The 2019 Toyota Camry Se stands out as a popular sedan, and for good reason. Beyond its sleek styling and reputation for reliability, safety is a key factor for many car buyers. If you’re considering a 2019 Toyota Camry SE, understanding its safety ratings is crucial. This detailed analysis, based on rigorous testing, provides a comprehensive overview of how well the 2019 Camry SE protects occupants in various crash scenarios. We delve into the critical safety evaluations to give you a clear picture of what to expect.
Small Overlap Front Crash Test: Driver’s Side Performance of the 2019 Toyota Camry SE
The small overlap front crash test is designed to simulate what happens when the front corner of a vehicle collides with a narrow object like a tree or pole. This test is particularly demanding on vehicle structure. For the 2019 Toyota Camry SE and other models in the 2018-24 generation, the driver-side small overlap frontal rating is determined from tests conducted by Toyota and assessed by the Institute.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | Good (G) |
| Structure and safety cage | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | Good (G) |
| Chest | Good (G) |
| Hip/thigh | Good (G) |
| Lower leg/foot | Good (G) |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | Good (G) |
The 2019 Toyota Camry SE achieved a “Good” rating in the driver-side small overlap front test, the highest possible rating. This “Good” rating extends across all measured categories, indicating robust performance in this challenging crash scenario. The structure and safety cage of the 2019 Toyota Camry SE held up well, and importantly, all driver injury measures were also rated as “Good.” This includes head/neck, chest, hip/thigh, and lower leg/foot protection. Furthermore, the driver restraints and dummy kinematics were also evaluated as “Good,” indicating that the restraint systems effectively controlled the dummy’s movement during the crash, minimizing potential injuries.
Technical Measurements: Driver-Side Small Overlap Front Test for 2019 Toyota Camry SE
To further understand the “Good” rating, let’s examine the technical measurements from the driver-side small overlap front test for the 2019 Toyota Camry SE (and tested 2018 Camry LE model which represents this generation).
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 indicate minimal intrusion into the occupant compartment of the 2019 Toyota Camry SE during the driver-side small overlap test. The maximum intrusion at the lower hinge pillar was only 2 cm, and the rocker panel showed no lateral average intrusion. Critically, the steering column also showed 0 cm of intrusion. These low intrusion values contribute to maintaining survival space for the driver in a small overlap frontal crash.
Driver Injury Measures (Driver Side)
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head | |
| HIC-15 | 157 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | no contact |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 0.9 |
| Extension bending moment (Nm) | 4 |
| Maximum Nij | 0.14 |
| Chest maximum compression (mm) | 22 |
| Femur (kN) | |
| Left | 0.5 |
| Right | 0.3 |
| Knee displacement (mm) | |
| Left | 0 |
| Right | 0 |
| Knee-thigh-hip injury risk (%) | |
| Left | 0 |
| Right | 0 |
| Maximum tibia index | |
| Left | 0.35 |
| Right | 0.42 |
| Tibia axial force (kN) | |
| Left | 2.0 |
| Right | 0.9 |
| Foot acceleration (g) | |
| Left | 59 |
| Right | 34 |
The driver injury measures in the small overlap test further support the “Good” rating for the 2019 Toyota Camry SE. Head injury criterion (HIC-15) was low at 157, and there was no hard contact to the head. Neck forces were also low. Chest compression was minimal at 22mm. Femur and tibia forces, and knee displacement were all very low, indicating a minimal risk of lower leg injuries. The overall injury risk percentages for the knee-thigh-hip area were 0% for both left and right sides.
