The 2022 Toyota Avalon Xle stands out as a reliable and safe sedan, earning high marks in safety evaluations. For those prioritizing passenger protection, understanding crash test performance is crucial. The Toyota Avalon, specifically models from 2019-2022 built after September 2018, has undergone rigorous testing to ensure occupant safety in various collision scenarios.
Excellent IIHS Safety Rating for Toyota Avalon XLE
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has conducted small overlap frontal tests on the Toyota Avalon, and the results are compelling. The Avalon achieved a “Good” rating in the small overlap front crash test, which simulates a collision where only a small portion of the vehicle’s front end strikes an object, like a tree or pole. This test is particularly demanding and assesses how well the vehicle structure and safety systems protect occupants in such severe impacts.
This “Good” overall rating reflects the Avalon’s robust construction and effective safety features working in concert to minimize injury risk. The evaluation encompasses various aspects of crash performance, providing a comprehensive view of the vehicle’s safety capabilities.
Understanding the Small Overlap Frontal Test
The small overlap frontal test is designed to replicate a challenging real-world crash scenario. In this test, 25% of the vehicle’s front width on the driver’s side impacts a rigid barrier at 40 mph. This type of crash concentrates crash forces on a smaller area compared to a full-frontal crash, making it a more stringent test of the vehicle’s structural integrity and occupant restraint systems.
The “Good” rating signifies that in this demanding test, the 2022 Toyota Avalon XLE demonstrated:
- Good structural performance: The vehicle’s structure effectively resisted intrusion into the occupant compartment, maintaining survival space for the occupants.
- Effective occupant restraints and kinematics: The airbags and seatbelts worked well together to control occupant movement, reducing the risk of injury.
- Low injury measures: Sensors on crash test dummies indicated a low risk of significant injuries to the head, neck, chest, hip, thigh, and lower leg/foot for both the driver and passenger.
Key Performance Metrics in Detail
Delving into the specifics of the test results reveals the Avalon’s consistent performance across various injury measures. Both passenger and driver injury measures were rated “Good” across all categories including head/neck, chest, hip/thigh, and lower leg/foot. This consistent “Good” rating across all body regions highlights the comprehensive protection offered by the 2022 Toyota Avalon XLE in a small overlap frontal crash.
Technical measurements from the tests further illustrate the minimal intrusion into the occupant compartment. For instance, measurements of occupant compartment intrusion on the passenger side showed minimal deformation in critical areas like the lower hinge pillar, footrest, and toepan. Similarly, upper occupant compartment intrusion was also minimal, indicating the vehicle’s structural integrity held up well under the crash forces.
Airbag System Enhancement for Improved Safety
It’s important to note that Toyota implemented a modification to the passenger frontal airbag design for Avalon models built after September 2018. This enhancement, involving changes to the airbag’s shape and vent hole size, was specifically aimed at improving occupant protection in passenger-side small overlap frontal crashes. The tested 2019 Toyota Avalon Touring model incorporated this modification, and the “Good” rating reflects the effectiveness of this improvement.
This proactive approach by Toyota to refine safety systems demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement and occupant well-being. For 2022 Toyota Avalon XLE owners, this airbag enhancement contributes to the vehicle’s overall strong safety profile.
Conclusion: The 2022 Toyota Avalon XLE – A Safe and Secure Choice
The IIHS “Good” rating in the small overlap frontal test for the 2022 Toyota Avalon XLE provides strong evidence of its safety performance. For individuals and families seeking a sedan that prioritizes safety, the Avalon XLE is a compelling option. Its robust structure, advanced safety systems, and proven crash test performance offer peace of mind and contribute to a safer driving experience. The detailed test results and “Good” ratings across the board underscore the 2022 Toyota Avalon XLE as a top safety pick in its class.
