The 2019 Toyota Camry, a popular mid-size sedan, underwent rigorous testing by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) to evaluate its safety performance. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the 2019 Toyota Camry’s crash test results, headlight ratings, front crash prevention systems, and child seat anchor ease of use, offering a comprehensive overview for potential buyers and safety-conscious individuals. Understanding these ratings is crucial for making informed decisions about vehicle safety.
Small Overlap Front Crash Test: Driver-Side
The driver-side small overlap front crash test simulates a collision where only a small portion of the vehicle’s front end on the driver’s side strikes an object, like a tree or pole. This is a challenging test that assesses how well the vehicle’s structure and safety systems protect the driver in a severe frontal impact.
Driver-Side Performance
The 2019 Toyota Camry achieved a “Good” rating in the driver-side small overlap front crash test, the highest rating possible. This indicates robust protection for the driver in this type of accident.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Evaluation | Good (G) |
| Structure and safety cage | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Head/Neck | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Chest | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Hip/Thigh | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Lower Leg/Foot | Good (G) |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | Good (G) |
Technical Measurements – Driver-Side Small Overlap Front Test
The technical measurements from the test provide detailed data on occupant compartment intrusion and driver injury measures, further validating the “Good” rating.
Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Driver Side)
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement (cm) |
|---|---|
| Lower hinge pillar max | 2 |
| Footrest | 2 |
| Left toepan | 2 |
| Brake pedal | 2 |
| Parking brake | 4 |
| Rocker panel lateral average | 0 |
| Steering column | 0 |
| Upper hinge pillar max | 1 |
| Upper dash | 1 |
| Lower instrument panel | 2 |
These measurements show minimal intrusion into the driver’s space, indicating a strong structure that effectively resisted crash forces.
Driver Injury Measures (Driver Side)
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 157 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | No contact |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 0.9 |
| Neck Extension bending moment (Nm) | 4 |
| Maximum Nij | 0.14 |
| Chest maximum compression (mm) | 22 |
| Femur – Left (kN) | 0.5 |
| Femur – Right (kN) | 0.3 |
| Knee displacement – Left (mm) | 0 |
| Knee displacement – Right (mm) | 0 |
| Maximum tibia index – Left | 0.35 |
| Maximum tibia index – Right | 0.42 |
| Tibia axial force – Left (kN) | 2.0 |
| Tibia axial force – Right (kN) | 0.9 |
| Foot acceleration – Left (g) | 59 |
| Foot acceleration – Right (g) | 34 |
The injury measures are low across the board, signifying a low risk of significant injuries to the driver in a similar real-world crash scenario.
Small Overlap Front Crash Test: Passenger-Side
The passenger-side small overlap test mirrors the driver-side test but evaluates the protection offered to the front passenger.
Passenger-Side Performance
The 2019 Toyota Camry also earned a “Good” rating in the passenger-side small overlap front crash test. This demonstrates that the Camry provides excellent protection for both the driver and front passenger in this type of severe frontal crash.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | Good (G) |
| Structure and safety cage | Good (G) |
| Passenger injury measures – Head/Neck | Good (G) |
| Passenger injury measures – Chest | Good (G) |
| Passenger injury measures – Hip/Thigh | Good (G) |
| Passenger injury measures – Lower Leg/Foot | Good (G) |
| Passenger restraints and dummy kinematics | Acceptable (A) |
| Driver injury measures – Head/Neck | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Chest | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Hip/Thigh | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Lower Leg/Foot | Good (G) |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | Good (G) |
Notably, while passenger injury measures were “Good,” the passenger restraints and dummy kinematics received an “Acceptable” rating. The IIHS noted that the dummy’s head moved too far to the right, approaching a gap between the frontal and side curtain airbags, although the side curtain airbag still deployed effectively.
Action shot from the 2019 Toyota Camry passenger-side small overlap crash test, highlighting structural integrity.
Dummy position in the 2019 Toyota Camry post-crash, passenger-side small overlap test, indicating well-maintained survival space.
