The 2022 Toyota Highlander boasts impressive safety features, including standard equipment like Brake Assist and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution. It also excels in crash tests, earning a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the IIHS. Learn more about its advanced safety technologies and driver protection systems.
Safety Features
When it comes to ensuring your safety on the road, having the right safety features in your vehicle is crucial. Let’s break down the essential components that make your car a safe haven.
Standard Safety Equipment
Standard safety equipment is the foundation of a safe vehicle. These features are designed to protect you and your passengers in the event of an accident. Here are some of the most critical ones:
- Airbags: These are like pillows for your car. They deploy in a split second to cushion the impact of a crash, reducing the risk of injury.
- Seat Belts: Think of seat belts as your personal safety net. They keep you securely in your seat, preventing you from being thrown around the car during a crash.
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS): ABS is like a superhero for your brakes. It prevents your wheels from locking up during hard braking, which can cause skidding and loss of control.
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC): ESC is like a guardian angel for your car. It helps your vehicle stay stable and on course, even when you’re driving on slippery roads or making sharp turns.
Driver-Assistance Systems
Driver-assistance systems are the brain of your car, helping you stay safe and alert on the road. These advanced technologies can be a game-changer in preventing accidents.
- Blind Spot Detection: Imagine having eyes in the back of your head. Blind spot detection systems alert you to vehicles in your blind spots, helping you avoid potential collisions.
- Lane Departure Warning: This feature is like having a co-pilot who reminds you to stay in your lane. It warns you if you drift out of your lane, preventing accidents caused by drowsiness or distraction.
- Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB): AEB is like having a guardian angel who steps in when you’re about to crash. It applies the brakes automatically to prevent or mitigate a collision.
Crash Test Ratings
Crash test ratings are like a report card for your car’s safety performance. They give you an idea of how well your vehicle will protect you in the event of a crash.
- Frontal Offset Crash Test: This test simulates a head-on collision where the car’s front end hits a solid barrier. The rating indicates how well the car’s structure and airbags protect the occupants.
- Side Impact Crash Test: This test mimics a side collision, where the car’s side hits a solid barrier. The rating shows how well the car’s doors, pillars, and airbags protect the occupants.
- Roof Strength Test: This test checks how well the car’s roof can withstand a rollover. The rating indicates whether the roof will crush or collapse, potentially injuring occupants.
By understanding these safety features, you can make an informed decision when choosing a car that prioritizes your safety. Remember, safety is not just about the car; it’s about the people inside it. Always prioritize your well-being on the road
Crash Test Performance
Crash tests are the ultimate way to gauge a vehicle’s safety prowess. Imagine your car as a superhero, ready to protect you in the most critical moments. But how do we know if it’s up to the task? Let’s dive into the three key crash tests that every vehicle must pass: the frontal offset crash test, the side impact crash test, and the roof strength test.
Frontal Offset Crash Test
The frontal offset crash test is like a high-speed collision between two cars. It simulates a head-on crash where one car hits another at a 40% offset, which is roughly the width of a car. This test evaluates how well the vehicle’s front end can absorb the impact and protect its occupants. Here’s what you need to know:
- Impact Zone: The test involves a 35-mph (56 km/h) collision with a fixed barrier. The impact zone is crucial as it determines how much force is transferred to the vehicle’s occupants.
- Structural Integrity: The vehicle’s structure is tested for its ability to maintain its shape and protect the occupants. A strong structure means better protection for you and your passengers.
- Airbag Deployment: The test also checks how well the airbags deploy to cushion the impact. Proper airbag deployment can significantly reduce injury severity.
Side Impact Crash Test
The side impact crash test is another critical evaluation that simulates a collision from the side. Imagine a car hitting you from the side while you’re driving. This test ensures that your vehicle can withstand such impacts and keep you safe.
- Side Barrier Test: In this test, a vehicle is crashed into a moving barrier at 31 mph (50 km/h). The barrier is designed to mimic the impact of another car.
- Driver-Door Side-Pole Test: This part of the test involves crashing into a pole at 20 mph (32 km/h). It checks how well the vehicle’s door and pillars can absorb the impact.
- Safety Ratings: The results of these tests are combined to give an overall side impact rating. A higher rating indicates better protection for occupants.
Roof Strength Test
The roof strength test is often overlooked but is crucial for rollover accidents. Imagine your car flipping over while you’re driving. This test ensures that the roof can withstand such forces and keep you safe inside.
- Rollover Scenario: The test simulates a rollover scenario by applying a force to the roof. It checks how well the roof can maintain its integrity and prevent injuries.