Small Overlap Front Crash Test: Passenger-Side Evaluation of the 2019 Toyota Camry SE
Passenger-side small overlap front crash testing assesses occupant protection on the passenger side, which can differ from the driver’s side due to vehicle design. Like the driver-side test, this simulates a collision with a narrow object on the passenger side of the 2019 Toyota Camry SE.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | Good (G) |
| Structure and safety cage | Good (G) |
| Passenger injury measures | |
| Head/neck | Good (G) |
| Chest | Good (G) |
| Hip/thigh | Good (G) |
| Lower leg/foot | Good (G) |
| Passenger restraints and dummy kinematics | Acceptable (A) |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | Good (G) |
| Chest | Good (G) |
| Hip/thigh | Good (G) |
| Lower leg/foot | Good (G) |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | Good (G) |
The 2019 Toyota Camry SE again earned an overall “Good” rating for passenger-side small overlap performance. The structure and safety cage held up to the impact, and passenger injury measures for head/neck, chest, hip/thigh, and lower leg/foot were all rated “Good.” However, the passenger restraints and dummy kinematics received an “Acceptable” rating. The assessment noted that while the dummy’s face remained in contact with the frontal airbag, the head moved too far to the right towards the gap between the frontal and side curtain airbags. Despite this, the side curtain airbag deployed effectively, providing sufficient forward coverage to protect the head from contact with side structures and outside objects. Driver injury measures in the passenger-side test remained “Good” across all categories.
Technical Measurements: Passenger-Side Small Overlap Front Test for 2019 Toyota Camry SE
Detailed measurements provide further insight into the passenger-side small overlap crash performance of the 2019 Toyota Camry SE.
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 |
Intrusion on the passenger side was slightly higher than on the driver’s side but still indicates good structural performance. The maximum lower occupant compartment intrusion was at the footrest (9 cm), while upper occupant compartment intrusion peaked at the upper dash (4 cm). These measurements, in conjunction with the “Good” structure rating, show that the passenger survival space was largely maintained in the 2019 Toyota Camry SE.
Passenger Injury Measures (Passenger Side)
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head | |
| HIC-15 | 189 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | no contact |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 1.1 |
| Extension bending moment (Nm) | 12 |
| Maximum Nij | 0.25 |
| Chest maximum compression (mm) | 21 |
| Femur (kN) | |
| Left | 0.9 |
| Right | 0.9 |
| Knee displacement (mm) | |
| Left | 3 |
| Right | 3 |
| Knee-thigh-hip injury risk (%) | |
| Left | 0 |
| Right | 0 |
| Maximum tibia index | |
| Left | 0.27 |
| Right | 0.33 |
| Tibia axial force (kN) | |
| Left | 2.4 |
| Right | 1.9 |
| Foot acceleration (g) | |
| Left | 44 |
| Right | 53 |
Passenger injury measures were again low, consistent with the “Good” rating. Head HIC-15 was 189 with no hard contact. Neck forces were within acceptable limits, and chest compression was 21mm. Femur and tibia forces remained low, and knee displacement was minimal. Like the driver side, the knee-thigh-hip injury risk was 0%.
Driver Injury Measures in Passenger-Side Test
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head | |
| HIC-15 | 126 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | no contact |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 0.9 |
| Extension bending moment (Nm) | 10 |
| Maximum Nij | 0.16 |
| Chest maximum compression (mm) | 31 |
| Femur (kN) | |
| Left | 0.6 |
| Right | 0.5 |
| Knee displacement (mm) | |
| Left | 0 |
| Right | 0 |
| Knee-thigh-hip injury risk (%) | |
| Left | 0 |
| Right | 0 |
| Maximum tibia index | |
| Left | 0.34 |
| Right | 0.23 |
| Tibia axial force (kN) | |
| Left | 1.2 |
| Right | 0.9 |
| Foot acceleration (g) | |
| Left | 41 |
| Right | 37 |
Driver injury measures recorded during the passenger-side test were also favorable, reinforcing the overall strong safety performance of the 2019 Toyota Camry SE in small overlap crashes.
Moderate Overlap Front Crash Test: Original Evaluation for the 2019 Toyota Camry SE
The moderate overlap front crash test simulates a head-on collision between two vehicles of similar weight, where the impact is across a wider portion of the front of the car than in the small overlap test. This is a more traditional type of crash test and remains a significant indicator of frontal crash protection.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | Good (G) |
| Structure and safety cage | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | Good (G) |
| Chest | Good (G) |
| Leg/foot, left | Good (G) |
| Leg/foot, right | Good (G) |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | Good (G) |
The 2019 Toyota Camry SE once again achieved a “Good” rating in the moderate overlap front crash test. Every aspect evaluated, including structure and safety cage, driver injury measures (head/neck, chest, leg/foot), and driver restraints and kinematics, received the highest “Good” rating. This demonstrates excellent frontal crash protection in a more common accident scenario.
