Is Subaru Outback a safe car?

Yes. The Subaru Outback is widely regarded as a very safe choice thanks to strong crash-test scores and robust driver-assistance features.

In this report, we examine official safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA, explain the key safety features that help prevent crashes, and describe how model year and trim affect safety so buyers can gauge protection on the road.

What the safety ratings say

Here is a snapshot of how independent safety organizations rate the Outback in recent years.

• IIHS: The Outback has earned Top Safety Pick+ (with certain headlights) and generally positive scores for crashworthiness and front-crash prevention across trim levels that include the EyeSight package.


• NHTSA: The Outback has typically earned a high overall rating in recent model years, with strong results in frontal and side crashes and favorable rollover resistance.


• Note: Safety ratings can vary by model year and trim, particularly with the availability of LED headlights and EyeSight features. Always check the specific year and trim you’re considering.

These comprehensive ratings suggest the Outback performs well in controlled tests and offers driver aids that can help prevent or mitigate crashes. However, real-world safety also depends on maintenance, sensor cleanliness, and proper use of features.

Safety features that help prevent crashes

Subaru highlights a suite of driver-assistance technologies that are designed to reduce the likelihood of a crash and to assist the driver in difficult conditions. The following features are commonly available on recent Outback models.

• EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, including adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, and lane-keeping assistance with lane departure warning.


• Pre-collision braking with pedestrian detection, which can apply brakes to reduce collision risk with vehicles or pedestrians.


• Lane Centering/Lane Departure Warning to help maintain lane position on highways and during maneuvers.


• Adaptive Cruise Control, which adjusts speed to maintain a safe following distance.


• Blind-spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) on many trims to help detect vehicles in adjacent lanes when changing lanes.

While these features provide substantial safety benefits, their effectiveness depends on proper use and maintenance. They complement, not replace, attentive driving.

Model-year and trim differences

Safety equipment availability and performance can vary by model year and trim level. Here’s how that plays out in practice.

• EyeSight is standard on most recent Outback models; higher trims may include additional features like enhanced headlights and more advanced driver assists.


• LED headlights and upgraded lighting configurations can affect IIHS headlight ratings, which in turn influence overall Top Safety Pick+ status in some years.


• All-wheel drive is standard across the lineup, helping stability in adverse weather and contributing to overall safety performance in scenarios like rain or snow.

For buyers, the key takeaway is to verify that the specific year and trim include the EyeSight suite and the headlights configuration you prefer, as these factors influence both safety ratings and real-world protection.

Limitations and considerations

Even a highly rated safety system relies on proper use and conditions. Some caveats to keep in mind include weather or road conditions that hinder sensor performance, the need for regular maintenance of sensors and cameras, and human factors such as driver distraction, fatigue, or overreliance on assist features.

Summary

The Subaru Outback is generally recognized as a safe vehicle, backed by strong IIHS and NHTSA assessments and anchored by a robust suite of driver-assistance technologies. Its all-wheel-drive layout and thoughtful design add to its safety profile, particularly in adverse weather. Prospective buyers should verify the specific year and trim to ensure the EyeSight features and headlights meet their safety expectations.

Is the Subaru Outback safer than the Toyota RAV4?

Both the Subaru Outback and Toyota RAV4 are highly safe SUVs with standard driver-assistance suites, but the Subaru Outback generally holds an edge in long-term safety recognition and standard advanced features, while both vehicles receive top-tier ratings from the NHTSA. The Outback has an extended history of receiving high-level awards from the IIHS and its standard EyeSight suite includes features like standard lane centering and pre-collision steering assist, which are more comprehensive than the RAV4's standard offerings. However, the RAV4 offers specific features that may be beneficial, such as its available panoramic view monitor with 360-degree cameras, notes McLaughlin Subaru. 
You can watch this video to see a comparison of safety features in the Subaru Outback and Toyota RAV4: 55sAutomotive Anonymous YouTube · Jan 11, 2025
Subaru Outback

• Safety awards: The Outback has an extensive history of IIHS Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ awards, including 11 years running for 2009-2023. 
• Standard features: The standard EyeSight Driver Assist Technology includes adaptive cruise control with emergency steering, lane centering, and pre-collision braking. 
• Advanced features: Higher trims add features like a 180-degree front-view monitor and reverse automatic braking. 
• Nighttime visibility: Standard LED headlights provide better illumination in low-light conditions compared to some base RAV4 models. 

Toyota RAV4

• Safety awards: The 2025 RAV4 received a five-star NHTSA rating, matching the Outback's rating. 
• Standard features: The standard Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5 includes pre-collision system with pedestrian detection and lane tracing assist. 
• Advanced features: An available panoramic view monitor with a 360-degree overhead view is available on higher trims. 

