2018 Toyota Camry LE: Comprehensive Safety Ratings and Crash Test Performance

The 2018 Toyota Camry Le marks a significant redesign for this ever-popular sedan, bringing with it a suite of advanced safety features and impressive crash test performance. As a prospective buyer or current owner, understanding the safety ratings of your vehicle is paramount. This article delves into the detailed safety evaluations conducted on the 2018 Toyota Camry LE, providing a comprehensive overview of its performance in various crash scenarios and safety assessments.

This analysis is based on rigorous testing and data provided by leading safety organizations, ensuring you have access to reliable information to make informed decisions. We will explore how the 2018 Camry LE performed in small overlap front crashes, moderate overlap front crashes, side impacts, roof strength tests, and head restraint evaluations. Additionally, we will examine headlight ratings, front crash prevention systems, and child seat anchor ease of use.

Small Overlap Front Crash Test: Driver-Side

The small overlap front crash test is designed to simulate what happens when the front corner of a vehicle collides with another vehicle or a narrow object like a tree or utility pole. In the driver-side small overlap front test, the 2018 Toyota Camry LE achieved a Good rating, the highest possible.

Evaluation Criteria Rating
Overall G
Structure and safety cage G
Driver Injury Measures
Head/neck G
Chest G
Hip/thigh G
Lower leg/foot G
Driver restraints & kinematics G

This “Good” rating signifies that in a driver-side small overlap frontal crash, the 2018 Toyota Camry LE provides excellent protection. Key structural elements of the vehicle held up well, maintaining the driver’s survival space. Sensor data from the crash test dummy indicated a low risk of significant injuries to the head, neck, chest, hip, thigh, and lower leg/foot regions. The restraints system effectively controlled the dummy’s movement during the crash.

Technical Measurements – Driver-Side Small Overlap Front

Measurement Category Criteria Measurement
Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Driver Side)
Lower Hinge Pillar Max (cm) Lower Occupant Compartment 2 cm
Footrest (cm) Lower Occupant Compartment 2 cm
Left Toepan (cm) Lower Occupant Compartment 2 cm
Brake Pedal (cm) Lower Occupant Compartment 2 cm
Parking Brake (cm) Lower Occupant Compartment 4 cm
Rocker Panel Lateral Average (cm) Lower Occupant Compartment 0 cm
Steering Column (cm) Upper Occupant Compartment 0 cm
Upper Hinge Pillar Max (cm) Upper Occupant Compartment 1 cm
Upper Dash (cm) Upper Occupant Compartment 1 cm
Lower Instrument Panel (cm) Upper Occupant Compartment 2 cm
Driver Injury Measures
Head HIC-15 Head Injury Criterion 157
Peak gs at Hard Contact Head Impact Force No Contact
Neck Tension (kN) Neck Tension Force 0.9 kN
Neck Extension Bending Moment (Nm) Neck Bending Moment 4 Nm
Maximum Nij Neck Injury Criterion 0.14
Chest Maximum Compression (mm) Chest Compression 22 mm
Femur Force – Left (kN) Left Femur Force 0.5 kN
Femur Force – Right (kN) Right Femur Force 0.3 kN
Knee Displacement – Left (mm) Left Knee Displacement 0 mm
Knee Displacement – Right (mm) Right Knee Displacement 0 mm
Knee-Thigh-Hip Injury Risk – Left (%) Left Lower Extremity Injury Risk 0%
Knee-Thigh-Hip Injury Risk – Right (%) Right Lower Extremity Injury Risk 0%
Maximum Tibia Index – Left Left Tibia Injury Criterion 0.35
Maximum Tibia Index – Right Right Tibia Injury Criterion 0.42
Tibia Axial Force – Left (kN) Left Tibia Axial Force 2.0 kN
Tibia Axial Force – Right (kN) Right Tibia Axial Force 0.9 kN
Foot Acceleration – Left (g) Left Foot Acceleration 59 g
Foot Acceleration – Right (g) Right Foot Acceleration 34 g

Small Overlap Front Crash Test: Passenger-Side

The passenger-side small overlap test is the counterpart to the driver-side test, evaluating how well the vehicle protects the passenger in a similar frontal collision scenario. The 2018 Toyota Camry, tested in XLE trim for this evaluation, also earned a Good overall rating in the passenger-side small overlap test.