Dummy head movement detail in the 2019 Toyota Camry passenger-side small overlap test, showing proximity to airbag coverage gap.
Footwell integrity in the 2019 Toyota Camry after passenger-side small overlap crash, demonstrating low injury risk to lower extremities.
Technical Measurements – Passenger-Side Small Overlap Front Test
Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Passenger Side)
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement (cm) |
|---|---|
| Lower hinge pillar max | 4 |
| Footrest | 9 |
| Right toepan | 4 |
| Center toepan | 3 |
| Rocker panel lateral average | 1 |
| Center dash | 2 |
| Upper hinge pillar max | 3 |
| Upper dash | 4 |
| Right lower dash | 3 |
These measurements indicate slightly more intrusion on the passenger side compared to the driver side, particularly in the footrest area.
Passenger Injury Measures (Passenger Side)
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 189 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | No contact |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 1.1 |
| Neck Extension bending moment (Nm) | 12 |
| Maximum Nij | 0.25 |
| Chest maximum compression (mm) | 21 |
| Femur – Left (kN) | 0.9 |
| Femur – Right (kN) | 0.9 |
| Knee displacement – Left (mm) | 3 |
| Knee displacement – Right (mm) | 3 |
| Knee-thigh-hip injury risk (%) – Left | 0 |
| Knee-thigh-hip injury risk (%) – Right | 0 |
| Maximum tibia index – Left | 0.27 |
| Maximum tibia index – Right | 0.33 |
| Tibia axial force – Left (kN) | 2.4 |
| Tibia axial force – Right (kN) | 1.9 |
| Foot acceleration – Left (g) | 44 |
| Foot acceleration – Right (g) | 53 |
Driver Injury Measures (Passenger Side Test)
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 126 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | No contact |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 0.9 |
| Neck Extension bending moment (Nm) | 10 |
| Maximum Nij | 0.16 |
| Chest maximum compression (mm) | 31 |
| Femur – Left (kN) | 0.6 |
| Femur – Right (kN) | 0.5 |
| Knee displacement – Left (mm) | 0 |
| Knee displacement – Right (mm) | 0 |
| Knee-thigh-hip injury risk (%) – Left | 0 |
| Knee-thigh-hip injury risk (%) – Right | 0 |
| Maximum tibia index – Left | 0.34 |
| Maximum tibia index – Right | 0.23 |
| Tibia axial force – Left (kN) | 1.2 |
| Tibia axial force – Right (kN) | 0.9 |
| Foot acceleration – Left (g) | 41 |
| Foot acceleration – Right (g) | 37 |
The passenger-side injury measures are also low, indicating a good level of protection for occupants in this crash scenario.
Moderate Overlap Front Crash Test: Original Test
The moderate overlap front crash test involves 40% of the vehicle’s front width striking a deformable barrier. This test is designed to represent a typical frontal collision between vehicles.
Moderate Overlap Performance
The 2019 Toyota Camry received a “Good” rating in the moderate overlap front crash test. This is a strong result, highlighting the Camry’s ability to protect occupants in a common type of frontal impact.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | Good (G) |
| Structure and safety cage | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Head/Neck | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Chest | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Leg/Foot, Left | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Leg/Foot, Right | Good (G) |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | Good (G) |
Technical Measurements – Moderate Overlap Front Test
Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Driver Side)
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement (cm) |
|---|---|
| Footrest | 5 |
| Left Footwell | 7 |
| Center Footwell | 6 |
| Right Footwell | 3 |
| Brake pedal | 3 |
| Instrument panel rearward movement – Left | 1 |
| Instrument panel rearward movement – Right | 1 |
| Steering column movement – Upward | -1 |
| Steering column movement – Rearward | -6 |
| A-pillar rearward movement | 1 |
These measurements indicate moderate footwell intrusion but good control of the steering column and instrument panel movement, contributing to occupant safety.
