Two tests of the Tacoma were conducted, one by the Institute of a 2wd Access Cab and the other by Toyota of a 2wd Double Cab as part of frontal crash test verification. The overall rating of Good is based on review of both tests, which independently result in overall ratings of Good.

In each test, measures taken from the neck, chest, and both legs indicate low risk of injuries to these body regions in a crash of this severity. In the test conducted by Toyota, measures taken from the dummy's head also indicate low risk of head injuries. (In the Institute's test, a high head acceleration occurred when the dummy's head hit the steering-wheel through the airbag, indicating that head injuries would be possible.) Head acceleration from the roof rail hit in the Institute's test was low.

Dummy movement was well controlled in both tests. During rebound in the Institute's test, the dummy's head hit the roof rail.