The 2016 Toyota Camry sedan boasts impressive safety features and a strong performance in crash tests. This article delves into the specific safety enhancements made to the Camry’s design, providing a detailed analysis of its crashworthiness based on data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
The 2012 Toyota Camry underwent a significant redesign, and further improvements were implemented in subsequent years to enhance its safety performance. For models manufactured after December 2013, modifications to the front structure significantly improved occupant protection in small overlap frontal crashes, a particularly challenging type of collision. In 2015, lengthening the side curtain airbags further enhanced safety in these crashes. The IIHS assessed the side airbag coverage based on a 2015 Camry test conducted by Toyota, confirming their effectiveness.
Key Safety Improvements in the 2016 Toyota Camry Sedan
The 2016 Camry benefits from crucial structural enhancements introduced in the 2014 and 2015 models. These include:
- Modified Front Structure (2014): Reinforcements to the front end significantly improved the Camry’s ability to absorb impact in small overlap frontal crashes, where only a small portion of the vehicle’s front collides with an object. This upgrade greatly reduces the risk of serious injury to the driver and passengers.
- Extended Side Curtain Airbags (2015): Longer side curtain airbags provide enhanced head protection in side impacts and rollovers. This improvement ensures more comprehensive coverage for occupants, minimizing the risk of head injuries.
IIHS Crash Test Results and Ratings
The IIHS rigorously tested a 2014 Toyota Camry model built after the front structure modification. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the safety enhancements:
- Small Overlap Frontal Crash Test: The Camry received a “Good” rating in the small overlap test, indicating a high level of protection for the driver.
- Structure and Safety Cage: The Camry earned an “Acceptable” rating for its overall structure and safety cage, indicating its ability to maintain integrity during a crash.
- Driver Injury Measures: The driver injury measures for head/neck, chest, hip/thigh, and lower leg/foot all received “Good” ratings, signifying a low risk of serious injury in these areas.
- Driver Restraints and Dummy Kinematics: This category also received a “Good” rating, demonstrating the effectiveness of the seatbelts and airbags in preventing excessive movement of the driver during a crash.
Alt text: A 2014 Toyota Camry undergoing a small overlap frontal crash test at the IIHS facility.
Alt text: Post-crash image of the driver’s seat in a 2014 Toyota Camry after a small overlap frontal test, showing minimal intrusion into the occupant compartment.
Alt text: Close-up view of the driver-side door and dashboard area of a 2014 Toyota Camry after a small overlap frontal crash test, highlighting controlled intrusion and minimal deformation.
Detailed Technical Measurements
The IIHS provides detailed measurements from the crash tests, including occupant compartment intrusion and driver injury measures. These technical data further substantiate the Camry’s robust safety performance. Refer to the original article for specific measurements.
Conclusion
The 2016 Toyota Camry sedan stands as a safe and reliable vehicle choice, thanks to the significant safety improvements implemented in the 2014 and 2015 models. The strong performance in IIHS crash tests, particularly the small overlap frontal test, underscores the Camry’s commitment to passenger safety. The combination of a robust structure, advanced airbag systems, and effective restraints makes the 2016 Toyota Camry a top contender for safety-conscious car buyers.
