The Toyota 86, formerly known as the Scion FR-S, underwent rigorous testing to evaluate its safety performance. This analysis focuses on the 2017 Toyota 86 model, specifically examining its performance in the demanding small overlap frontal crash test. This test simulates a collision where only a small portion of the vehicle’s front end impacts a barrier, a scenario known to be particularly challenging for vehicle structures.
Crash Test Performance of the Toyota 86 (2017)
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducted a small overlap frontal crash test on a vehicle structurally similar to the 2017 Toyota 86. It’s important to note that structural improvements were implemented starting from models built after December 2013. The tested vehicle incorporated these enhancements, including energy-absorbing foam in the left knee bolster and modifications to the firewall area.
Key Findings from the Small Overlap Test
The Toyota 86 achieved a mix of ratings in the small overlap test. For structural integrity and safety cage, the rating was “Marginal”. However, driver injury measures for the head/neck, chest, and hip/thigh areas were all rated as “Good,” indicating a good level of protection for these critical body regions. Conversely, the lower leg/foot protection was rated “Acceptable.”
One area of concern highlighted by the test was related to driver restraints and dummy kinematics. While the dummy’s head did contact the frontal airbag, it unfortunately slid off to the left side. This movement left the head potentially vulnerable to impacting the side structure of the vehicle. Furthermore, the side curtain airbag, although deployed, did not extend sufficiently forward to offer complete head protection in this specific crash scenario. As a result, the driver restraints and kinematics were rated as “Acceptable.”
Areas of Concern in Toyota 86 Small Overlap Crash Safety
The test results reveal specific areas where the Toyota 86’s performance could be improved in small overlap frontal crashes. The marginal rating for structure and safety cage suggests some deformation in the vehicle’s structure during the impact. Measurements showed significant intrusion into the driver’s side occupant compartment.
Specifically, there was considerable intrusion at the lower hinge pillar (31 cm), footrest (28 cm), and left toepan (17 cm). These measurements, along with instrument panel intrusion, contributed to a moderate risk of injury to the driver’s left lower leg. The dummy data also indicated “Acceptable” lower leg/foot injury measures, aligning with the structural intrusion findings.
Conclusion
The 2017 Toyota 86 demonstrates good protection for the head, neck, chest, and hip/thigh in a small overlap frontal crash. However, the marginal structural rating and issues with driver-side airbag coverage leading to potential head slide-off, along with lower leg injury risks due to structural intrusion, are areas that potential buyers should consider. While the Toyota 86 offers good protection in many aspects, the small overlap test reveals vulnerabilities that are important for overall safety assessment.
