The 2022 Toyota Camry is one of the latest sedans in the model’s tenure of reliability, value, and safety. In fact, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the 2022 Camry a Top Safety Pick+ for its crashworthiness and prevention merits. However, after a reevaluation, the agency’s revised ratings suggest that the 2022 Toyota Camry might be dangerous, or at least quite a bit less safe than initial testing indicated. 

What problems with safety does the 2022 Toyota Camry have?

The 2022 Toyota Camry earned a 2022 Top Safety Pick+ rating. That means the midsize sedan earned a “good” rating in every major crashworthiness category. While that might not seem like a standing ovation, “Good” is the highest individual rating that the IIHS gives in categories like “small overlap front” and “roof strength.” That was the case for the Toyota Camry until the IIHS updated testing on the sedan’s side-impact crashworthiness. 

In the updated testing, which applies to 2018 through 2022 models, the Camry earned a “Poor” overall rating. Specifically, when officials evaluated the injury likelihood, the Camry received a “Marginal” rating in the driver’s torso, pelvic, and head protections. Troublingly, the Camry received a “Poor” rating in pelvic injury evaluations for rear passengers. The sobering results suggest that injuries may be more likely in the event of side impact than the IIHS previously anticipated. 

Does the Camry still have a Top Safety Pick+?

Currently, the IIHS hasn’t removed the 2022 Toyota Camry from its list of midsize sedans with a 2022 Top Safety Pick+. However, the agency’s criteria for a Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ include “Good” ratings in every crashworthiness test category. As a result, the Camry might still have its Top Safety Pick+ status, but the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety website shows a “Poor” result in updated side-impact testing. 

Is the 2022 Toyota Camry dangerous?

While the 2022 Toyota Camry earned a “Poor” rating in side impact testing, the Camry earned “Good” ratings in every other category. Also, the IIHS deemed the Camry worthy of “Superior” ratings in every crash prevention category. That means the Toyota Camry performed well in tests evaluating its crash avoidance features like the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection. 

Moreover, another safety agency, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), gave the 2022 Toyota Camry a five-star safety rating, the agency’s highest award. In fact, the NHTSA shows no updated testing and five-star subcategory scores in side-impact testing.

What can you buy instead?

The IIHS’ indication that the 2022 Toyota Camry could be dangerous in a side crash is sobering. However, the NHTSA doesn’t identify the Camry as a dangerous vehicle. Of course, you can buy a different midsize sedan with Top Safety Pick+ ratings. For instance, the 2022 Subaru Legacy and Honda Accord have top safety scores. Furthermore, the Legacy offers standard AWD, and the Accord offers hybrid fuel economy in addition to safety credentials. 

What do you think of the 2022 Camry? Tell us in the comments below!