Technical Measurements: Moderate Overlap Front Test for 2019 Toyota Camry SE
Technical data further supports the “Good” rating in the moderate overlap front test.
Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Driver Side)
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement (cm) |
|---|---|
| Footwell intrusion | |
| Footrest | 5 |
| Left | 7 |
| Center | 6 |
| Right | 3 |
| Brake pedal | 3 |
| Instrument panel rearward movement | |
| Left | 1 |
| Right | 1 |
| Steering column movement | |
| Upward | -1 |
| Rearward | -6 |
| A-pillar rearward movement | 1 |
Footwell intrusion measurements were moderate, with the highest intrusion at the left footwell (7 cm). Instrument panel and A-pillar rearward movement were minimal (1 cm each). Notably, the steering column moved rearward by 6 cm and upward by -1 cm (downward), which is designed to help reduce driver chest and head injuries.
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 |
| Extension bending moment (Nm) | 21 |
| Maximum Nij | 0.27 |
| Chest maximum compression (mm) | 26 |
| Legs | |
| 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 (g) | |
| Left | 69 |
| Right | 39 |
Driver injury measures in the moderate overlap test were low. Head HIC-15 was 204, with no head contact. Neck and chest forces were well-controlled. Femur and tibia forces were also low, with no knee displacement, indicating a low risk of leg injuries in this type of frontal crash for the 2019 Toyota Camry SE.
Side Impact Crash Test: Original and Updated Evaluations for the 2019 Toyota Camry SE
Side impact crashes are a significant source of injury in accidents. The 2019 Toyota Camry SE was subjected to both the original side crash test and an updated, more stringent side crash test.
Side Impact: Original Test
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | Good (G) |
| Structure and safety cage | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | Good (G) |
| Torso | Good (G) |
| Pelvis/leg | Good (G) |
| Driver head protection | Good (G) |
| Rear passenger injury measures | |
| Head/neck | Good (G) |
| Torso | Good (G) |
| Pelvis/leg | Good (G) |
| Rear passenger head protection | Good (G) |
In the original side impact test, the 2019 Toyota Camry SE achieved a “Good” rating overall. Both driver and rear passenger injury measures, as well as head protection for both, were rated “Good.” The structure and safety cage also performed well, earning a “Good” rating.
Technical Measurements: Original Side Impact Test
Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Driver Side)
| Test ID | Measurement (cm) |
|---|---|
| B-pillar to longitudinal centerline of driver’s seat | -22.0 |
The B-pillar intrusion measurement of -22.0 cm indicates that the crush stopped well short of the driver’s seat centerline, demonstrating good structural resistance to side impact forces.
Driver Injury Measures (Original Side Impact Test)
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 334 |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 0.9 |
| Compression (kN) | 0.2 |
| Shoulder | |
| Lateral deflection (mm) | 29 |
| Lateral force (kN) | 1.2 |
| Torso | |
| Maximum deflection (mm) | 30 |
| Average deflection (mm) | 28 |
| Maximum deflection rate (m/s) | 3.60 |
| Maximum viscous criterion (m/s) | 0.34 |
| Pelvis | |
| Iliac force (kN) | 1.3 |
| Acetabulum force (kN) | 1.4 |
| Combined force (kN) | 2.6 |
| Left femur | |
| L-M force (kN) | 0.4 |
| L-M moment (Nm) | 50 |
| A-P moment (Nm) | 122 |
Driver injury measures in the original side impact test were well within acceptable limits, supporting the “Good” rating.