Driver Injury Measures (Moderate Overlap Front Test)
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 204 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | No contact |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 1.0 |
| Neck Extension bending moment (Nm) | 21 |
| Maximum Nij | 0.27 |
| Chest maximum compression (mm) | 26 |
| Femur force – Left (kN) | 1.1 |
| Femur force – Right (kN) | 1.3 |
| Knee displacement – Left (mm) | 0 |
| Knee displacement – Right (mm) | 0 |
| Maximum tibia index – Left | 0.31 |
| Maximum tibia index – Right | 0.51 |
| Tibia axial force – Left (kN) | 2.5 |
| Tibia axial force – Right (kN) | 2.5 |
| Foot acceleration – Left (g) | 69 |
| Foot acceleration – Right (g) | 39 |
The injury measures remain low in this test, reinforcing the 2019 Toyota Camry’s strong frontal crash protection.
Side Crash Test: Original Test
The original side crash test simulates a vehicle being struck in the side by another vehicle.
Original Side Impact Performance
The 2019 Toyota Camry achieved a “Good” rating in the original side crash test. This result demonstrates effective protection in a side impact scenario.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | Good (G) |
| Structure and safety cage | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Head/Neck | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Torso | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Pelvis/Leg | Good (G) |
| Driver head protection | Good (G) |
| Rear passenger injury measures – Head/Neck | Good (G) |
| Rear passenger injury measures – Torso | Good (G) |
| Rear passenger injury measures – Pelvis/Leg | Good (G) |
| Rear passenger head protection | Good (G) |
Technical Measurements – Original Side Impact Test
Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Driver Side)
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement (cm) |
|---|---|
| B-pillar to longitudinal centerline of driver’s seat | -22.0 |
This measurement indicates minimal intrusion into the driver’s seating space during the side impact.
Driver Injury Measures (Original Side Impact Test)
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 334 |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 0.9 |
| Neck Compression (kN) | 0.2 |
| Shoulder Lateral deflection (mm) | 29 |
| Shoulder Lateral force (kN) | 1.2 |
| Torso Maximum deflection (mm) | 30 |
| Torso Average deflection (mm) | 28 |
| Torso Maximum deflection rate (m/s) | 3.60 |
| Torso Maximum viscous criterion (m/s) | 0.34 |
| Pelvis Iliac force (kN) | 1.3 |
| Pelvis Acetabulum force (kN) | 1.4 |
| Pelvis Combined force (kN) | 2.6 |
| Left femur L-M force (kN) | 0.4 |
| Left femur L-M moment (Nm) | 50 |
| Left femur A-P moment (Nm) | 122 |
Passenger Injury Measures (Original Side Impact Test)
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 151 |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 0.1 |
| Neck Compression (kN) | 0.5 |
| Shoulder Lateral deflection (mm) | 22 |
| Shoulder Lateral force (kN) | 0.9 |
| Torso Maximum deflection (mm) | 26 |
| Torso Average deflection (mm) | 23 |
| Torso Maximum deflection rate (m/s) | 3.90 |
| Torso Maximum viscous criterion (m/s) | 0.22 |
| Pelvis Iliac force (kN) | 0.9 |
| Pelvis Acetabulum force (kN) | 1.0 |
| Pelvis Combined force (kN) | 1.7 |
| Left femur L-M force (kN) | 0.2 |
| Left femur L-M moment (Nm) | 31 |
| Left femur A-P moment (Nm) | 89 |
Injury measures for both driver and passenger are low, indicating good side impact protection in the original test.
Side Crash Test: Updated Test
The IIHS updated its side crash test to be more demanding, using a heavier barrier and higher impact speed to better simulate more severe side-impact crashes involving larger vehicles. It’s important to note that the rating for the updated side test applies to 2018-23 models built before February 2023.
