Many families need a large vehicle that offers space for both passengers and cargo. Plus it’s important and useful to have as many safety and technology features included as well. Luckily, the 2021 Toyota Highlander is one great SUV that meets these needs. There’s one huge reason, though, that it stands out in its class.

The 2021 Highlander stands out for its safety

The 2021 Toyota Highlander has excellent safety ratings, and it provides plenty of standard advanced safety features. The Highlander was named a 2021 Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The IIHS gave the 2021 Highlander its highest ratings for all its crash tests and collision avoidance tests. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also gave the Highlander high marks, with five out of five stars for its overall safety rating.

The 2021 Highlander comes with a long list of standard safety features. It provides a rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beam headlights, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, lane trace assist, traffic sign recognition, and a rear-seat reminder.

In addition, adaptive headlights, front and rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rain-sensing windshield wipers, head-up display, rearview mirror camera, and a surround-view parking camera system are available features, says U.S. News.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander has lots of great standard features for families

The 2021 Toyota Highlander comes in at sixth on U.S. News‘ list of the best three-row SUVs for families. It has a high-quality interior, although its third row is a bit small. It has a powerful V6 engine that is also fuel-efficient. It has a nice ride and higher-than-average predicted reliability. And it provides plenty of other standard features great for families.

In addition to the standard safety features, all trim levels of the 2021 Highlander provide proximity keyless entry, tri-zone automatic climate control, and an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat (or 10-way on higher trim levels). An 8-inch touchscreen is standard, but a 12.3-inch touchscreen is available on higher trims. The infotainment system is compatible with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa.

The Highlander also comes standard with Bluetooth, satellite radio, five USB ports, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. A six-speaker stereo system is standard, but an 11-speaker system is available.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander

The 2021 Toyota Highlander isn’t the largest or most agile in its class, but it’s a good all-around option. It has a 295-hp V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. All trims come standard with front-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive is available. The Highlander is rated for 21 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway when it has front-wheel drive.

With all-wheel drive, it gets 20 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. In addition to the gas engine, there is also a hybrid powertrain option for the Highlander. The Highlander is able to tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.

In addition to its many standard features, the 2021 Highlander has a few more additional available features. Optional tech features include wireless device charging and navigation along with the larger touchscreen and premium stereo.

Other available options include either a moonroof or a panoramic moonroof, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster display, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, ambient interior lighting, Driver Easy Speak (which uses a microphone to amplify the driver’s voice), a universal garage door opener, and a 120-volt household outlet.

Families looking for a three-row SUV should consider the 2021 Toyota Highlander. It has a lot to offer, but its safety ratings and features provide one huge reason it stands out in its class.