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.