2015 Toyota Prius c Is Only “Acceptably” Safe, IIHS Small Overlap Crash Test Shows

The Prius c has received a “Good” rating for all the other IIHS tests but has now stepped down to “Acceptable” for the small overlap impact simulation.

Toyota released the Prius c with the 2012 model year and we’ll remind you this is not based on the Prius, using the Yaris as a starting point. Models built after May 2015 had their front end and occupant compartment structure strengthened, while using longer side curtain airbags. Both these measures targeted superior small overlap crash performance.

As for the cars built before that point, these showed a “Poor” rating in multiple areas of the test.

The Toyota’s safety cell held its shape well, with structure intrusion being within reasonable limits. However, dummy measurements showed the driver could experience injuries to his left lower leg.

As for the restrains, the seat belt allowed the dummy to travel forward more than it should, with this being one of the reasons for which the head hit the instrument panel.

“The dummy’s head barely contacted the frontal airbag before sliding off the left side. Additionally, the seat belt allowed excessive forward excursion of the dummy’s head and torso, contributing to the head hitting the instrument panel, and the driver's seat tipped forward and toward the B-pillar. The side curtain airbag deployed and has sufficient forward coverage to protect the head from contact with side structure and outside objects. The side torso airbag also deployed,” the NHTSA statement reads.

As a result, the Prius c falls into a wide category of cars that pass all IIHS tests with “Good” colors, but are caught a bit unprepared by the small overall front crash test.