Updated Side Impact Performance
In the updated side crash test, the 2019 Toyota Camry received a “Poor” overall rating. This represents a significant downgrade compared to the “Good” rating in the original side test and is a point of concern for potential buyers.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | Poor (P) |
| Structure and safety cage | Acceptable (A) |
| Driver injury measures – Head/Neck | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Torso | Marginal (M) |
| Driver injury measures – Pelvis | Marginal (M) |
| Driver head protection | Marginal (M) |
| Rear passenger injury measures – Head/Neck | Good (G) |
| Rear passenger injury measures – Torso | Acceptable (A) |
| Rear passenger injury measures – Pelvis | Poor (P) |
| Rear passenger head protection | Good (G) |
Vehicle damage to the 2019 Toyota Camry following the more stringent updated side crash test.
Interior damage and airbag deployment in the 2019 Toyota Camry after the updated side crash test, showing occupant compartment integrity.
Greasepaint evidence of driver dummy head contact with the window sill in the 2019 Toyota Camry updated side crash test, indicating compromised head protection.
Greasepaint marking rear passenger head protection by side airbags in the 2019 Toyota Camry updated side crash test.
Technical Measurements – Updated Side Impact Test
Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Driver Side)
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement (cm) |
|---|---|
| B-pillar to longitudinal centerline of driver’s seat | -15.5 |
Intrusion is more significant in the updated test compared to the original.
Driver Injury Measures (Updated Side Impact Test)
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 391 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | 82 |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 1.8 |
| Neck Compression (kN) | 0.2 |
| Shoulder Lateral deflection (mm) | 47 |
| Shoulder Lateral force (kN) | 1.5 |
| Torso Maximum deflection (mm) | 41 |
| Torso Average deflection (mm) | 39 |
| Torso Maximum deflection rate (m/s) | 3.61 |
| Torso Maximum viscous criterion (m/s) | 0.68 |
| Pelvis Combined force (kN) | 5.7 |
Passenger Injury Measures (Updated Side Impact Test)
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 168 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | No contact |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 0.4 |
| Neck Compression (kN) | 0.4 |
| Shoulder Lateral deflection (mm) | 25 |
| Shoulder Lateral force (kN) | 1.3 |
| Torso Maximum deflection (mm) | 32 |
| Torso Average deflection (mm) | 29 |
| Torso Maximum deflection rate (m/s) | 2.57 |
| Torso Maximum viscous criterion (m/s) | 0.37 |
| Pelvis Combined force (kN) | 6.1 |
The updated side crash test results indicate higher injury measures, especially for the driver’s torso and pelvis, leading to the “Poor” overall rating. The driver’s head protection was also deemed “Marginal” as the dummy’s head struck the window sill, bypassing the side curtain airbag in part.
Roof Strength Test
The roof strength test measures how much force a vehicle’s roof can withstand before collapsing, an important factor in rollover accidents.
Roof Strength Performance
The 2019 Toyota Camry achieved a “Good” rating for roof strength, demonstrating its ability to protect occupants in a rollover scenario.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | Good (G) |
| Curb weight | 3,326 lbs |
| Peak force | 18,862 lbs |
| Strength-to-weight ratio | 5.67 |
The strength-to-weight ratio of 5.67 is well above the minimum requirement for a “Good” rating.
Head Restraints & Seats
Head restraints and seats are evaluated for their ability to protect against neck injuries in rear-end collisions.
Head Restraints & Seats Performance
The 2019 Toyota Camry received a “Good” rating for head restraints and seats, both dynamically and geometrically, indicating good protection against whiplash injuries.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | Good (G) |
| Dynamic rating | Good (G) |
| Seat/head restraint geometry | Good (G) |
Technical Measurements – Head Restraints & Seats
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Backset (mm) | 20 |
| Distance below top of head (mm) | 6 |
| Max T1 acceleration (g) | 13.8 |
| Head contact time (ms) | 63 |
| Force rating | 1 |
| Max neck shear force (N) | 0 |
| Max neck tension (N) | 281 |
These measurements support the “Good” rating, showing effective head restraint geometry and dynamic performance.
Headlights
Headlight performance is critical for nighttime visibility and accident prevention. The IIHS evaluates headlights based on visibility and glare. The 2019 Toyota Camry has multiple headlight options with varying ratings.
