The 2017 Toyota Corolla Le remains a popular choice for drivers prioritizing safety and reliability in a compact car. Having undergone rigorous testing by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Corolla LE boasts impressive safety ratings, particularly after structural enhancements were introduced in 2017 to improve occupant protection in small overlap frontal crashes. This article delves into the safety performance of the 2017 Toyota Corolla LE, providing a comprehensive analysis of its crash test results and safety features.
Small Overlap Frontal Crash Test: Driver-Side Protection
The small overlap front crash test simulates a collision where only a small portion of the vehicle’s front end impacts an object, like a tree or pole. This is a particularly challenging test, and the 2017 Toyota Corolla LE performed admirably.
Rating: Good
The 2017-2019 Toyota Corolla models demonstrated a “Good” rating in the small overlap front: driver-side test. This top rating reflects the vehicle’s robust structure and safety cage, which held up well during the impact.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Structure and safety cage | G |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | G |
| Chest | G |
| Hip/thigh | G |
| Lower leg/foot | A |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | G |
As the table indicates, the Corolla LE achieved “Good” ratings (“G”) in nearly all driver injury measures, including head/neck, chest, and hip/thigh protection. The lower leg/foot protection received an “Acceptable” rating (“A”), indicating a moderate risk of injury to the right lower leg, although overall risk remained low. Driver restraints and dummy kinematics were also rated “Good,” signifying effective airbag deployment and occupant control.
Alt text: 2017 Toyota Corolla LE small overlap front crash test, showing vehicle deformation and airbag deployment.
The structural measurements further highlight the minimal intrusion into the driver’s compartment.
Technical Measurements – Occupant Compartment Intrusion:
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Lower hinge pillar max (cm) | 4 |
| Footrest (cm) | 13 |
| Left toepan (cm) | 7 |
| Brake pedal (cm) | 4 |
| Rocker panel lateral average (cm) | 3 |
| Upper hinge pillar max (cm) | 3 |
| Upper dash (cm) | 4 |
| Lower instrument panel (cm) | 4 |
These measurements, in centimeters, reveal limited intrusion into the lower and upper occupant compartments. Notably, the steering column showed 0 cm of intrusion, a critical factor in minimizing driver injury.
Technical Measurements – Driver Injury Measures:
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| 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 Right (kN) | 2.6 |
| Maximum tibia index Right | 0.67 |
The technical data reinforces the “Good” ratings. Head Injury Criterion (HIC) score was low at 151, indicating minimal head injury risk. Neck tension and bending moment were also within safe limits. While the right femur force and tibia index were slightly elevated, they remained within acceptable parameters, aligning with the “Acceptable” rating for lower leg/foot injury.
Alt text: Driver-side view of dummy position after 2017 Toyota Corolla LE small overlap crash, demonstrating good survival space.
The dummy’s position post-crash, as illustrated, further confirms that the driver’s survival space was well-maintained. The airbags and vehicle structure worked effectively to protect the occupant.
Alt text: Airbag deployment in 2017 Toyota Corolla LE small overlap test, showing effective head protection from frontal and side airbags.
Moderate Overlap Frontal Test: Original Evaluation
The moderate overlap frontal test involves a larger portion of the vehicle’s front end impacting a barrier. The 2017 Toyota Corolla LE, based on tests conducted on the 2014 model (sharing the same fundamental design), also achieved a “Good” rating in this category.
Rating: Good (Applies to 2014-2019 models)
| 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 | A |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | G |
Similar to the small overlap test, the 2017 Toyota Corolla LE earned “Good” ratings across most categories in the moderate overlap test. Right leg/foot protection was rated “Acceptable,” mirroring the small overlap test result.
Technical Measurements – Occupant Compartment Intrusion:
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Footrest (cm) | 6 |
| Left (cm) | 10 |
| Center (cm) | 11 |
| Right (cm) | 5 |
| Brake pedal (cm) | 4 |
Technical Measurements – Driver Injury Measures:
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 253 |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 1.5 |
| Chest maximum compression (mm) | 29 |
| Femur force – right (kN) | 2.8 |
| Maximum tibia index – right | 0.98 |
While the HIC score is slightly higher than in the small overlap test, it remains well within the “Good” range. Other injury measures are also low, further supporting the overall “Good” rating for moderate overlap frontal protection.
Side Impact Test: Original Evaluation
The side impact test assesses occupant protection in side collisions. The 2017 Toyota Corolla LE, utilizing data from the 2014 model with standard side airbags, again secured a “Good” rating.