Passenger Injury Measures (Original Side Impact Test)
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 151 |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 0.1 |
| Compression (kN) | 0.5 |
| Shoulder | |
| Lateral deflection (mm) | 22 |
| Lateral force (kN) | 0.9 |
| Torso | |
| Maximum deflection (mm) | 26 |
| Average deflection (mm) | 23 |
| Maximum deflection rate (m/s) | 3.90 |
| Maximum viscous criterion (m/s) | 0.22 |
| Pelvis | |
| Iliac force (kN) | 0.9 |
| Acetabulum force (kN) | 1.0 |
| Combined force (kN) | 1.7 |
| Left femur | |
| L-M force (kN) | 0.2 |
| L-M moment (Nm) | 31 |
| A-P moment (Nm) | 89 |
Rear passenger injury measures in the original side impact test were also low, contributing to the “Good” overall rating.
Side Impact: Updated Test (Note: This test applies to later model years but provides context)
It’s important to note that an updated side impact test was introduced which is more challenging. While the 2019 Toyota Camry SE models were not specifically tested under this updated protocol, later models in this generation received a “Poor” rating in the updated test. This updated test uses a heavier barrier and higher impact speed to simulate a more severe side impact scenario, reflecting evolving understanding of real-world crash dynamics. This “Poor” rating in the updated test for later models was primarily due to inadequate driver head protection, where the dummy’s head moved past the side curtain airbag and struck the window sill. This indicates a potential vulnerability in more severe side impacts, which is important to consider even when evaluating the 2019 Toyota Camry SE.
Roof Strength Test for the 2019 Toyota Camry SE
Roof strength is a crucial safety aspect, especially in rollover accidents. The roof strength test measures how well the roof can withstand forces in a rollover scenario.
| Overall evaluation | Good (G) |
|---|---|
| Curb weight | 3,326 lbs |
| Peak force | 18,862 lbs |
| Strength-to-weight ratio | 5.67 |
The 2019 Toyota Camry SE achieved a “Good” rating in the roof strength test. With a strength-to-weight ratio of 5.67, the roof demonstrated significant strength relative to the vehicle’s weight, indicating good protection in rollover scenarios.
Head Restraints & Seats Evaluation for the 2019 Toyota Camry SE
Head restraints and seats play a vital role in preventing neck injuries, particularly in rear-end collisions.
| Overall evaluation | Good (G) |
|---|---|
| Dynamic rating | Good (G) |
| Seat/head restraint geometry | Good (G) |
The 2019 Toyota Camry SE received a “Good” overall rating for head restraints and seats. Both dynamic rating and seat/head restraint geometry were evaluated as “Good,” signifying effective design in mitigating whiplash injuries in rear impacts.
Technical Measurements: Head Restraints & Seats
| Seat type | Power cloth seat |
|---|---|
| Geometry | |
| Backset (mm) | 20 |
| Distance below top of head (mm) | 6 |
| Seat design parameters | |
| Pass/fail | Pass |
| Max T1 acceleration (g) | 13.8 |
| Head contact time (ms) | 63 |
| Force rating | 1 |
| Neck forces | |
| Max neck shear force (N) | 0 |
| Max neck tension (N) | 281 |
Technical measurements confirm the favorable geometry and dynamic performance of the head restraints and seats in the 2019 Toyota Camry SE.
Headlight Ratings for the 2019 Toyota Camry SE
Headlight performance is essential for nighttime driving safety. The 2019 Toyota Camry SE, like other trims, has different headlight options, resulting in varying ratings. It’s important to check the specific headlight type on the 2019 Camry SE you are considering.
Headlight Option 1: LE, SE, L, Hybrid LE, Hybrid SE trims
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Low-beam headlight type | LED projector |
| High-beam headlight type | LED projector |
| Curve-adaptive? | No |
| High-beam assist? | Yes |
| Overall rating | Acceptable (A) |
For the LE, SE, L, Hybrid LE, and Hybrid SE trims, the 2019 Toyota Camry SE is equipped with LED projector headlights and high-beam assist, achieving an “Acceptable” overall rating. While “Acceptable” is not the highest rating, it indicates adequate performance.