Evaluation Criteria Rating
Overall Evaluation G
Structure and Safety Cage G
Passenger Injury Measures
Head/Neck G
Chest G
Hip/Thigh G
Lower Leg/Foot G
Passenger Restraints & Kinematics A
Driver Injury Measures
Head/Neck G
Chest G
Hip/Thigh G
Lower Leg/Foot G
Driver Restraints & Kinematics G

While the 2018 Camry achieved “Good” ratings for structural integrity and injury measures for both driver and passenger, the passenger restraints and kinematics were rated as Acceptable. The test indicated that while the dummy’s face remained in contact with the frontal airbag, the head moved too far to the right, towards the gap between the frontal and side curtain airbags. Despite this, the side curtain airbag deployed effectively, providing sufficient forward coverage to protect the head from contact with side structures and external objects.

Technical Measurements – Passenger-Side Small Overlap Front

Measurement Category Criteria Measurement
Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Passenger Side)
Lower Hinge Pillar Max (cm) Lower Occupant Compartment 4 cm
Footrest (cm) Lower Occupant Compartment 9 cm
Right Toepan (cm) Lower Occupant Compartment 4 cm
Center Toepan (cm) Lower Occupant Compartment 3 cm
Rocker Panel Lateral Average (cm) Lower Occupant Compartment 1 cm
Center Dash (cm) Upper Occupant Compartment 2 cm
Upper Hinge Pillar Max (cm) Upper Occupant Compartment 3 cm
Upper Dash (cm) Upper Occupant Compartment 4 cm
Right Lower Dash (cm) Upper Occupant Compartment 3 cm
Passenger Injury Measures
Head HIC-15 Head Injury Criterion 189
Peak gs at Hard Contact Head Impact Force No Contact
Neck Tension (kN) Neck Tension Force 1.1 kN
Neck Extension Bending Moment (Nm) Neck Bending Moment 12 Nm
Maximum Nij Neck Injury Criterion 0.25
Chest Maximum Compression (mm) Chest Compression 21 mm
Femur Force – Left (kN) Left Femur Force 0.9 kN
Femur Force – Right (kN) Right Femur Force 0.9 kN
Knee Displacement – Left (mm) Left Knee Displacement 3 mm
Knee Displacement – Right (mm) Right Knee Displacement 3 mm
Knee-Thigh-Hip Injury Risk – Left (%) Left Lower Extremity Injury Risk 0%
Knee-Thigh-Hip Injury Risk – Right (%) Right Lower Extremity Injury Risk 0%
Maximum Tibia Index – Left Left Tibia Injury Criterion 0.27
Maximum Tibia Index – Right Right Tibia Injury Criterion 0.33
Tibia Axial Force – Left (kN) Left Tibia Axial Force 2.4 kN
Tibia Axial Force – Right (kN) Right Tibia Axial Force 1.9 kN
Foot Acceleration – Left (g) Left Foot Acceleration 44 g
Foot Acceleration – Right (g) Right Foot Acceleration 53 g
Driver Injury Measures
Head HIC-15 Head Injury Criterion 126
Peak gs at Hard Contact Head Impact Force No Contact
Neck Tension (kN) Neck Tension Force 0.9 kN
Neck Extension Bending Moment (Nm) Neck Bending Moment 10 Nm
Maximum Nij Neck Injury Criterion 0.16
Chest Maximum Compression (mm) Chest Compression 31 mm
Femur Force – Left (kN) Left Femur Force 0.6 kN
Femur Force – Right (kN) Right Femur Force 0.5 kN
Knee Displacement – Left (mm) Left Knee Displacement 0 mm
Knee Displacement – Right (mm) Right Knee Displacement 0 mm
Knee-Thigh-Hip Injury Risk – Left (%) Left Lower Extremity Injury Risk 0%
Knee-Thigh-Hip Injury Risk – Right (%) Right Lower Extremity Injury Risk 0%
Maximum Tibia Index – Left Left Tibia Injury Criterion 0.34
Maximum Tibia Index – Right Right Tibia Injury Criterion 0.23
Tibia Axial Force – Left (kN) Left Tibia Axial Force 1.2 kN
Tibia Axial Force – Right (kN) Right Tibia Axial Force 0.9 kN
Foot Acceleration – Left (g) Left Foot Acceleration 41 g
Foot Acceleration – Right (g) Right Foot Acceleration 37 g

Moderate Overlap Front Crash Test: Original Test

In the moderate overlap front crash test, a vehicle travels at 40 mph towards a deformable barrier. This test replicates a common type of collision. The 2018 Toyota Camry LE achieved a Good rating in this test.

Evaluation Criteria Rating
Overall Evaluation G
Structure and Safety Cage G
Driver Injury Measures
Head/Neck G
Chest G
Leg/Foot, Left G
Leg/Foot, Right G
Driver restraints & kinematics G

The “Good” rating across all categories indicates that the 2018 Toyota Camry LE offers excellent protection in a moderate overlap frontal crash. The vehicle structure effectively managed crash forces, and measurements taken from the crash test dummy showed a low risk of injuries.

