The 2015 Toyota Prius Four, a popular hybrid vehicle known for its fuel efficiency, has also undergone rigorous safety testing. Understanding these safety ratings is crucial for prospective buyers. This article delves into the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) small overlap frontal crash test results for the 2015 Toyota Prius Four, providing a detailed analysis of its performance.
The Toyota Prius underwent a redesign in 2010, establishing its place as a leader in hybrid technology. The model tested, a 2014 Toyota Prius Two built after November 2013, reflects design updates relevant to the 2015 model year. It’s important to note that modifications were made starting with 2014 models to enhance small overlap frontal crash protection, including structural changes and lengthened side curtain airbags. Vehicles manufactured after November 2013 also featured 15-inch alloy wheels from a single supplier to ensure more controlled crushing in this demanding test.
Small Overlap Frontal Crash Test Performance
The IIHS small overlap test is particularly challenging, simulating a crash where only a small portion of the vehicle’s front corner impacts an object. In this test, the 2015 Toyota Prius Four achieved an Acceptable overall rating. While this isn’t the highest rating, it provides valuable insights into specific areas of vehicle performance.
Action shot from the 2015 Toyota Prius Four small overlap frontal crash test, demonstrating vehicle impact.
Structural Integrity and Occupant Compartment
A critical aspect of crash safety is the structural performance of the vehicle. The 2015 Toyota Prius Four received a Marginal rating for Structure and safety cage. This indicates that the vehicle’s structure did not hold up optimally during the small overlap test. Measurements taken after the test revealed significant intrusion into the driver’s side occupant compartment.
Technical measurements showed considerable intrusion at key points: the lower hinge pillar (22 cm), parking brake pedal (19 cm), and upper dash (14 cm). These measurements highlight the extent of structural deformation and its potential impact on occupant safety.
Post-crash driver-side view inside the 2015 Toyota Prius Four, showing steering wheel and instrument panel displacement relative to the door frame, indicating compromised survival space.
Driver Restraints and Kinematics
The effectiveness of airbags and seatbelts is paramount in protecting the driver during a crash. For Driver restraints and dummy kinematics, the 2015 Toyota Prius Four earned an Acceptable rating. However, the detailed assessment revealed some concerns. The test dummy’s head barely contacted the frontal airbag and then slid off to the side, leaving it vulnerable. Furthermore, the seat belt allowed excessive forward movement of the dummy’s head and torso. Despite these issues, the side curtain airbag deployed correctly, offering potential head protection from side impacts.
Close-up view of the crash test dummy inside the 2015 Toyota Prius Four after impact, illustrating the dummy’s head sliding off the frontal airbag and excessive forward movement from the seat.
Injury Measures
Despite the structural challenges and issues with frontal airbag performance, the 2015 Toyota Prius Four performed well in terms of Driver injury measures. Ratings for Head/neck, Chest, Hip/thigh, and Lower leg/foot were all Good, the highest possible rating. This suggests that while the structure and restraints had shortcomings, the risk of serious injuries to these body regions was low. Technical measurements corroborated these ratings, showing low injury measures for head, neck, chest, and legs.
Footwell area of the 2015 Toyota Prius Four post-crash, demonstrating intrusion around the door hinge pillar and parking brake pedal, but indicating low risk of leg and foot injuries.
Conclusion: 2015 Toyota Prius Four Safety Assessment
The 2015 Toyota Prius Four achieved an Acceptable rating in the IIHS small overlap frontal crash test. While driver injury measures were good, the structural performance was marginal, and there were noted issues with frontal airbag and seatbelt effectiveness. Prospective buyers should consider these findings when evaluating the overall safety of the 2015 Toyota Prius Four. Understanding the specifics of these crash test results provides a more nuanced view of the vehicle’s safety performance beyond just an overall rating.