This video shows a comparison of the Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Outback, including their safety features: 56sAutoMobiYouTube · Jul 4, 2025
Which is right for you?

• If you prioritize a long history of top safety awards and a comprehensive suite of standard advanced safety features, the Subaru Outback is the better choice. 
• If you prefer the features and potentially lower ownership costs of the RAV4, it is still a very safe option, especially with its five-star NHTSA rating. 
• If you want to choose the best car for you, compare the specific features of each model and consider taking both models for a test drive, says this YouTube video. 

What is a common problem with a Subaru Outback?

Common problems for the Subaru Outback include weak windshields, excessive oil consumption, and issues with the cooling system and CVT transmission, especially in specific model years. Other frequent complaints involve airbag defects, electrical problems like battery drain, and vibration during acceleration.
 
You can watch this video to learn about the history of Subaru head gasket issues: 1mMrSubaru1387YouTube · Aug 11, 2024
Engine and powertrain 

• Excessive oil consumption: Many models, particularly older 2.5L engines, may burn oil between oil changes due to leaks from seals. 
• Cooling system failures: Overheating can lead to blown head gaskets, and the cooling system itself is a common point of failure. 
• CVT transmission problems: Some model years are more susceptible to issues like rough shifting or failure. 
• Vibration during acceleration: Some owners report a shudder or vibration when accelerating. 
• Older head gasket issues: The EJ-series engines (roughly 1997–2012) had an inherent head gasket failure problem, though this was mostly resolved in later models. 

Body and electrical

• Weak windshields: The glass is prone to cracking from stress or minor impacts. 
• Airbag defects: Some models have a history of airbag problems, leading to recalls. 
• Electrical issues: Problems can include unexpected battery drain and issues with the ABS control module. 

Other common issues

• Oxygen sensor failure: The front O2 sensor can fail, sometimes leading to a recall. 
• Premature brake wear: Some models experience faster-than-average brake wear. 
• Suspension wear and tear: Like many vehicles, suspension components will eventually wear out. 

Is the Subaru Outback a safe vehicle?

The Subaru Outback is a very safe vehicle, consistently earning top safety ratings from organizations like the IIHS and the NHTSA. It has a strong structure, numerous airbags, and standard driver-assist features like the EyeSight® system, which includes automatic emergency braking and lane keep assist. It's also been named an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ for many consecutive years.
 
Structural and passive safety

• Ring-Shaped Reinforcement Frame: A strong, cage-like frame is designed to absorb and distribute crash impact. 
• Horizontally-opposed engine: The engine is positioned to slide under the vehicle's floor in a front-end collision, preventing it from intruding into the cabin. 
• Comprehensive airbag system: Includes front, front-side, curtain, and driver's knee airbags to protect occupants in a crash. 

Active and driver-assist safety features

• EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology: Comes standard on all trims and includes: 
  • Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering 
  • Pre-collision Braking 
  • Lane Departure and Sway Warning 
  • Lane Keep Assist
  • Automatic Emergency Steering 
• Other standard and available features:
  • Standard: Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC), High Beam Assist, and Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. 
  • Available: Blind-spot detection and reverse automatic braking. 
• DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System: An available system that uses facial recognition to monitor driver attention and provides alerts for distraction or fatigue. 

Safety ratings

• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA): Earned an overall 5-star safety rating for recent models. 
• Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS): Awarded "Top Safety Pick+" status for many years, which is the highest honor the IIHS gives out. 

Which Subaru model is the safest?

The Subaru Ascent is the safest model for 2024 and 2025, earning the top "TOP SAFETY PICK+" award from the IIHS. The Solterra also earned a "TOP SAFETY PICK+" for 2024 and 2025, while models like the Forester, Outback, and Impreza also received high marks with a "TOP SAFETY PICK" award.
 
Subaru safety awards

• Subaru Ascent: Received the highest "TOP SAFETY PICK+" award for 2024 and 2025, which requires a "Good" rating in updated side and moderate overlap tests. The Ascent also has a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA.
• Subaru Solterra: Earned the "TOP SAFETY PICK+" award for both 2024 and 2025.
• Subaru Forester: Received the "TOP SAFETY PICK" award for 2025, marking the 19th consecutive year it has received an IIHS award.
• Subaru Outback: Awarded a "TOP SAFETY PICK" for 2024, its 16th consecutive year for this award. 

Why safety ratings are high

• EyeSight Driver Assist Technology: Most modern Subaru models come standard with this suite of safety features, which includes pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. 
• Advanced safety features: Many models also include advanced safety features like blind-spot detection and rear cross-traffic alert. 
• Improved testing standards: The consistent high ratings are especially impressive because the IIHS has been increasing the difficulty of its safety tests, which makes the awards more meaningful, notes Subaru U.S. Media Center.