- Structural Integrity: A strong roof structure is essential to prevent injuries during rollover accidents. The test evaluates the vehicle’s ability to maintain its shape and protect occupants.
- Safety Features: Modern vehicles often come equipped with rollover sensors and side curtain airbags, which deploy in the event of a rollover to provide additional protection.
By understanding these crash tests, you can make an informed decision about the safety of your vehicle. Remember, safety is not just about passing tests; it’s about protecting you and your loved ones on the road. Always choose a vehicle that excels in all these areas to ensure you’re driving in the safest possible car.
Driver Protection
Frontal Driver Protection
When you’re behind the wheel, your safety is paramount. One of the most critical aspects of driver protection is frontal driver protection. Imagine you’re driving on a busy highway, and suddenly, a car cuts in front of you. The impact could be severe, but modern cars are equipped with advanced safety features designed to minimize the risk of injury.
Airbags and Seatbelts: The first line of defense is the airbag system. In the event of a crash, airbags deploy to cushion the impact, reducing the force of the collision on your body. Seatbelts are another essential component. They keep you securely in your seat, preventing you from being thrown around the cabin and reducing the risk of head and neck injuries.
Advanced Restraint Systems: Modern cars often come with advanced restraint systems like pre-tensioning seatbelts and load limiters. These systems work together to ensure that the seatbelt tightens just before impact, keeping you firmly in place. Load limiters then release some of the force of the belt to prevent it from becoming too tight, which could cause more harm than good.
Frontal Passenger Protection
While the driver is crucial, passengers also need protection. Frontal passenger protection is just as important as driver protection. Think of it like this: when you’re driving, you’re not just protecting yourself; you’re also responsible for the safety of everyone in the vehicle.
Passenger Airbags: Just like the driver’s airbag, passenger airbags deploy in the event of a crash. However, passenger airbags are designed to deploy from the dashboard or side panels, providing additional cushioning for passengers. Some cars even have dual-stage airbags, which deploy with varying force depending on the severity of the crash.
Seatbelts for Passengers: Just as seatbelts are essential for drivers, they are equally important for passengers. Make sure all passengers are buckled up securely, as this significantly reduces the risk of injury or fatality in the event of a crash.
Side Driver Protection
Side driver protection is another critical aspect of overall safety. Imagine you’re driving and a car suddenly swerves into your lane. The impact could be severe, especially if you’re not wearing proper protection.
Side Airbags: Side airbags are designed to deploy from the doors or seats to protect your torso and head in the event of a side collision. These airbags are often integrated into the seat or door panels and can be life-saving in the right situation.
Door Reinforcement: Modern cars often have reinforced doors that can withstand impacts. These reinforcements can include stronger materials and additional structural elements designed to absorb the force of a collision, reducing the risk of injury to the driver.
Summary
Driver protection is multifaceted and involves various components working together to ensure your safety on the road. From airbags and seatbelts to advanced restraint systems and side airbags, each feature plays a crucial role in minimizing the risk of injury or fatality in the event of a crash. Always remember to buckle up, both as a driver and a passenger, and stay alert while driving to maximize the effectiveness of these safety features.
Advanced Safety Technologies
Pre-Collision System (PCS)
The Pre-Collision System (PCS) is a cutting-edge safety feature designed to prevent or mitigate the severity of collisions. Imagine you’re driving down a busy highway, and suddenly, a car cuts in front of you. The PCS kicks in, using advanced sensors and cameras to detect potential hazards. If it senses an impending collision, it will alert you with visual and auditory warnings, giving you crucial seconds to react. If you don’t respond in time, the system can automatically apply the brakes to help avoid the collision or reduce its impact. This feature is particularly useful in stop-and-go traffic or when a sudden stop is required, making it a vital technology for protecting you and others on the road.
Pedestrian Detection (PD)
Pedestrian Detection (PD) is another crucial safety feature that enhances the safety of both drivers and pedestrians. It’s like having a vigilant guardian watching over you as you drive. This system uses advanced sensors and cameras to detect pedestrians, even in low-light conditions. If a pedestrian is detected, the system will alert you with visual and auditory warnings, giving you ample time to react. Some systems can even automatically apply the brakes if necessary, adding an extra layer of safety in urban environments where pedestrians are more likely to be present. This feature is a lifesaver, especially in areas with high foot traffic.
Lane Departure Warning
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) is a safety feature that helps prevent accidents by ensuring you stay within your lane. Imagine driving on a long, winding road and suddenly feeling drowsy. The LDW system kicks in, using cameras to detect lane markings and alerting you if you drift out of your lane. This feature is designed to keep you focused and alert, reducing the risk of accidents caused by driver distraction. Some systems even provide gentle steering corrections to help you stay on course, making long drives safer and more comfortable. By keeping you in your lane, LDW is a vital tool for maintaining safe driving habits.
