The Toyota Corolla has long been recognized for its reliability and fuel efficiency, but safety is just as crucial for car buyers. If you’re considering a Toyota Corolla 2017, understanding its safety performance is essential. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the 2017-2019 Toyota Corolla safety ratings, based on rigorous testing, to help you make an informed decision.
Small Overlap Front Crash Test: Driver-Side
The small overlap front crash test simulates what happens when the corner of a vehicle collides with another vehicle or a fixed object like a tree or pole. This is a particularly challenging test, and the Toyota Corolla 2017 model performed admirably in the driver-side small overlap front test.
The 2017-2019 Toyota Corolla earned a “Good” rating in this demanding evaluation. Crucially, starting with the 2017 models, Toyota enhanced the front-end structure and reinforced the frame around the driver’s door. These modifications were specifically implemented to bolster occupant protection in small overlap frontal crashes.
The structural performance of the Toyota Corolla 2017 was rated “Good,” indicating that the safety cage held up well during the impact. Analysis of driver injury measures also yielded positive results:
- Head/Neck: Good
- Chest: Good
- Hip/Thigh: Good
- Lower Leg/Foot: Acceptable
The “Acceptable” rating for the lower leg/foot area indicates a moderate risk of injury to the right lower leg, which is a point to consider. However, the driver restraints and dummy kinematics were rated “Good,” signifying that the airbags and seatbelts functioned effectively to control occupant movement during the crash.
Technical measurements from the small overlap front test provide further detail:
Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Driver Side):
| Measurement | Value (cm) |
|---|---|
| Lower Hinge Pillar Max | 4 |
| Footrest | 13 |
| Left Toepan | 7 |
| Brake Pedal | 4 |
| Rocker Panel Lateral Average | 3 |
| Steering Column | 0 |
| Upper Hinge Pillar Max | 3 |
| Upper Dash | 4 |
| Lower Instrument Panel | 4 |
These measurements confirm minimal intrusion into the driver’s space, contributing to the strong structural rating.
Driver Injury Measures:
| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 151 |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 1.4 |
| Neck Extension Bending Moment (Nm) | 18 |
| Maximum Nij | 0.29 |
| Chest Maximum Compression (mm) | 24 |
| Femur Force – Left (kN) | 0.6 |
| Femur Force – Right (kN) | 2.6 |
| Maximum Tibia Index – Left | 0.54 |
| Maximum Tibia Index – Right | 0.67 |
These readings are within acceptable limits, further supporting the “Good” ratings for most injury measures.
Moderate Overlap Front Crash Test: Original Test
The moderate overlap front test involves a larger portion of the vehicle’s front end impacting a deformable barrier. The Toyota Corolla 2017, like models from 2014-2019, also received a “Good” overall rating in the original moderate overlap front test. This rating is based on tests conducted by Toyota and evaluated by the Institute.
Across all evaluation criteria, the Toyota Corolla 2017 performed strongly:
- Overall Evaluation: Good
- Structure and Safety Cage: Good
- Driver Injury Measures:
- Head/Neck: Good
- Chest: Good
- Leg/Foot, Left: Good
- Leg/Foot, Right: Acceptable
- Driver Restraints and Dummy Kinematics: Good
Similar to the small overlap test, the right leg/foot area received an “Acceptable” rating, suggesting a slightly higher risk of injury in this specific area.
Technical measurements for the moderate overlap front test include:
Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Driver Side):
| Measurement | Value (cm) |
|---|---|
| Footrest | 6 |
| Footwell Intrusion – Left | 10 |
| Footwell Intrusion – Center | 11 |
| Footwell Intrusion – Right | 5 |
| Brake Pedal | 4 |
| Instrument Panel Rearward Movement – Left | 0 |
| Instrument Panel Rearward Movement – Right | 0 |
| Steering Column Movement – Upward | -2 |
| Steering Column Movement – Rearward | -4 |
| A-Pillar Rearward Movement | 2 |
Driver Injury Measures:
| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 253 |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 1.5 |
| Neck Extension Bending Moment (Nm) | 12 |
| Maximum Nij | 0.27 |
| Chest Maximum Compression (mm) | 29 |
| Femur Force – Left (kN) | 1.6 |
| Femur Force – Right (kN) | 2.8 |
| Maximum Tibia Index – Left | 0.45 |
| Maximum Tibia Index – Right | 0.98 |
These measurements are within safe ranges, contributing to the overall “Good” rating.
Side Crash Test: Original Test
Side impacts are another significant safety concern. The Toyota Corolla 2017, when equipped with standard front and rear head curtain airbags and front seat-mounted torso airbags, achieves a “Good” overall rating in the side crash test. This rating also applies to the 2014-2019 models and is based on tests conducted by Toyota and evaluated by the Institute.
