The 2009 Toyota Tundra Double Cab underwent rigorous testing to evaluate its safety performance. This rating specifically applies to the 2007-2009 Toyota Tundra models, all of which share the same design and safety features relevant to these crash tests. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducted a moderate overlap frontal test on a 2007 Toyota Tundra 2wd Double Cab, and Toyota also performed a similar test on a 4wd version. Based on the review of both tests, the 2009 Toyota Tundra Double Cab earned an overall rating of Good, demonstrating robust crash protection in this type of frontal impact. This analysis focuses on the results from the IIHS test of the 2wd Double Cab, as its configuration is closely aligned with other pickup trucks previously assessed by the Institute.
The 2009 Toyota Tundra Double Cab achieved the highest possible rating of Good in the overall evaluation. This top mark indicates that the vehicle provides excellent protection in a moderate overlap frontal crash. Critical aspects of vehicle safety were scrutinized, and the Tundra performed admirably across the board.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | G |
| Structure and safety cage | G |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | A |
| Chest | G |
| Leg/foot, left | A |
| Leg/foot, right | G |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | G |
The structural integrity of the 2009 Toyota Tundra’s safety cage was rated as Good. This is a crucial element in crash safety, as a strong safety cage helps to maintain the occupant survival space during a collision. The Tundra’s structure effectively resisted deformation, contributing to the high overall safety rating.
In terms of driver injury measures, the 2009 Toyota Tundra showed strong results. For chest protection, the rating was Good, signifying a low risk of significant chest injury in a similar real-world crash. Protection for the right leg and foot was also rated as Good. However, the ratings for head and neck and left leg and foot were slightly lower, at Acceptable. While still indicating adequate protection, these Acceptable ratings suggest there’s a slightly higher potential risk of injury to these areas compared to the chest and right lower extremities.
The assessment of driver restraints and dummy kinematics received a Good rating. This indicates that the airbags and seat belts in the 2009 Toyota Tundra effectively controlled the dummy’s movement during the crash, contributing to the prevention of serious injuries.
Despite the overall positive performance, measurements from the IIHS test indicated some areas for potential concern. A high head acceleration was recorded when the dummy’s head contacted the steering wheel through the airbag. Forces on the lower left leg were also noted to be just high enough to suggest a possibility of injuries in a real-world crash scenario.
The technical measurements from the crash tests provide a more detailed picture of the 2009 Toyota Tundra’s performance. Footwell intrusion measurements showed intrusion ranging from 7 to 16 cm, with the highest intrusion at the right footwell. Instrument panel rearward movement was minimal, and steering column and A-pillar movement were also well-controlled.
Technical measurements for this test
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Test ID | VTF0703 |
| Footwell intrusion | |
| Footrest (cm) | 9 |
| Left (cm) | 10 |
| Center (cm) | 13 |
| Right (cm) | 16 |
| Brake pedal (cm) | 4 |
| Instrument panel rearward movement | |
| Left (cm) | 2 |
| Right (cm) | 3 |
| Steering column movement | |
| Upward (cm) | -7 |
| Rearward (cm) | -3 |
| A-pillar rearward movement (cm) | 1 |
Driver injury measures
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Test ID | VTF0703 |
| Head | |
| HIC-15 | 142 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | 42 |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 1.0 |
| Extension bending moment (Nm) | 19 |
| Maximum Nij | 0.22 |
| Chest maximum compression (mm) | 35 |
| Legs | |
| Femur force – left (kN) | 4.2 |
| Femur force – right (kN) | 1.8 |
| Knee displacement – left (mm) | 6 |
| Knee displacement – right (mm) | 0 |
| Maximum tibia index – left | 0.43 |
| Maximum tibia index – right | 0.44 |
| Tibia axial force – left (kN) | 1.8 |
| Tibia axial force – right (kN) | 1.9 |
| Foot acceleration (g) | |
| Left | 93 |
| Right | 166 |
Overall, the 2009 Toyota Tundra Double Cab demonstrated a commendable level of safety performance in the moderate overlap frontal crash test, earning a Good overall rating. While there were minor concerns indicated by Acceptable ratings in some driver injury measures and specific technical data points, the 2009 Toyota Tundra still provides a strong level of protection for occupants in frontal crashes. This data is valuable for consumers considering the safety aspects of the 2009 Toyota Tundra.
