What does the 5 star mean on a Subaru?
A Subaru's 5-star designation typically refers to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's top safety rating for a specific model and trim. It signals strong crash-protection performance in standardized tests.
What the 5-Star rating covers
The five-star rating is derived from several crash tests and a rollover assessment. It reflects how well a vehicle protects occupants in hypothetical crashes and how stable the vehicle is in rollover scenarios. Ratings are model- and year-specific and can vary by trim and safety equipment like airbags and advanced systems.
Key elements of the rating include:
- Frontal crash protection for occupants in a head-on or near head-on collision
- Side crash protection for occupants in a side impact
- Rollover resistance indicating how likely the vehicle is to roll over in a single-vehicle crash
- Overall safety rating that combines the above tests and other assessment metrics
Understanding these elements helps consumers compare different models and years. The 5-star rating is the top score given by NHTSA, but it is not a guarantee of safety in every possible crash scenario.
What it means for Subaru buyers
Subaru markets many models with a strong safety emphasis. A 5-star NHTSA rating can influence buyer trust, insurance costs, and resale value, but it is only one piece of the safety picture. Subaru’s driver-assistance features, all-wheel drive, and robust design contribute to real-world protection beyond the crash tests.
- Higher consumer confidence when comparing models and trims
- Potentially lower insurance premiums for highly rated models
- Stronger resale value and better marketability due to safety credentials
- However, star ratings do not guarantee safety in all crash scenarios and do not account for every real-world factor
Ratings can differ by model-year; design changes or added safety features can affect the rating from one year to the next.
How to verify the rating for the Subaru you’re considering
To confirm a model's current 5-star rating, use reliable sources and verify the exact year, trim, and configuration:
- Visit NHTSA’s SaferCar.gov model pages to view official ratings for the specific year and trim
- Check Subaru’s official safety pages or press materials for safety summaries by model
- Review the Monroney window sticker for new cars, which may reference overall safety ratings or key safety features
- If shopping used, look up the rating for that model year, noting that updates to safety features can change results across generations
Always confirm the rating applies to the exact vehicle you’re evaluating, including year, trim, and safety options.
Limitations and context
What five stars do and do not tell you
A five-star rating indicates strong performance in standardized tests, but it does not guarantee safety in every real-world crash. Driver behavior, maintenance, and adverse conditions influence outcomes. Ratings also reflect testing protocols at the time of evaluation and can change as new safety standards are introduced.
Summary
In short, a 5-star rating on a Subaru signals excellent safety performance in the official NHTSA tests for that model year and trim. It highlights strong crash protection and rollover resistance and, combined with Subaru’s safety features, can contribute to safer everyday driving. Always verify the exact rating for the model you’re considering via official sources and remember that no rating replaces cautious driving and proper safety practices.
Why does Subaru have 6 stars instead of 7?
Subaru is the transliteration of the Japanese すばる, meaning the Pleiades star cluster M45, or the "Seven Sisters" (one of whom tradition says is invisible – hence only six stars in the Subaru logo), which in turn inspires the logo and alludes to the companies that merged to create FHI.
What is the number one issue 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 does the Subaru star symbol mean?
Corporate Significance (Merging of Companies)
The Subaru logo also reflects the company's corporate history. Subaru is the automobile division of Subaru Corporation (formerly known as Fuji Heavy Industries). The six stars symbolize the five companies that merged to form Fuji Heavy Industries in 1953.
What does the 5 star mean on a car?
5 star safety: Overall excellent performance in crash protection and well equipped with state-of-the-art crash avoidance technology. 4 star safety: Overall good performance in crash protection and prevention, but does not reach the highest standards in all key assessment areas.