The Toyota Corolla 2017 demonstrated “Good” performance across all side impact evaluation criteria:
- Overall Evaluation: Good
- Structure and Safety Cage: Good
- Driver Injury Measures:
- Head/Neck: Good
- Torso: Good
- Pelvis/Leg: Good
- Driver Head Protection: Good
- Rear Passenger Injury Measures:
- Head/Neck: Good
- Torso: Good
- Pelvis/Leg: Good
- Rear Passenger Head Protection: Good
Technical measurements for the side crash test include:
Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Driver Side):
| Measurement | Value (cm) |
|---|---|
| B-pillar to longitudinal centerline of driver’s seat | -18.5 |
Driver Injury Measures:
| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 294 |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 0.5 |
| Neck Compression (kN) | 0.0 |
| Shoulder Lateral Deflection (mm) | 48 |
| Shoulder Lateral Force (kN) | 1.5 |
| Torso Maximum Deflection (mm) | 31 |
| Torso Average Deflection (mm) | 25 |
| Pelvis Iliac Force (kN) | 1.5 |
| Pelvis Acetabulum Force (kN) | 1.9 |
| Pelvis Combined Force (kN) | 3.4 |
Passenger Injury Measures:
| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 234 |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 0.2 |
| Neck Compression (kN) | 1.1 |
| Shoulder Lateral Deflection (mm) | 40 |
| Shoulder Lateral Force (kN) | 1.3 |
| Torso Maximum Deflection (mm) | 33 |
| Torso Average Deflection (mm) | 26 |
| Pelvis Iliac Force (kN) | 0.6 |
| Pelvis Acetabulum Force (kN) | 1.1 |
| Pelvis Combined Force (kN) | 1.5 |
These measurements indicate effective protection for both driver and rear passengers in side impact scenarios.
Roof Strength Test
Roof strength is crucial in rollover accidents. The Toyota Corolla 2017 also earned a “Good” rating in the roof strength test, applicable to 2014-2019 models.
| Evaluation | Value |
|---|---|
| Curb Weight | 2,834 lbs |
| Peak Force | 15,228 lbs |
| Strength-to-Weight Ratio | 5.37 |
A strength-to-weight ratio of 5.37 demonstrates that the roof of the Toyota Corolla 2017 can withstand over five times the vehicle’s weight, indicating robust roof structure and good rollover protection.
Head Restraints & Seats
Whiplash is a common injury in rear-end collisions, and effective head restraints can mitigate this risk. The Toyota Corolla 2017 with manual cloth seats received a “Good” overall rating for head restraints and seats.
- Overall Evaluation: Good
- Dynamic Rating: Good
- Seat/Head Restraint Geometry: Good
Technical measurements for head restraints & seats:
| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Backset (mm) | 21 |
| Distance Below Top of Head (mm) | 16 |
| Max T1 Acceleration (g) | 12.8 |
| Head Contact Time (ms) | 61 |
| Force Rating | 1 |
| Max Neck Shear Force (N) | 0 |
| Max Neck Tension (N) | 509 |
These measurements indicate good head restraint geometry and dynamic performance, contributing to whiplash protection.
Headlights
Headlight performance is a critical factor in preventing nighttime accidents. The Toyota Corolla 2017 headlight ratings vary depending on the trim level. Both LED projector headlight variations available on the Toyota Corolla 2017 received an “Acceptable” overall rating.
LED Projector Headlights (XLE, SE, 50th Anniversary, XSE trims):
- Overall Rating: Acceptable
- Low-beam headlight type: LED projector
- High-beam headlight type: LED projector
- Curve-adaptive? No
- High-beam assist? Yes
LED Projector Headlights (L, LE, LE Eco trims):
- Overall Rating: Acceptable
- Low-beam headlight type: LED projector
- High-beam headlight type: LED projector
- Curve-adaptive? No
- High-beam assist? Yes
While both headlight systems received an “Acceptable” rating, it’s important to note the specifics of their performance. Low beam visibility was generally fair to good, with some inadequacy on left curves for both variations. High beam performance was more varied, with fair to good visibility on straightaways and curves for the first variation, but inadequate performance on curves for the second variation. High-beam assist helps compensate for some limitations in low beam performance.
Front Crash Prevention: Vehicle-to-Vehicle
Forward collision prevention systems are increasingly important for avoiding accidents. The Toyota Corolla 2017 comes standard with a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, which earned a “Superior” rating for vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention. This rating is applicable to 2017-2019 models.
The system meets forward collision warning requirements and successfully avoided collisions in both 12 mph and 25 mph tests. This “Superior” rating highlights the effectiveness of the Toyota Corolla 2017‘s front crash prevention technology.
Child Seat Anchors (LATCH)
For families, child seat safety is paramount. The Toyota Corolla 2017 received an “Acceptable” rating for child seat anchors (LATCH). This rating applies to 2016-2017 models.
The Toyota Corolla 2017 has two rear seating positions with complete LATCH hardware and one additional position with only a tether anchor. While rated “Acceptable” overall, certain aspects of the LATCH system were noted: lower anchors are positioned too deep in the seat and may require moderate force to attach to in some positions. However, they are generally easy to maneuver around. Tether anchors in all three rear positions are easy to find and not easily confused with other hardware.
Conclusion
Overall, the Toyota Corolla 2017 demonstrates strong safety performance across a range of crash tests and evaluations. It achieved “Good” ratings in key areas like small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side crash, and roof strength tests. The front crash prevention system is rated “Superior,” and headlight performance is “Acceptable.” While the child seat anchors are rated “Acceptable” and there are “Acceptable” ratings in lower leg/foot injury measures in some crash tests and headlight performance, the Toyota Corolla 2017 remains a safe and reliable choice, especially when considering its enhanced safety features introduced in the 2017 model year. For those prioritizing safety in a compact car, the Toyota Corolla 2017 is a model worth considering.
