Is the Subaru Forester a safe car to drive?
Yes—the Forester is widely regarded as one of the safest choices in its class, with strong crash-test results and a robust suite of driver-assist features. This article reviews current ratings from IIHS and NHTSA, highlights standard safety equipment, and outlines what buyers should know to evaluate its safety for daily driving.
Crash-test performance and official ratings
IIHS assessments
The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) has consistently evaluated the Forester highly, with Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ statuses depending on headlights and optional equipment. These rankings reflect strong performance in crashworthiness tests and advanced crash-prevention features when EyeSight is active.
- IIHS rating framework includes tests for small overlap, moderate overlap, side-impact, roof strength, head restraints, and crash avoidance features.
- Headlight performance can affect whether a given trim earns Top Safety Pick+; some setups may be classified as Top Safety Pick instead.
- EyeSight Driver Assist Technology is a key factor in IIHS results, contributing to superior crash-prevention ratings when properly equipped.
Concluding: In recent model years, the Forester has earned strong IIHS ratings, making it one of the safer options in its segment when properly equipped.
NHTSA assessments
The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) has assigned high overall ratings to recent Forester models, with five-star performance in several crash categories and favorable results for occupant protection and crash avoidance. As with IIHS, exact scores can vary by year and configuration.
- NHTSA tests cover frontal, side, rollover, and overall safety performance.
- Recent Forester models frequently achieve high overall five-star ratings, reflecting strong crash protection across scenarios.
- Software and hardware updates to driver-assist features can influence the effectiveness of crash avoidance measures tested by NHTSA.
Concluding: NHTSA’s overall ratings for newer Foresters reinforce its reputation for strong occupant protection and reliable crash avoidance capability.
Safety features: EyeSight and driver aids
EyeSight capabilities by year
Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology is the cornerstone of Forester safety, available across most recent trims. EyeSight typically includes pre-collision braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and lane-departure warning. Availability and exact feature sets have evolved across generations and model years.
- Pre-collision braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection (where equipped) helps mitigate front-end crashes.
- Adaptive cruise control that can adjust speed to maintain a safe following distance.
- Lane-keep assist and lane-departure warning to help maintain lane position during highway driving.
- Automatic emergency braking is activated by EyeSight in appropriate scenarios.
Concluding: EyeSight remains the primary driver-assist suite for the Forester, delivering active safety benefits when the vehicle is equipped and used as intended.
Other driver aids and safety enhancements
Beyond EyeSight, recent Forester models offer a range of safety aids designed to improve awareness and reduce risk in everyday driving. Feature availability varies by trim and year, so buyers should verify exact equipment on the specific vehicle.
- Blind-spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert improves lane-changing safety and helps when backing out of parking spaces.
- Automatic high beams and improved illumination in low-light conditions on newer trims.
- Traction and stability features aided by the Forester’s standard all-wheel-drive system, contributing to predictable handling in adverse weather.
Concluding: The combination of EyeSight plus additional driver aids across trims gives Forester buyers a robust safety toolkit, though exact features depend on year and trim level.
Real-world safety considerations
Independent ratings tell part of the story, but real-world safety also depends on maintenance, recalls, and prudent driving. Subarus have a reputation for safety-minded design and durable performance, but each used or new vehicle should be checked for recalls and up-to-date software updates that support driver-assist systems.
What to verify before purchasing or leasing a Forester:
- Current recall status and completed service history via NHTSA or Subaru’s recall portals.
- Maintenance records for brakes, tires, sensors, and electronics that support safety features.
- Availability of the latest software updates for EyeSight and related safety systems.
Concluding: A careful check of recalls, service history, and system updates helps ensure the Forester you drive delivers its expected safety performance.
Summary
Across recent model years, the Subaru Forester stands out as a strong safety choice in the compact SUV segment. It routinely earns high crash-test ratings from IIHS and NHTSA and comes with a capable EyeSight Driver Assist Technology suite that reinforces prevention and protection in everyday driving. While exact safety features vary by year and trim, buyers who prioritize safety will find the Forester’s combination of solid crash protection, AWD capability, and active safety tech appealing. Always verify current safety ratings and recall status for the specific model year you’re considering, and stay up to date with software updates that enhance driver assistance systems.
What is the #1 safest SUV?
There is no single "number one" safest SUV, as safety rankings vary by organization and vehicle class. However, many SUVs are recognized for outstanding safety, with the 2025 Kia Telluride https://www.motor and 2025 Mazda CX-70 earning both IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and 5-star NHTSA ratings. Other top contenders include the 2025 Mazda CX-50, 2025 Acura MDX, and 2025 Honda CR-V.
Top-rated SUVs for safety
- Kia Telluride: This midsize SUV receives a 5-star NHTSA overall score and an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ for 2025. It's praised for a comprehensive suite of standard safety features and a strong performance in crash tests.
- Mazda CX-70 and CX-90: These models are recognized with IIHS Top Safety Pick+ ratings for 2025, with excellent performance in small overlap front and other crash tests.
- Mazda CX-50: The 2025 model earned a 5-star overall rating from NHTSA and an IIHS Top Safety Pick+. It scores well in crashworthiness and has a good pedestrian collision avoidance system.
- Acura MDX: A luxury midsize option that earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick status. Its standard safety features like automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control are highly rated.
- Honda CR-V: While the specific safety awards can vary by year, the CR-V is frequently highlighted for its strong safety performance, particularly in the compact SUV category. The Honda Sensing suite is noted for its effective and usable safety features.
How to choose the safest SUV
- Check crash test ratings: Look at the ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to see how a specific vehicle performs in various crash tests.
- Look at safety features: Consider which safety and driver-assist features are most important to you, such as automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control.
- Consider your needs: The "safest" SUV depends on your individual needs. A family-friendly, three-row SUV like the Kia Telluride may be ideal for a larger family, while a smaller, more nimble option might be better for city driving.
What is the biggest issue with a Subaru Forester?
And all that but it lacks power the engine only makes a modest 180HP. And 178 lb feet of torque.
Where does Subaru Forester rank in safety?
announced today its new 2025 Forester (excluding Wilderness trim) received the highest possible TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for crash safety and crash avoidance and mitigation.
Is the Subaru Forester safe in a crash?
The Subaru Forester has strong safety ratings, with the 2025 model earning the highest "Top Safety Pick+" award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). This is due to good scores in crash tests, effective headlights, and a superior rating in the latest vehicle-to-vehicle crash prevention test. The 2025 model also received good ratings in the updated moderate overlap front and side impact tests.
2025 Subaru Forester
- IIHS: Awarded "TOP SAFETY PICK+".
- Crashworthiness: "Good" in small overlap front and updated side tests. Received an "Acceptable" rating in the updated moderate overlap front test.
- Crash Prevention: Earned "Good" ratings in front crash prevention tests, including the updated vehicle-to-vehicle test.
- Headlights: Received "Good" ratings.
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA): The 2025 model has not yet been fully rated, but the similar 2023 model received an overall five-star rating.
- Other awards: Named a Consumer Reports Top Pick, based on safety, reliability, performance, and owner satisfaction.
Safety features
- Standard: The Forester comes standard with Subaru's EyeSight safety suite, which includes features like adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and forward automatic emergency braking.
- Available: Higher trims offer additional features such as reverse automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and a surround-view camera.
