improve visibility across operations.
Read More →
What fleets capture to improve safety can also expose them in litigation, forcing leaders to rethink how data is managed, stored, and shared.
Read More →
Distracted driving is often measured by what we can see—phones in hand, eyes off the road. But what about the distractions we can’t? A recent incident raises a bigger question about awareness, attention, and why subtle risks so often go unnoticed.
Read More →
While serious crashes are declining, a rise in minor incidents and ongoing risk hotspots underscore the need for continued fleet safety investment.
Read More →
Fleets have more driver data than ever, so why isn't behavior changing? Training requires more than reports and coaching — it requires real-world practice.
Read More →
A two-part conversation with Stefan Heck on how AI is transforming the fight against distracted driving. As fleets adopt smarter tools, the focus shifts from reacting to preventing risk. In Part 1, we look at where AI is making an impact for fleets today.
Read More →
More people on foot means more risk for drivers. These pedestrian safety tips can help prevent serious injuries and keep everyone safer on the road.
Read More →
Safer crews. Fewer incidents. Better uptime. Learn how driver-assist technology is changing the way vocational fleets operate.
Read More →
An 11% drop in pedestrian fatalities in early 2025 signals progress in U.S. road safety, but elevated death rates and ongoing risks underscore the need for continued action from fleets and policymakers.
Read More →
