Are Subaru Imprezas safe cars?
Subaru Imprezas are generally considered safe within the compact-car segment, thanks to standard all‑wheel drive, solid crash-test performance, and widely available driver-assistance features. However, safety varies by model year and trim, so checking current ratings and equipment for the exact year you’re considering is essential.
Crash-test performance
An overview of how Imprezas have fared in official crash tests and what equipment tends to influence those results.
- Standard all-wheel drive on every Impreza model contributes to stable handling and improved traction in adverse weather, which can help prevent certain crashes.
- EyeSight Driver Assist Technology—where equipped—includes automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assistance, and has historically contributed to strong front-crash-prevention ratings in many years.
- Subaru’s reinforced body structure and crash-energy management design aim to protect occupants across a range of crash scenarios.
- In IIHS and NHTSA testing, recent Impreza models have generally earned good to solid ratings, with results that depend on year, trim, and headlight quality, as headlights can affect IIHS Top Safety Pick+/Good ratings.
Overall, the Impreza’s crash-test performance has been competitive in its class, especially when equipped with EyeSight and maintained with proper headlights and ongoing service.
Active safety features and standard equipment
Details on the safety tech and equipment that influence real-world protection for drivers and passengers.
- Symmetrical all-wheel drive is standard on all current Impreza trims, providing balanced stability and improved grip in rain, snow, and ice.
- EyeSight Driver Assist Technology (where available) adds pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and sometimes lane-centering assist on newer models.
- Vehicle Dynamics Control, traction control, and anti-lock braking help maintain control during challenging driving conditions.
- Rear-vision camera is standard, with higher trims offering features such as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert on many years.
- Headlight quality and visibility can vary by year and trim; better headlights contribute to higher IIHS ratings and safer nighttime visibility.
In short, the Impreza’s safety package is robust for its class, especially when you opt for EyeSight and ensure headlights and sensors are in good working order.
Safety considerations for buyers
What to verify when evaluating a Subaru Impreza, especially if you are considering a used model.
- Recall status and service history: check the NHTSA recall database or Subaru’s recall portal to confirm all open recalls have been addressed.
- EyeSight functionality: if equipped, verify that driver-assist features (pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise, lane-keeping) operate correctly and that cameras and sensors are clean and properly calibrated.
- Headlights and visibility: confirm that low/high beams, daytime running lights, and any adaptive lighting function work well, as headlights can affect safety ratings and nighttime visibility.
- Transmission condition: be aware of CVT reliability in certain model years and listen for unusual noises or shuddering during acceleration, which can affect overall safety performance and reliability.
- Crash-avoidance history: review any past incidents and repair quality, since structural repairs or misalignments can impact occupant safety in future crashes.
When shopping for a used Impreza, prioritize a well-documented history, a properly functioning EyeSight system, and a recent round of safety-related maintenance.
Summary
The Subaru Impreza generally ranks well for safety in the compact-car category, thanks to standard all-wheel drive, strong crash-test performance, and widely available driver-assistance tech like EyeSight. However, safety results can vary by year, trim, and equipment—especially headlight quality and the presence of EyeSight. Prospective buyers should verify current IIHS/NHTSA ratings for the exact model year, ensure EyeSight is working if equipped, check recall status, and assess overall maintenance history before purchase.