Technical Measurements – Moderate Overlap Front Crash

Measurement Category Criteria Measurement
Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Driver Side)
Footrest (cm) Footwell Intrusion 5 cm
Left Footwell Intrusion (cm) Footwell Intrusion 7 cm
Center Footwell Intrusion (cm) Footwell Intrusion 6 cm
Right Footwell Intrusion (cm) Footwell Intrusion 3 cm
Brake Pedal Intrusion (cm) Footwell Intrusion 3 cm
Instrument Panel Rearward Movement – Left (cm) Instrument Panel Movement 1 cm
Instrument Panel Rearward Movement – Right (cm) Instrument Panel Movement 1 cm
Steering Column Upward Movement (cm) Steering Column Movement -1 cm
Steering Column Rearward Movement (cm) Steering Column Movement -6 cm
A-Pillar Rearward Movement (cm) A-Pillar Movement 1 cm
Driver Injury Measures
Head HIC-15 Head Injury Criterion 204
Peak gs at Hard Contact Head Impact Force No Contact
Neck Tension (kN) Neck Tension Force 1.0 kN
Neck Extension Bending Moment (Nm) Neck Bending Moment 21 Nm
Maximum Nij Neck Injury Criterion 0.27
Chest Maximum Compression (mm) Chest Compression 26 mm
Femur Force – Left (kN) Left Femur Force 1.1 kN
Femur Force – Right (kN) Right Femur Force 1.3 kN
Knee Displacement – Left (mm) Left Knee Displacement 0 mm
Knee Displacement – Right (mm) Right Knee Displacement 0 mm
Maximum Tibia Index – Left Left Tibia Injury Criterion 0.31
Maximum Tibia Index – Right Right Tibia Injury Criterion 0.51
Tibia Axial Force – Left (kN) Left Tibia Axial Force 2.5 kN
Tibia Axial Force – Right (kN) Right Tibia Axial Force 2.5 kN
Foot Acceleration – Left (g) Left Foot Acceleration 69 g
Foot Acceleration – Right (g) Right Foot Acceleration 39 g

Side Crash Test: Original Test

The side crash test assesses vehicle safety in side-impact collisions. In the original side crash test, the 2018 Toyota Camry LE earned a Good overall rating.

Evaluation Criteria Rating
Overall Evaluation G
Structure and Safety Cage G
Driver Injury Measures
Head/Neck G
Torso G
Pelvis/Leg G
Driver Head Protection G
Rear Passenger Injury Measures
Head/Neck G
Torso G
Pelvis/Leg G
Rear Passenger Head Protection G

This “Good” rating for side impact protection for both driver and rear passengers demonstrates the 2018 Toyota Camry LE’s ability to safeguard occupants in a side collision. All injury measures were rated as “Good,” indicating a low risk of significant injuries in this type of crash.

Technical Measurements – Original Side Crash Test

Measurement Category Criteria Measurement
Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Driver Side)
B-Pillar to Longitudinal Centerline (cm) B-Pillar Crush (Negative = Short of Center) -22.0 cm
Driver Injury Measures
Head HIC-15 Head Injury Criterion 334
Neck Tension (kN) Neck Tension Force 0.9 kN
Neck Compression (kN) Neck Compression Force 0.2 kN
Shoulder Lateral Deflection (mm) Shoulder Deflection 29 mm
Shoulder Lateral Force (kN) Shoulder Force 1.2 kN
Torso Maximum Deflection (mm) Torso Deflection 30 mm
Torso Average Deflection (mm) Torso Deflection 28 mm
Torso Maximum Deflection Rate (m/s) Torso Deflection Rate 3.60 m/s
Torso Maximum Viscous Criterion (m/s) Torso Viscous Criterion 0.34 m/s
Pelvis Iliac Force (kN) Pelvis Iliac Force 1.3 kN
Pelvis Acetabulum Force (kN) Pelvis Acetabulum Force 1.4 kN
Pelvis Combined Force (kN) Pelvis Combined Force 2.6 kN
Left Femur L-M Force (kN) Left Femur Force 0.4 kN
Left Femur L-M Moment (Nm) Left Femur Moment 50 Nm
Left Femur A-P Moment (Nm) Left Femur Moment 122 Nm
Passenger Injury Measures
Head HIC-15 Head Injury Criterion 151
Neck Tension (kN) Neck Tension Force 0.1 kN
Neck Compression (kN) Neck Compression Force 0.5 kN
Shoulder Lateral Deflection (mm) Shoulder Deflection 22 mm
Shoulder Lateral Force (kN) Shoulder Force 0.9 kN
Torso Maximum Deflection (mm) Torso Deflection 26 mm
Torso Average Deflection (mm) Torso Deflection 23 mm
Torso Maximum Deflection Rate (m/s) Torso Deflection Rate 3.90 m/s
Torso Maximum Viscous Criterion (m/s) Torso Viscous Criterion 0.22 m/s
Pelvis Iliac Force (kN) Pelvis Iliac Force 0.9 kN
Pelvis Acetabulum Force (kN) Pelvis Acetabulum Force 1.0 kN
Pelvis Combined Force (kN) Pelvis Combined Force 1.7 kN
Left Femur L-M Force (kN) Left Femur Force 0.2 kN
Left Femur L-M Moment (Nm) Left Femur Moment 31 Nm
Left Femur A-P Moment (Nm) Left Femur Moment 89 Nm

