2022 Toyota Tacoma Earns Marginal Rating In Passenger Crash Test

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety tested a 2022 Toyota Tacoma extended cab pickup and gave it a Marginal score in the passenger-side small overlap front crash test. This was an improvement over the previous Poor rating when the truck's rear leaf springs punctured the fuel tank, resulting in a fire risk. Tacomas built after October 2021 have modifications to prevent a gas leak in a collision.

In the passenger-side small overlap, IIHS found that the crash caused the door frame and dashboard to intrude into the cabin. The results showed a "likely risk of injury to the right lower leg and a moderate risk of injury to the left lower leg," according to the agency. Also, the dummy's head hit the A-pillar grab handle.

The Tacoma scored Good ratings in the IIHS' five other crash evaluations. The standard front collision prevention system got a Superior rating for vehicle-to-vehicle incidents. The agency didn't test it for avoiding vehicle-to-pedestrian wrecks.

The standard halogen headlights have a Marginal score. The LED lamps on higher trim levels have a Good rating.

For a 2022 model year vehicle to receive the IIHS' Top Safety Pick award, a Good score in all six crash tests is necessary, meaning this Tacoma isn't eligible for the honor. 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. Available headlights need to be Good or Acceptable. 

Spy shots tell us that Toyota is currently developing the next-gen Tacoma. The development vehicles are still under heavy camouflage, so we don't know much about what the new truck looks like. Mechanically, it reportedly rides on the TNGA-F platform and possibly adopts a turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

 Motor1.com reached out to Toyota for a statement about the Tacoma's performance in the latest IIHS crash evaluation. The automaker's lengthy response is below:

Toyota produces vehicles that meet or even exceed federal safety requirements. Separately, IIHS has developed more severe or specialized tests which go beyond federal requirements and serve as another reference point for our engineers to consider as we continuously improve our vehicles. It is noteworthy that the extended cab 2022 Tacoma earned “good” ratings in five crashworthiness evaluations – the driver-side small overlap, moderate overlap front, original side, roof strength and head restraint tests. In addition, the Tacoma earned a “superior” rating in the standard front crash prevention system in the vehicle-to-vehicle evaluation. Finally, we also earned a “good” rating for the optional LED reflector headlights available on higher trims of Tacoma.

Toyota is aware of The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) passenger side small overlap tests of an extended cab version of MY2021-22 Tacoma trucks. Following the 2021 Tacoma test, we reviewed the available test information, conducted evaluations, and analyzed the data. We implemented a production change in October, which resulted in the improved IIHS rating change for the extended cab 2022 Tacoma with regard to this test.