Is a Subaru the safest car on the road?

In short: there is no single “safest” car on the road. Subarus are consistently rated highly for safety, but the title of safest depends on the specific model and year, as well as the rating system used.

Safety assessments come from independent organizations such as IIHS and the NHTSA. Subarus have repeatedly earned high scores and many Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ designations across multiple models in recent years, helped by standard or widely available EyeSight driver-assistance technology and, in many models, all-wheel drive. This article explains how safety ratings work, how Subaru stacks up, and how to identify the safest option for your needs in 2024–2025.

How safety is measured on the road

The following list summarizes the main benchmarks consumers should consult when evaluating a car’s safety performance.

• IIHS crashworthiness ratings, including how a vehicle performs in small overlap and moderate overlap frontal tests, side-impact tests, roof strength, and head restraints; these feed into IIHS Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ designations.


• NHTSA overall and subrating scores (frontal, side, rollover) expressed as a 5-star rating system.


• Headlight performance and other visibility-related criteria, which IIHS also tracks for safety-related ratings.


• Crash avoidance and driver-assistance evaluation, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, and related features.

These ratings provide a framework for comparing models, but they are year- and trim-specific. Real-world safety can vary based on maintenance, tires, weather, and driving behavior.

Subaru's safety record

Subaru emphasizes two core strengths: a robust driver-assist system and strong structural safety aided by symmetrical all-wheel drive in many models. The EyeSight suite, available across many trims, typically includes pre-collision braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assistance. AWD contributes to stability in adverse conditions, which can influence crash avoidance and control.

EyeSight and driver-assist

EyeSight features have evolved across model years, with earlier versions focusing on crash avoidance and newer iterations adding more refined lane-centering and visibility enhancements. Availability and exact feature sets vary by year and trim, so buyers should verify current specs for the exact vehicle they’re considering.

Subaru models that have historically earned strong safety recognition include:

• Forester


• Outback


• Crosstrek


• Legacy


• Ascent

In general, these models have frequently secured IIHS Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ ratings across multiple years, reflecting the combination of EyeSight technology, crashworthiness, and structural design. As always, confirm the current year’s ratings for the specific trim you’re considering.

How Subaru compares with other brands

Safety results are highly model- and year-specific, so while Subaru tends to rank well among mainstream brands, other manufacturers regularly post top scores on various tests. Brands such as Volvo, Toyota, Hyundai, Honda, and some luxury automakers frequently earn strong IIHS and NHTSA results across their lineups. When shopping, compare the exact model-year ratings and the safety features offered, rather than relying on brand reputation alone.

Pre-list note: There can be variation by market and trim, and some competitors may outperform in particular tests or offer more advanced safety features at similar prices. Consumers should verify the latest data for the specific vehicle they plan to buy.

What to consider when choosing a safe car

To identify the safest option, aim for model-year-specific ratings and a comprehensive set of safety features. Consider the following criteria.

• Exact IIHS and NHTSA ratings for the year and trim you’re evaluating.


• Availability and performance of driver-assistance systems (automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring).


• Headlight performance ratings (Good or better), since headlights impact nighttime visibility and safety.


• Crash-avoidance capabilities and the likelihood of avoiding a collision under typical driving conditions.


• Overall crashworthiness, structural integrity, seat and restraint design, and child-safety features.

By prioritizing model-year-specific safety data and a well-rounded set of safety features, you’ll improve your chances of selecting the safest option for your circumstances.

Bottom line

No single brand can be crowned the absolute safest car on the road for all drivers and all situations. Subarus generally rank highly in safety tests thanks to EyeSight and, for many models, standard all-wheel drive, but the safest choice depends on the specific model, year, trim, and testing configuration. Always verify current ratings for your chosen vehicle.

Summary

Subaru has earned a strong safety reputation in many markets due to robust driver assistance and solid crash-test performance across several model lines. However, safety is not a blanket label for a brand; it is model- and year-specific. To identify the safest car for you, compare the latest IIHS and NHTSA ratings for the exact year and trim, review the available safety features, and weigh them against competing models from other brands. With diligent research, you can find a Subaru or another car that best aligns with your safety priorities for 2024–2025 and beyond.

What is the #1 safest vehicle?

