The 2022 Toyota Camry Le boasts impressive safety features and consistently high crash test ratings, making it a top choice for safety-conscious drivers. Let’s delve into the specific results from various rigorous tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and understand what they mean for you.
IIHS Crashworthiness Tests: Outstanding Performance
The IIHS evaluates vehicles across several crash scenarios, and the 2022 Camry LE excels in most categories:
Small Overlap Front: Driver-Side (Good)
This test simulates a crash into a tree or pole on the driver’s side. The Camry LE received a “Good” rating, the highest possible, indicating excellent structural integrity and minimal intrusion into the driver’s space. Injury measures for head/neck, chest, hip/thigh, and lower leg/foot all received “Good” ratings as well.
Small Overlap Front: Passenger-Side (Good)
Mirroring the driver-side performance, the passenger-side small overlap test also resulted in a “Good” overall rating. This demonstrates consistent protection for both front occupants in this challenging crash scenario. While the passenger restraints and dummy kinematics received an “Acceptable” rating due to the dummy’s head moving slightly too far to the right, the overall protection remained strong.
The passenger compartment maintained its structural integrity in the passenger-side small overlap test.
Moderate Overlap Front (Good)
This test simulates a head-on collision with another vehicle. The 2022 Camry LE achieved a “Good” rating, signifying effective energy absorption and a well-protected occupant compartment.
Side Impact (Original and Updated Tests)
In the original side impact test, the Camry LE scored a “Good” rating. However, the updated test, conducted with a heavier striking barrier and higher speed, revealed some weaknesses. The overall rating in the updated test was “Poor” due to inadequate head protection for the driver, whose head contacted the window sill. Rear passenger protection was better, with an “Acceptable” rating for the structure/safety cage and torso, and a “Poor” rating for the pelvis.
In the updated side impact test, the driver dummy’s head bypassed the side curtain airbag, leading to a lower rating.
Roof Strength (Good)
The Camry LE’s roof strength earned a “Good” rating, indicating sufficient protection in a rollover crash. This is particularly important for SUV and crossover buyers.
Other Safety Features and Ratings
Beyond crashworthiness, the 2022 Camry LE features several advanced safety technologies:
Headlights (Vary by Trim)
The headlight rating for the LE trim is “Acceptable” with high-beam assist, providing good visibility on most roads. However, performance on curves can be improved. It’s essential to consult the specific ratings for your chosen trim level.
Front Crash Prevention: Vehicle-to-Vehicle (Superior)
The standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ system earned a “Superior” rating, effectively avoiding collisions in both 12 mph and 25 mph tests.
Front Crash Prevention: Pedestrian (Superior)
The pedestrian detection system also achieved a “Superior” rating in both day and night tests, demonstrating excellent capability in preventing collisions with pedestrians.
Seat Belt Reminders (Marginal)
The seat belt reminder system received a “Marginal” rating due to certain aspects not meeting the IIHS criteria for optimal effectiveness.
Child Seat Anchors (Good + Extra LATCH Positions)
The Camry LE provides easy-to-use LATCH anchors for child seat installation, earning a “Good + Extra LATCH positions” rating.
Conclusion: A Safe Choice
The 2022 Toyota Camry LE demonstrates a strong commitment to safety, excelling in many crash tests and incorporating advanced safety technologies. While the updated side test results highlight an area for potential improvement, the overall safety profile of the Camry LE remains commendable. Remember to consult the IIHS website for the most up-to-date information and detailed test results.
