Comparing crash tests of two vehicles with different weights and sizes like the Corolla and Camry isn’t as easy as looking for the highest scores. Cars.com senior editor Joe Wiesenfelder explains below, comparing the Camry and Corolla’s crash tests:

“In general, it’s impossible to compare cars of different sizes and weights. Most people know that a larger, heavier car tends to fare better in a crash than a smaller, lighter one – all other things being equal. But all other things are never equal.

“That being said, both Toyotas score Good in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s frontal- and side-impact crash tests and roof-strength ratings, an indicator of rollover protection. The Camry is Marginal in rear impacts, while the Corolla is Good. (The rear impact mainly measures the likelihood of whiplash rather than the most serious injuries.)

“In the government’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration crash tests – a different but relevant approach – the Camry earns the top score of five stars in all tests: for driver and front passenger in the frontal test and for front and rear occupants in the side-impact test. The Corolla earns four stars in all but the front seats in a side impact, which scores five stars. In this test, the Corolla scores lower in its class than the Camry does in its class. Combine this with the Camry’s greater size and weight, and it’s not unreasonable to conclude that it’s safer than the Corolla, but there’s no way to quantify how much.”

You can read about comparing crash tests, here.

Learn more

• Crash Tests: What You Need to Know (Cars.com)