Does Subaru have a high safety rating?
Yes. Subaru vehicles generally earn high safety ratings from major testing organizations, with many recent models receiving top honors for crash protection and available driver-assistance features. This article examines the latest safety evaluations from IIHS and NHTSA, highlights standout models, and explains the factors behind Subaru’s strong safety performance.
Current Safety Ratings From IIHS and NHTSA
Below is a snapshot of how Subaru models typically perform in the two leading safety evaluations used by consumers in the United States.
- IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety): Most recent Subaru models have earned Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ honors in crashworthiness tests, with favorable ratings for front crash prevention and, in many trims, acceptable to good headlight performance.
- NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration): A large portion of Subaru models achieve an overall 5-star rating, reflecting strong performance in front, side, and rollover crash tests across multiple model years and configurations.
- EyeSight Driver Assist Technology: Subaru’s EyeSight suite is widely standard across newer models and is a key contributor to overall safety performance by providing features such as automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist.
In short, Subaru’s safety ratings across the lineup tend to be robust, with notable consistency in independent crash tests and strong standard safety features across many trims. Ratings can vary by model year and trim, so buyers should verify the current year’s IIHS and NHTSA results for the exact vehicle they’re considering.
Standout Models With Strong Safety Records
Here are several Subaru models that have repeatedly earned high safety marks in recent model years. The ratings cited reflect typical results from IIHS and NHTSA for current-generation versions, and may vary by year and trim.
- Outback — Often earns IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and holds strong NHTSA 5-star overall ratings, thanks to solid crash-test performance and Subaru’s standard EyeSight features.
- Forester — Regularly recognized by IIHS with Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ status and strong NHTSA scores, aided by comprehensive safety equipment and protective design.
- Crosstrek (XV) — Has secured IIHS Top Safety Pick in recent years and maintains favorable NHTSA results, supported by active safety tech and a compact, safer-ahead packaging.
- Ascent — Subaru’s largest model family member frequently earns Top Safety Pick+ recognition and high NHTSA ratings, reflecting strong family-safety credentials.
Overall, these models illustrate Subaru’s emphasis on crashworthiness and driver-assistance technology across its lineup. Specific ratings depend on the model year and configuration, so checking the latest IIHS and NHTSA data remains essential for prospective buyers.
What Drives Subaru’s Safety Ratings?
EyeSight Driver Assist Technology
EyeSight is a cornerstone of Subaru’s safety story. Available as standard on many models, it bundles features like pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. Independent testers frequently highlight EyeSight as a strong, user-friendly suite that helps prevent or mitigate crashes, contributing to higher IIHS and NHTSA evaluations.
Crashworthiness and Vehicle Structure
Subaru emphasizes front-and-center crash protection, robust roof strength, and reinforced safety cage design. This approach helps achieve high crash-test scores in both IIHS and NHTSA assessments, making Subarus among the safer choices in the mainstream SUV and wagon segments.
Passive Safety and Restraint Systems
In addition to active safety tech, Subaru vehicles typically come equipped with multiple airbags, structural redundancy, and passenger protection systems. These passive safety measures support favorable outcomes in side-impact, roof-crush, and rollover tests, reinforcing the brand’s safety credentials across its model range.
Summary
Subaru generally maintains a strong safety profile across its current lineup, with many models earning IIHS Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ status and high NHTSA 5-star ratings. The brand’s safety performance is driven by a combination of robust crashworthiness, a comprehensive EyeSight driver-assistance suite, and well-engineered passive safety features. Buyers should verify the latest model-year ratings for the exact configuration they’re considering, as results can vary by year and trim. Overall, Subaru remains a solid choice for safety-conscious buyers seeking practical, family-oriented vehicles.