Headlight Ratings by Trim
The 2019 Toyota Camry’s headlight ratings vary by trim level and headlight type.
1. Hybrid XLE trim with Adaptive Headlights package:
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall rating | Good (G) |
| Low-beam headlight type | LED projector |
| High-beam headlight type | LED projector |
| Curve-adaptive? | Yes |
| High-beam assist? | Yes |
This headlight configuration received a “Good” rating, offering excellent visibility in various driving conditions.
2. XLE, XSE, XLE V6, XSE V6, and Hybrid XLE trims (standard headlights):
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall rating | Acceptable (A) |
| Low-beam headlight type | LED projector |
| High-beam headlight type | LED projector |
| Curve-adaptive? | No |
| High-beam assist? | Yes |
These trims with standard LED projector headlights achieved an “Acceptable” rating, indicating good but not optimal performance.
3. LE, SE, L, Hybrid LE, and Hybrid SE trims:
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall rating | Acceptable (A) |
| Low-beam headlight type | LED projector |
| High-beam headlight type | LED projector |
| Curve-adaptive? | No |
| High-beam assist? | Yes |
These base trims also received an “Acceptable” rating for their LED projector headlights. While “Acceptable” is a decent rating, it’s not the highest available.
Front Crash Prevention: Vehicle-to-Vehicle
Front crash prevention systems are designed to help drivers avoid or mitigate frontal collisions with other vehicles.
Vehicle-to-Vehicle Front Crash Prevention Performance
The 2019 Toyota Camry’s standard Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection earned a “Superior” rating in vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | Superior |
| 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 excellent performance.
Front Crash Prevention: Pedestrian (Day)
Pedestrian front crash prevention systems aim to detect pedestrians and automatically brake to avoid or reduce the severity of pedestrian collisions.
Pedestrian Front Crash Prevention Performance
The 2019 Toyota Camry’s standard Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection received an “Advanced” rating for pedestrian front crash prevention (daytime).
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | Advanced |
| Crossing child (12 mph) | Impact speed reduced by 6 mph |
| Crossing child (25 mph) | Impact speed reduced by 6 mph |
| Crossing adult (12 mph) | Collision Avoided |
| Crossing adult (25 mph) | Collision Avoided |
| Parallel adult (25 mph) | Collision Avoided |
| Parallel adult (37 mph) | Impact speed reduced by 15 mph |
The system performed well in avoiding collisions with crossing adults and a parallel adult at lower speeds, and significantly reduced impact speed in higher-speed scenarios and with a crossing child.
Child Seat Anchors (LATCH)
The ease of use of LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) systems for installing child safety seats is an important factor for families.
LATCH System Rating
The 2019 Toyota Camry received a “Good + Extra LATCH positions” rating for its LATCH system, indicating it is easy to use and offers flexibility.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | Good + Extra LATCH positions |
| Number of rear seating positions with complete LATCH hardware | 2 |
| Additional seating positions with tether anchor and borrowed lower anchors | 1 |
The Camry has two rear seating positions with complete LATCH hardware and an additional position where lower anchors can be borrowed, providing good versatility for child seat installation.
Conclusion
The 2019 Toyota Camry demonstrates strong performance in most IIHS crash tests, earning “Good” ratings in driver-side and passenger-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, original side, roof strength, and head restraints & seats evaluations. Its front crash prevention systems also received “Superior” (vehicle-to-vehicle) and “Advanced” (pedestrian) ratings. Headlight ratings vary from “Good” to “Acceptable” depending on the trim level.
However, the “Poor” rating in the updated side crash test is a significant concern. While the Camry offers excellent protection in many crash scenarios, the updated side test highlights a vulnerability in more severe side impacts. Potential buyers should consider this updated side impact rating when evaluating the 2019 Toyota Camry’s overall safety. For families, the “Good + Extra LATCH positions” rating provides reassurance for child passenger safety. Overall, the 2019 Toyota Camry offers a mixed safety profile, excelling in many areas but showing weakness in the more demanding updated side impact test.
