Is Subaru considered a safe car?
Subaru is generally regarded as a safe choice, with many models earning high safety ratings from major testing organizations and standard advanced driver-assistance features.
Subaru's safety reputation comes from a combination of active safety tech, a strong crash-structure design, and drivetrain options that improve stability and control in various conditions. This article explores safety features, rating agency results, and practical buying tips to help readers understand Subaru's safety profile.
Core safety features across Subaru models
Most Subarus share a suite of safety technologies designed to help prevent crashes and protect occupants. The following list highlights the key elements commonly found across the lineup.
- EyeSight Driver Assist Technology: functions such as adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking (AEB) in many trims.
- Symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD): standard or widely available, improving traction and stability in rain, snow, and uneven surfaces.
- Subaru Global Platform: a crash-structure design that enhances cabin integrity and crash-energy management across recent models.
- Advanced active safety features: radar- and camera-based systems for collision avoidance, lane-centering assistance in some models, and pedestrian detection.
- All-weather and off-road tech: features like X-Mode or traction control modes to improve stability in challenging conditions.
These features collectively contribute to safer driving experiences by helping to prevent collisions and protect occupants in the event of a crash. However, features and availability can vary by model and year, so buyers should verify the equipment on the exact vehicle they consider.
Safety ratings and what they say about Subaru
Rating organizations such as IIHS and NHTSA provide independent assessments of vehicle safety. Here's how Subaru typically fares, with the caveat that results vary by model year and trim.
- IIHS: Many Subaru models have earned Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ designations in recent years, particularly when equipped with EyeSight and suitable headlights. The IIHS ratings emphasize crashworthiness, structure, and crash avoidance technology.
- NHTSA: Subarus often achieve high overall five-star or near-five-star ratings across several models, reflecting strong crash-test results and highway safety performance. Ratings can vary by model and year, so specifics should be checked for the exact vehicle.
- Headlights and options: IIHS ratings can depend on the headlights installed; some trims with certain headlights receive different marks than those with standard headlights.
In practice, Subaru's safety ratings are competitive within the mainstream family-SUV and sedan segments, and the safety features are consistent selling points for the brand.
Model highlights and buying tips
When shopping for safety, consider the following practical notes that commonly influence safety outcomes and owner satisfaction:
- Prioritize EyeSight-equipped trims for access to collision avoidance features and adaptive cruise control.
- Check the model-year-specific IIHS and NHTSA results for the exact vehicle you are considering, since ratings can change with redesigns and updated headlights.
- Look at headlights quality in the IIHS testing; poor headlights can reduce overall safety ratings even if the vehicle otherwise performs well in crash tests.
Bottom line: Subaru's safety approach combines strong active safety tech with a robust chassis, producing a reputation for safety that is well-regarded in the mainstream market. Always verify the exact model-year's safety features and test ratings before buying.
Summary
Subaru is widely regarded as a safe brand, with high-performance safety tech such as EyeSight, standard AWD in many models, and a focus on crashworthiness through its engineering. Ratings from IIHS and NHTSA are generally favorable, though model-year and trim differences matter. For the safest choice, look at the latest official ratings for the specific Subaru model and configuration you are considering and ensure you have the EyeSight features and appropriate headlights for maximum safety performance.
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 Subaru's most common problem?
Subaru's most common problem: transmission failure
Transmission slipping: If your Subaru is shuddering when you accelerate, you might need to replace a solenoid (wire coil) in the engine.
Is Subaru still a safest car?
This award represents vehicles that go above and beyond standard safety expectations, and Subaru has not only received a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, but as of August 2024, it's also received more IIHS Top Safety Pick+ awards than any other automotive brand since 2013 as of August 2024.
What is safer, Kia or Subaru?
Most 2025 Subaru models are IIHS Top Safety Picks, offering features like adaptive cruise control, lane centering, and pre-collision braking—standard. Kia's safety tech is solid, but many advanced features come with higher trim levels and packages. When it comes to safety, Subaru builds it in, rather than adding it on.
