In the small overlap crash test, the IIHS determined that there was a risk of injury to the passenger’s right lower leg.
A 2022 Toyota Tacoma extended-cab pickup was tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and it received a Marginal score during the front passenger-side small overlap crash test. This rating was an improvement on the previous Poor rating, which was given to the truck after its rear leaf springs punctured fuel tank. Tacomas manufactured after October 2021 are equipped with modifications that prevent gas leakage in collisions.
IIHS determined that the crash caused the dashboard and door frame to enter the cabin through the small overlap at the passenger side. According to IIHS, the results indicated a “likely chance of injury to right lower leg” and a “moderate risk of injury for left lower leg.” The dummy’s head also hit the handle of the grab bar at the A-pillar.
In the five other crash evaluations, the Tacoma received Good ratings from IIHS. Superior ratings were given to the standard front collision prevention system for vehicle-to–vehicle accidents. The agency didn’t test it for avoiding vehicle-to-pedestrian wrecks.
Standard halogen headlights receive a Marginal score. Higher trim levels of LED lamps have a Good rating.
A vehicle of 2022 year must score well in all six crash tests to be eligible for the IIHS Top Safety Pick award. This means that the Tacoma is not eligible. In addition, an available front crash prevention system must have an Advanced or Superior rating in both the vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian tests. The available headlights must be acceptable or good.
Tacoma. We don’t know much about the new truck because the development vehicles remain under heavy camouflage . It is believed to be based on the TNGAF platform and may use a turbocharged four cylinder engine.
Motor1.com reached Toyota to get a statement on the Tacoma’s performance at the IIHS crash assessment. Below is the automaker’s long response:
Toyota makes vehicles that exceed or meet federal safety standards. Additionally, IIHS has created more severe or specialized tests that go beyond federal requirements. These are used as a reference point by our engineers as we continue to improve our vehicles. The extended cab 2022 Tacoma received “good” ratings in five crashworthiness assessments – the driver-side smalloverlapping, moderate overlap front and original side, roof strength, head restraint, and roof strength. The Tacoma also received a superior rating in the vehicle to-vehicle evaluation standard front crash prevention system. We also received a “good rating” for the optional LED reflector headslights on Tacoma’s higher trims.
Toyota is aware that The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS), passenger side overlap tests for extended-cab versions of MY2021-22 Tacoma trucks have been conducted. After the 2021 Tacoma test we reviewed all test information and conducted evaluations. We then analyzed the data. In October, we made a production change that resulted in an improved IIHS rating for the extended-cab 2022 Tacoma in this test.