Rating: Good (Applies to 2014-2019 models)
| 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 |
The “Good” rating extends across all measured categories, for both driver and rear passenger injury measures. This demonstrates comprehensive side impact protection in the 2017 Toyota Corolla LE.
Technical Measurements – Driver Injury Measures:
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 294 |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 0.5 |
| Torso Maximum deflection (mm) | 31 |
| Pelvis Combined force (kN) | 3.4 |
Technical Measurements – Passenger Injury Measures:
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 234 |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 0.2 |
| Torso Maximum deflection (mm) | 33 |
| Pelvis Combined force (kN) | 1.5 |
The technical measurements for both driver and passenger side impact tests are well within safe limits, reinforcing the “Good” rating and highlighting effective protection for occupants in side collisions.
Roof Strength Test
The roof strength test evaluates the roof’s ability to withstand forces in a rollover crash. The 2017 Toyota Corolla LE achieved a “Good” rating, indicating a strong roof structure.
Rating: Good (Applies to 2014-2019 models)
| Overall evaluation | G |
|---|---|
| Curb weight | 2,834 lbs |
| Peak force | 15,228 lbs |
| Strength-to-weight ratio | 5.37 |
With a strength-to-weight ratio of 5.37, the 2017 Toyota Corolla LE’s roof can withstand over five times its weight, contributing to occupant safety in rollover scenarios.
Head Restraints & Seats
Whiplash protection is crucial in rear-end collisions. The 2017 Toyota Corolla LE’s head restraints and seats earned a “Good” rating for dynamic performance and geometry.
Rating: Good
| Overall evaluation | G |
|---|---|
| Dynamic rating | G |
| Seat/head restraint geometry | G |
Technical Measurements:
| Seat type | Manual cloth seat |
|---|---|
| Backset (mm) | 21 |
| Distance below top of head (mm) | 16 |
| Max neck tension (N) | 509 |
These measurements indicate effective head restraint positioning to minimize whiplash risk in rear impacts.
Headlights
Headlight performance is a critical safety feature for nighttime driving. The 2017 Toyota Corolla LE’s headlights received an “Acceptable” rating, depending on the trim level.
Rating: Acceptable (for both LED projector headlight variations)
Both headlight variations available on the 2017 Toyota Corolla LE, including those on L, LE, LE Eco, XLE, SE, 50th Anniversary, and XSE trims, received an “Acceptable” overall rating. Both variations utilize LED projector low and high beams and feature high-beam assist.
While rated “Acceptable,” the headlights provide fair to good visibility on straightaways and curves, with high-beam assist compensating for some limitations of the low beams. Glare was not found to be excessive in testing.
Front Crash Prevention: Vehicle-to-Vehicle
The 2017 Toyota Corolla LE comes standard with a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection. This system earned a “Superior” rating for vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention.
Rating: Superior (Applies to 2017-2019 models)
- Forward Collision Warning: Meets requirements
- 12 mph test: Collision Avoided
- 25 mph test: Collision Avoided
The system successfully avoided collisions in both 12 mph and 25 mph tests, demonstrating its effectiveness in preventing or mitigating front-end crashes.
Child Seat Anchors (LATCH)
For families with young children, child seat anchor ease of use is essential. The 2017 Toyota Corolla LE received an “Acceptable” rating for its LATCH system.
Rating: Acceptable (Applies to 2016-2017 models)
The Corolla LE provides two rear seating positions with complete LATCH hardware and an additional position with a tether anchor. While rated “Acceptable,” some lower anchors are positioned deeply in the seat, which may require slightly more effort to access.
Details by Seating Position:
| Position | Rating |
|---|---|
| 1 | Acceptable |
| 2 | Not Rated (tether anchor only) |
| 3 | Acceptable |
Conclusion: 2017 Toyota Corolla LE – A Safe and Reliable Choice
The 2017 Toyota Corolla LE stands out as a safe compact car, evidenced by its consistently high ratings in IIHS crash tests. Earning “Good” ratings in small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side impact, roof strength, and head restraints & seats, along with a “Superior” rating for front crash prevention, the Corolla LE prioritizes occupant safety. While headlight and LATCH system ratings are “Acceptable,” the 2017 Toyota Corolla LE provides a strong overall safety performance, making it a reliable and secure choice for drivers and families alike. For those seeking a safe and dependable vehicle, the 2017 Toyota Corolla LE is certainly worth considering.