Side Crash Test: Updated Test (Vehicles Built Before February 2023)

An updated side crash test, featuring a more severe impact, was also conducted. For 2018-2023 Toyota Camry models built before February 2023, the rating in this updated test is Poor overall.

Evaluation Criteria Rating
Overall Evaluation P
Structure and Safety Cage A
Driver Injury Measures
Head/Neck G
Torso M
Pelvis M
Driver Head Protection M
Rear Passenger Injury Measures
Head/Neck G
Torso A
Pelvis P
Rear Passenger Head Protection G

In this more demanding test, the 2018-2023 Toyota Camry built before Feb 2023 showed weaknesses. While head and neck protection for both driver and rear passenger remained “Good,” torso and pelvis protection for both occupants were rated as “Marginal” to “Poor”. Critically, driver head protection was also “Marginal” because the dummy’s head slid past the side curtain airbag and struck the window sill. The structure and safety cage received an “Acceptable” rating, indicating some room for improvement in structural integrity during a more severe side impact.

Technical Measurements – Updated Side Crash Test

Measurement Category Criteria Measurement
Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Driver Side)
B-Pillar to Longitudinal Centerline (cm) B-Pillar Crush (Negative = Short of Center) -15.5 cm
Driver Injury Measures
Head HIC-15 Head Injury Criterion 391
Peak gs at Hard Contact Head Impact Force 82 g
Neck Tension (kN) Neck Tension Force 1.8 kN
Neck Compression (kN) Neck Compression Force 0.2 kN
Shoulder Lateral Deflection (mm) Shoulder Deflection 47 mm
Shoulder Lateral Force (kN) Shoulder Force 1.5 kN
Torso Maximum Deflection (mm) Torso Deflection 41 mm
Torso Average Deflection (mm) Torso Deflection 39 mm
Torso Maximum Deflection Rate (m/s) Torso Deflection Rate 3.61 m/s
Torso Maximum Viscous Criterion (m/s) Torso Viscous Criterion 0.68 m/s
Pelvis Combined Force (kN) Pelvis Combined Force 5.7 kN
Passenger Injury Measures
Head HIC-15 Head Injury Criterion 168
Peak gs at Hard Contact Head Impact Force No Contact
Neck Tension (kN) Neck Tension Force 0.4 kN
Neck Compression (kN) Neck Compression Force 0.4 kN
Shoulder Lateral Deflection (mm) Shoulder Deflection 25 mm
Shoulder Lateral Force (kN) Shoulder Force 1.3 kN
Torso Maximum Deflection (mm) Torso Deflection 32 mm
Torso Average Deflection (mm) Torso Deflection 29 mm
Torso Maximum Deflection Rate (m/s) Torso Deflection Rate 2.57 m/s
Torso Maximum Viscous Criterion (m/s) Torso Viscous Criterion 0.37 m/s
Pelvis Combined Force (kN) Pelvis Combined Force 6.1 kN

Roof Strength Test

The roof strength test measures how well a vehicle’s roof can withstand forces in a rollover crash. The 2018 Toyota Camry LE achieved a Good rating in roof strength.

Evaluation Criteria Rating
Overall Evaluation G
Curb Weight 3,326 lbs
Peak Force 18,862 lbs
Strength-to-Weight Ratio 5.67

A “Good” rating in roof strength indicates that the roof of the 2018 Toyota Camry LE is structurally sound and provides strong protection in rollover scenarios. The strength-to-weight ratio of 5.67 significantly exceeds the minimum requirement, demonstrating robust roof integrity.

Head Restraints & Seats

Whiplash protection is crucial in rear-end collisions. The 2018 Toyota Camry LE with its power cloth seats received a Good rating for head restraints and seats.

