The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration conducts two types of rollover tests — one static and one dynamic — to rate the chances that a car, truck or SUV will roll over. These two tests are combined into one “star” rating, along with a percentage chance of rollover.
The 2008 Toyota 4Runner scores three out of five stars (five being least likely to roll over) with a 21% chance of rollover for two-wheel-drive models and a 20% chance for four-wheel drive. The 4Runner did not tip over in NHTSA’s dynamic test, where a standardized “fishhook” technique replicates an emergency avoidance maneuver.
There are features that aid rollover prevention and even injury prevention if a rollover does occur, including electronic stability systems and side curtain airbags. An electronic stability system, which is standard on the 4Runner, will keep an SUV pointed straight if it starts to skid.
If a rollover does happen, side curtain airbags — also standard equipment on the 4Runner — will inflate between the window and occupants’ heads to help prevent face-to-glass contact. Also, the airbags will stay inflated during a prolonged rollover.
For more information on how rollover tests are conducted and what the results mean, check out our resources below. You can find NHTSA rollover ratings in a vehicle’s Cars.com Vehicle Summary in our Research section, as well as at Safercar.gov.
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