There is no single "number one" safety-rated vehicle; safety ratings are categorized by vehicle type and a vehicle's overall safety score depends on its performance in crash tests and its standard safety features. However, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Mazda3, Toyota Camry, and Toyota Prius all received top "Top Safety Pick+" ratings from the IIHS and 5-Star ratings from the NHTSA. Many other models also earned high marks in their respective categories. 
Top-rated vehicles for 2025 

• Mercedes-Benz C-Class: Earned a 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating and a 5-Star rating from the NHTSA. 
• 2025 Mazda3 (Sedan and Hatchback): Also received both a 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating and a 5-Star rating from the NHTSA. 
• 2025 Toyota Camry: Both the standard and hybrid models are rated as 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and 5-Star from the NHTSA. 
• 2025 Toyota Prius: Achieved a 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating. 
• Ford Mustang Mach-E: This electric SUV earned a 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA. 
• Honda Accord: The hybrid model is highlighted by U.S. News & World Report as one of the safest cars with a 9.8/10 safety score, along with standard safety features like traffic-jam assist and forward-collision warning. 

How to choose

• Check the official ratings: Consult the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) and NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) for the latest ratings on the specific models you are interested in. 
• Consider vehicle type: Safety ratings are often broken down by vehicle type, such as small cars, midsize cars, SUVs, and luxury vehicles. 
• Prioritize specific safety features: Some ratings, like the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, require specific optional equipment to achieve the highest ratings. 

What is the number one problem with subarus?

Now. So the head gasket. Issue we've heard it over and over again i've made many many videos here on YouTube about it. And lots of repair videos on fixing Subaru head gasket. Issues.

What is safer, Subaru or Honda?

Both Honda and Subaru are highly regarded for safety, with many models earning top ratings from organizations like the IIHS and NHTSA. Subaru often gets an edge due to its standard all-wheel drive on most models, which improves handling in poor weather, and its standard EyeSight suite of driver aids. Honda also provides a similar standard safety suite called Honda Sensing.
 
Subaru's strengths

• Standard all-wheel drive (AWD): Subaru's Symmetrical AWD is standard on most models, which can improve traction and stability in various conditions like snow, mud, and rain. 
• EyeSight Driver Assist Technology: This suite is standard on most Subarus and includes pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning. Some Subaru models also have features like Pre-Collision Throttle Management to reduce engine power if an object is detected too close ahead. 
• Outward visibility: Some Subaru models, like the Forester, are praised for their design, which offers better outward visibility and reduces blind spots. 

Honda's strengths

• Honda Sensing suite: This is standard on nearly all Honda vehicles and includes similar features to EyeSight, such as automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. 
• Specific awards: Certain Honda models have received top IIHS awards, and some rankings from sites like iSeeCars.com show Honda models performing better in specific safety categories, such as the safest midsize car or crossover. 
• Varying standard features: Some safety features like Lane Departure Warning were considered standard on many Honda models as of 2021, while a similar feature may have been optional on some Subaru models at that time. 

Which one should you choose?

• Choose Subaru if: Your top priority is standard AWD for all-weather performance, and you value features like pre-collision throttle management and excellent outward visibility, says the article on Subaru vs Honda vs Mazda i-ACTIVSENSE. 
• Choose Honda if: You prioritize specific model awards, such as the 2025 Honda Pilot's Top Safety Pick+ designation, and you find specific safety features in the Honda Sensing suite more appealing to your needs, according to the article on Subaru Ascent vs Honda Pilot. 

Is Subaru really the safest car?

Subaru is consistently ranked as one of the safest car brands due to its strong performance in safety tests and its standard safety features, like the EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. The brand has received more IIHS Top Safety Pick+ awards than any other mainstream brand since 2013.
 
Reasons for Subaru's high safety ranking:

• Award-winning safety: Subaru vehicles have earned more IIHS Top Safety Pick+ awards than any other mainstream brand since 2013, demonstrating consistent performance in rigorous crash tests. 
• Standard safety features: Many models come standard with Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which includes features like pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. 
• Durable design: The Subaru Global Platform is engineered with high-strength steel to improve rigidity and protect the passenger cabin. The unique design of the boxer engine is also intended to break down under the car in a frontal collision, instead of being pushed into the cabin. 
• Advanced safety systems: Beyond EyeSight, many models offer other safety systems, such as blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, and a driver-assist system that monitors for distracted or drowsy driving. 
• Structural design: The design incorporates features like reinforced body structures, crumple zones, and a door latching hook to prevent doors from opening during an impact.