Consumers trust the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to determine the safety of all new cars. The NHTSA tests vehicles in three key areas and assigns each an overall rating out of five stars. Most Toyota cars receive perfect scores, but there are two exceptions for the 2023 model year.

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma earned 4 stars for safety

According to the NHTSA, the 2023 Toyota Tacoma performed perfectly in the side crash simulation. However, it earned four stars overall in frontal crash protection. It also has a 19% chance of experiencing a rollover after hitting another vehicle. 

Still, all of the Tacoma’s most important advanced driver’s aids meet the NHTSA’s safety criteria. The base trim has forward collision warning, dynamic brake support, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning. Higher trims have a few other car safety features, including parking sensors and blind-spot monitors.

In addition, every 2023 Toyota Tacoma has automatic high-beam headlights, but the TRD models have brighter LED headlights. The TRD Off-Road and Pro trims also provide different terrain driving modes for a safer off-roading experience.

The Toyota 4Runner offers average protection in rollovers

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner has the same overall safety score as the Tacoma but provides less protection to driver’s side passengers, the NTSA reports. It also has a higher chance of rolling over after a collision (nearly 25%). However, like the Tacoma, it still has a perfect score in side crash protection. 

The 4Runner also got five-star ratings in all of its safety feature evaluations. The standard trim has more features than the Tacoma, though it still offers fewer upgrades overall compared to some rivals. It also has optional off-roading enhancements, including a Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System.

Which 2023 Toyota cars have perfect safety ratings?

Every other 2023 Toyota model earned a five-star NHTSA rating. The Tundra faltered slightly during the rollover test. Otherwise, it’s a solid truck with a good selection of standard and available advanced safety features. 

The 2023 Toyota Venza offers more protection for the front-seat passenger than the driver, and it has an above-standard rollover risk. It still gives riders above-average protection in side crashes and has a good selection of safety features for the price. It also has standard all-wheel drive and a hybrid powertrain earning 40/37 mpg city/highway.

The 2023 Toyota Camry and its hybrid twin have perfect scores in every crash test category. In addition to all of its advanced safety features, this sedan offers a fun 301-hp V6 starting on the XLE trim. The 2023 Corolla also has a V6 option, though it might roll over easier than the Camry.

With a mere 16% chance of rolling over, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 is still well-deserving of its perfect NHTSA score. The RAV4 is also one of the most well-balanced SUVs thanks to its overall performance and variety of technology features. The RAV4’s steering can be sluggish, but its comfortable ride helps improve driver confidence.

The 2023 Sienna has about a 13% chance of rolling over despite its larger size than the RAV4. This minivan also has a few features to mitigate driver distraction, such as a cabin intercom to communicate with unruly backseat passengers.

The Toyota Highlander offers near-perfect protection for front-seat riders. Additionally, unlike many of its siblings, it received a five-star safety score while simulating a crash with a fixed object.

However, the 4Runner and Tacoma still do a find job in protecting passengers.