The 2026 Toyota 4Runner SUV comes with the latest Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 technology as standard across the entire lineup. It provides features like lane assist, pedestrian detection, and even off-road systems on higher trims. The new 4Runner is ready to tackle everything from busy commutes on I-5 to rugged adventures on Washington’s backroads. Explore our full breakdown of the 2026 Toyota 4Runner’s safety features, such as lane assist and more, below.
Lane Departure Alert (LDA) with Steering Assist
Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist on the Toyota 4Runner prevents unintentional drifting during long commutes along I-5 and other busy highways. Toyota’s lane departure warning alerts drivers with sound and visual cues if they cross the lines on either side of the road without signaling. It only activates at speeds above 30 mph when the system detects visible lane markings. If necessary, the system also applies a light steering adjustment to bring your vehicle back on track.
Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) Technology
Toyota Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) builds on Toyota Lane Keeping Assist. It actively centers the vehicle in its lane when you engage Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. Unlike traditional systems that only warn you when you drift, this advanced version of the 4Runner’s lane assist uses lane markers and the vehicle ahead to guide your steering. This feature is particularly useful during long drives along Route 16, where constant steering corrections can be tiring. It’s also a helpful tool when you’re stuck in Seattle’s stop-and-go traffic.
Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
The 2026 4Runner comes with the Toyota Pre-Collision System with Toyota Pedestrian Detection to make navigating crowded intersections or crosswalks in the Proctor District less stressful. This technology uses radar and camera sensors to scan the road ahead. If it detects a potential collision with another vehicle, a pedestrian, or a cyclist, it issues a visual and audio alert. And if you aren’t able to respond in time, it activates the 4Runner’s automatic emergency brakes to reduce or prevent impact.
Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
Dynamic Radar Cruise Control automatically adjusts your speed to match the traffic ahead, helping you keep a safe following distance. It’s a handy feature to have during rush hour traffic on I-5 or on longer drives to Portland.
Road Sign Assist and Traffic Sign Recognition
Road Sign Assist adds an extra layer to the 4Runner’s safety suite of features. This system uses a forward-facing camera to detect speed limits, stop signs, and no-passing zones. Then, it displays them on your dash in real time to make sure you don’t miss any important information. The feature is especially useful in areas with frequent detours, such as construction zones in Tacoma.
Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
The 4Runner’s blind spot monitoring makes changing lanes on Route 512 safer and less stressful. It detects vehicles in hard-to-see zones and alerts you with a light in each of your side mirrors. The feature also adds Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, which warns of cars approaching as you back out of parking spaces at the grocery store or the Tacoma Mall.
Off-Road Specific Safety Features
With a focus on off-road safety, the Toyota 4Runner incorporates Multi-Terrain Monitor cameras to help you see what’s under and around your SUV. Crawl Control helps maintain your speed by managing the throttle and the brakes as you drive on mud, sand, gravel, and uneven ground. Headed to Mount Rainier for a weekend adventure? Downhill Assist Control adds stability on steep descents so you feel more in control.
Safety Feature Performance in Real-World Conditions
Rain, fog, and snow are common near Rainier and throughout the Pacific Northwest. Toyota’s sensors and stability systems help drivers pay attention to their surroundings even in low-visibility conditions. Combined with handling and assist features, the 4Runner handles winding mountain passes with confidence. And as a Tacoma local, you’ll appreciate the 4Runner’s Road Sign Assist feature during construction season on I-5.
IIHS and NHTSA Safety Ratings for 2026 4Runner
The official crash tests for the Toyota 4Runner 2026 model haven’t been released by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) yet. However, we expect results to align closely with the 2025 4Runner crash test ratings. The 2025 model earned four out of five stars overall from NHTSA, with a perfect five-star score in side crash protection. The IIHS also awarded the 4Runner the top rating of “Good” in categories like roof strength and head restraints.
2026 4Runner Safety Features by Trim Level
Every 4Runner in the 2026 lineup comes with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, which means features like adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, and lane keeping assist are standard. Higher trims like the TRD Off-Road and TRD Off-Road Premium add Multi-Terrain Select, Crawl Control, and Downhill Assist Control. The Limited trim offers the most comprehensive safety suite, including Drive Mode Select and a 360-degree Panoramic View Monitor.
Experience Toyota Safety Sense 3.0
Wondering when you can get behind the wheel of a 2026 Toyota 4Runner in Tacoma? The newest model is expected to arrive in fall 2025. If you’d like to get a feel for the Toyota 4Runner’s safety features before then, we encourage you to explore our inventory online and test drive one of the previous models we already have on our lot. Contact Titus-Will Toyota today to learn more about how the new Toyota 4Runner can make your trips safer.