Headlight Option 2: XLE, XSE, XLE V6, XSE V6, Hybrid XLE trims (Standard Headlights)
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Low-beam headlight type | LED projector |
| High-beam headlight type | LED projector |
| Curve-adaptive? | No |
| High-beam assist? | Yes |
| Overall rating | Acceptable (A) |
The standard headlights on XLE, XSE, XLE V6, XSE V6, and Hybrid XLE trims also receive an “Acceptable” rating. These also feature LED projectors and high-beam assist but are not curve-adaptive.
Headlight Option 3: Hybrid XLE trim with Adaptive Headlights Package
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Low-beam headlight type | LED projector |
| High-beam headlight type | LED projector |
| Curve-adaptive? | Yes |
| High-beam assist? | Yes |
| Overall rating | Good (G) |
When equipped with the Adaptive Headlights package, the Hybrid XLE trim of the 2019 Toyota Camry SE (and other 2019 Camry models) achieves a “Good” headlight rating. These headlights are LED projectors, curve-adaptive, and feature high-beam assist, providing superior nighttime visibility.
Front Crash Prevention: Vehicle-to-Vehicle and Pedestrian for the 2019 Toyota Camry SE
Front crash prevention systems are increasingly important safety features. The 2019 Toyota Camry SE comes standard with a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection.
Vehicle-to-Vehicle Front Crash Prevention
| Overall evaluation | Superior |
|---|---|
| Forward Collision Warning | Meets requirements |
| 12 mph test | Collision Avoided |
| 25 mph test | Collision Avoided |
The 2019 Toyota Camry SE’s vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention system is rated “Superior.” It meets forward collision warning requirements and successfully avoided collisions in both 12 mph and 25 mph tests.
Pedestrian Front Crash Prevention (Daytime)
| 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 pedestrian front crash prevention system on the 2019 Toyota Camry SE is rated “Advanced.” It avoided collisions with crossing adults in both 12 mph and 25 mph tests, and with a parallel adult at 25 mph. In higher-speed scenarios involving a crossing child or parallel adult at 37 mph, the system significantly reduced impact speed.
Child Seat Anchors (LATCH) in the 2019 Toyota Camry SE
Child seat anchors (LATCH) make it easier to securely install child safety seats.
| Overall evaluation | Good (G) + extra LATCH positions |
|---|---|
| Vehicle trim | LE (representative of SE and other trims) |
| Seat type | cloth |
The 2019 Toyota Camry SE (represented by the LE trim in testing) receives a “Good+” rating for child seat anchors, indicating it has “Good” rated LATCH hardware and extra LATCH positions. It has two rear seating positions with complete LATCH hardware and an additional position where lower anchors can be borrowed.
Child Seat Anchor Details by Seating Position
| Position | Rating | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Good | Tether anchor, Lower anchors |
| 2 | Not Rated (Borrowed Anchors) | Tether anchor, Lower anchors can be borrowed from 1 and 3 |
| 3 | Good | Tether anchor, Lower anchors |
Positions 1 and 3 have complete, “Good” rated LATCH systems. Position 2 relies on borrowing lower anchors from adjacent positions.
Conclusion: 2019 Toyota Camry SE Safety Performance
Overall, the 2019 Toyota Camry SE demonstrates strong safety performance across a range of crash tests and safety evaluations. It consistently achieves “Good” ratings in critical areas like small overlap front, moderate overlap front, original side impact, roof strength, and head restraints & seats. Front crash prevention systems are rated “Superior” and “Advanced” for vehicle-to-vehicle and pedestrian detection, respectively. Headlight ratings vary depending on the trim and options, ranging from “Acceptable” to “Good.” Child seat LATCH system is rated “Good+” for ease of use.
While later models received a “Poor” rating in the updated side impact test, it’s important to remember the 2019 Toyota Camry SE performed “Good” in the original side impact test, which was the standard at the time of its evaluation.
For buyers prioritizing safety, the 2019 Toyota Camry SE offers a reassuring level of protection based on these comprehensive safety assessments. Always consider the specific trim and options of any used vehicle, especially regarding headlights, and stay informed about evolving safety standards and testing protocols.