Additional Safety Features
Tire Pressure Monitor
A tire pressure monitor is one of the unsung heroes of modern car safety. Imagine driving on a highway, feeling confident and secure, only to realize that your tires are running low on air. It’s like trying to run a marathon with flat shoes – it’s just not going to end well. A tire pressure monitor ensures that your tires are always at the right pressure, which is crucial for maintaining control and safety on the road. These systems use sensors to detect the pressure in each tire and alert you if any of them are underinflated. It’s like having a personal mechanic who checks your tires every time you drive, but without the hassle of getting under the car.
Brake Assist
Brake assist is another feature that can make a significant difference in emergency situations. Think of it like having a superpower that helps you stop faster and more safely. When you slam on the brakes, brake assist kicks in to provide additional force, helping to shorten the stopping distance. This is especially important in situations where you need to stop quickly, like when a pedestrian steps out into the road or another car cuts you off. It’s like having an extra pair of hands on the brake pedal, working with you to ensure you come to a stop as quickly and safely as possible.
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) is a sophisticated system that ensures the right amount of force is applied to each wheel during braking. Imagine your car as a high-performance athlete, where every part needs to work together in perfect harmony. EBD does just that by distributing the braking force to each wheel based on the weight distribution of the vehicle. This means that if you’re driving a heavier vehicle, more force will be applied to the rear wheels, while lighter vehicles will have more force applied to the front wheels. It’s like having a smart coach that adjusts the braking strategy based on the specific needs of your car, ensuring you stop safely and efficiently every time.
Safety Ratings and Awards
IIHS Top Safety Pick Rating
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) is like a guardian angel for your safety on the road. They evaluate vehicles to ensure they meet rigorous safety standards, and their Top Safety Pick (TSP) and Top Safety Pick+ (TSP+) ratings are badges of honor for manufacturers. To qualify for these prestigious awards, vehicles must excel in several critical areas.
Frontal Offset Crash Test: Imagine a car crashing into a wall at a 40% offset. If the vehicle can protect its occupants in such a scenario, it’s a good sign. Vehicles that earn a good rating here have demonstrated robust frontal protection, which is crucial in preventing injuries during head-on collisions.
Side Impact Crash Test: Picture a car being hit from the side by another vehicle. The side impact test simulates this scenario to check how well the vehicle’s structure can absorb the impact and protect its occupants. A good rating indicates that the vehicle’s side structure is robust enough to prevent serious injuries.
Roof Strength Test: This test is like checking if your car’s roof can withstand a heavy load. If the roof collapses, it could lead to serious head injuries. Vehicles that pass this test with flying colors have roofs that are strong enough to keep you safe in case of a rollover.
Headlights: While headlights are essential for visibility, they also play a crucial role in safety. Vehicles with good-rated headlights can illuminate the road better, reducing the risk of accidents. However, some vehicles might receive acceptable ratings for their headlights, which still provide adequate illumination but may not be as effective as those with superior ratings.
Pedestrian Front Crash Prevention: This feature is like having a guardian angel watching out for pedestrians. Vehicles equipped with advanced pedestrian detection systems can automatically apply the brakes to prevent or mitigate collisions with pedestrians. An acceptable rating in this category means the vehicle has some level of pedestrian detection but may not be as advanced as those with superior ratings.
LATCH System: The LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system is designed to secure child seats safely. A good rating here indicates that the LATCH system is easy to use and provides a secure fit for child seats, reducing the risk of injuries during accidents.
ANCAP Pedestrian Protection Rating
The Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) is another organization that evaluates vehicles for safety. Their pedestrian protection rating is crucial because it assesses how well a vehicle can protect pedestrians in the event of a collision.
Pedestrian Protection: Imagine walking down the street and being hit by a car. The ANCAP rating evaluates how well the vehicle’s front end can absorb the impact and reduce the risk of serious injury to pedestrians. A high rating indicates that the vehicle is designed to minimize harm to pedestrians, making the roads safer for everyone.
Key Factors: The ANCAP rating considers several factors, including the vehicle’s design, materials, and safety features. These factors work together to ensure that pedestrians are protected in the event of a collision. A good rating in this category is a testament to the manufacturer’s commitment to pedestrian safety.
By understanding these safety ratings and awards, you can make informed decisions when choosing a vehicle. Remember, safety is not just about the vehicle; it’s also about the features and technologies that work together to protect you and your loved ones on the road.