Evaluation Criteria Rating
Overall Evaluation G
Dynamic Rating G
Seat/Head Geometry G

The “Good” dynamic rating and seat/head restraint geometry rating confirm that the 2018 Toyota Camry LE’s seats and head restraints are well-designed to minimize whiplash injuries in rear impacts.

Technical Measurements – Head Restraints & Seats

Measurement Category Power Cloth Seat
Geometry
Backset (mm) 20 mm
Distance Below Top of Head (mm) 6 mm
Seat Design Parameters
Pass/Fail Pass
Max T1 Acceleration (g) 13.8 g
Head Contact Time (ms) 63 ms
Force Rating 1
Neck Forces
Max Neck Shear Force (N) 0 N
Max Neck Tension (N) 281 N

Headlights

Headlight performance is critical for nighttime safety. The 2018 Toyota Camry LE comes with LED projector headlights, which received an Acceptable rating overall.

Evaluation Criteria Rating
Low-beam Headlight Type LED projector
High-beam Headlight Type LED projector
Curve-Adaptive? No
High-beam Assist? Yes
Overall Rating A

While not the highest “Good” rating, an “Acceptable” headlight rating indicates that the standard LED projector headlights on the 2018 Toyota Camry LE provide adequate visibility in most driving conditions. High-beam assist is included, which can automatically switch between high and low beams to optimize visibility without blinding other drivers.

Headlight Performance Details – LE, SE, L, Hybrid LE, Hybrid SE Trims

LOW BEAMS Measurement Glare Exceeded Threshold
Straightaway Right Edge 96.8 m None
Straightaway Left Edge 51.0 m None
250m Radius Right Curve, Right Edge 62.3 m None
250m Radius Left Curve, Right Edge 44.9 m None
150m Radius Right Curve, Right Edge 56.2 m None
150m Radius Left Curve, Left Edge 48.8 m None
HIGH BEAMS Measurement
Straightaway Right Edge 138.5 m
Straightaway Left Edge 122.8 m
250m Radius Right Curve, Right Edge 66.1 m
250m Radius Left Curve, Right Edge 62.4 m
150m Radius Right Curve, Right Edge 55.6 m
150m Radius Left Curve, Left Edge 52.8 m

Front Crash Prevention: Vehicle-to-Vehicle

The 2018 Toyota Camry LE comes standard with a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection. This system earned a Superior rating in vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention tests.

Evaluation Criteria Rating
Overall Evaluation Superior
Forward Collision Warning Does Not Meet Requirements
12 mph Test Collision Avoided
25 mph Test Collision Avoided

The “Superior” rating for front crash prevention highlights the effectiveness of the 2018 Toyota Camry LE’s automatic emergency braking system in avoiding collisions at both 12 mph and 25 mph. While the forward collision warning system doesn’t fully meet requirements, the automatic braking capability is a significant safety asset.

Child Seat Anchors (LATCH)

For families with young children, the ease of use of child seat anchors is important. The 2018 Toyota Camry LE received a Good+ rating for LATCH system ease of use, including extra LATCH positions.

Evaluation Criteria Rating
Overall Evaluation G + Extra LATCH Positions
Vehicle Trim LE
Seat Type Cloth

The “Good+” rating indicates that the 2018 Toyota Camry LE has easy-to-use LATCH anchors in two rear seating positions and provides additional tether anchor access for a third position. This makes installing child safety seats more straightforward and secure.

LATCH System Details by Seating Position

Position Rating Details
1 Good Tether anchor (easy-to-find), Lower anchors (not too deep, easy to attach & maneuver)
2 Good Tether anchor (easy-to-find), Lower anchors (can be borrowed from positions 1 & 3)
3 Good Tether anchor (easy-to-find), Lower anchors (not too deep, easy to attach & maneuver)

Conclusion

The 2018 Toyota Camry LE demonstrates a strong commitment to safety, achieving top “Good” ratings in most crashworthiness evaluations. While the updated side crash test resulted in a “Poor” rating, the original side test and other evaluations like small overlap front, moderate overlap front, and roof strength tests show robust occupant protection. The “Acceptable” headlight rating and “Superior” front crash prevention system further contribute to the overall safety profile of this vehicle. The “Good+” rating for child seat anchors also makes it a family-friendly choice.

For prospective buyers of the 2018 Toyota Camry LE, these safety ratings provide valuable insights into the vehicle’s ability to protect occupants in various crash scenarios. While considering these ratings, it’s important to be aware of the performance in the updated side crash test for models built before February 2023. Overall, the 2018 Toyota Camry LE remains a safe and reliable option in the sedan market, particularly excelling in front and moderate impact scenarios.

Comments

No comments yet. Why don’t you start the discussion?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *