Which Subaru model has the highest safety rating?
Several Subaru models currently earn the highest safety designation from leading crash-safety testers; there isn’t a single “safest” model. The top tier in IIHS ratings is Top Safety Pick+ (and Top Safety Pick), and multiple current Subaru vehicles have achieved these ratings in recent years, depending on year, trim and headlights.
To determine which Subaru model stands at the top in safety terms, this article reviews the latest ratings from IIHS and NHTSA for Subaru’s current lineup. Ratings can vary by model year, trim level, and optional equipment, so it’s important to verify the exact configuration you’re considering. Below is a snapshot of which models have reached the top safety designation in recent evaluations.
Current top-safety designations among Subaru models
The following Subaru models have earned the IIHS top-tier safety designations in recent years. Ratings can vary by model year and by headlights or options, so confirm the exact configuration for current eligibility.
- Forester — IIHS Top Safety Pick+ (qualification depends on crash-test results and headlights for the given year/trim).
- Outback — IIHS Top Safety Pick+ (eligible when headlights and safety features meet IIHS criteria for the model year).
- Crosstrek (XV) — IIHS Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ in several model years, with variation by headlights and trim.
- Ascent — IIHS Top Safety Pick+ for many recent years when equipped with qualifying headlights and safety systems.
In addition to IIHS designations, many Subaru models earn strong NHTSA five-star overall safety ratings for specific model years and configurations. Always check the exact year and trim to confirm the current rating.
What the top safety designation means
The IIHS Top Safety Pick+ is the highest designation IIHS awards to vehicles that perform well across crashworthiness tests and offer top-tier optional or standard headlights. The Top Safety Pick category is also prestigious, though the criteria are slightly different and depend on headlight performance and other factors. Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology has been a key factor in achieving these top ratings across multiple models and years.
Where to verify current ratings
Because safety ratings are updated with each new model year, the most reliable sources are the official rating organizations. Check the current listings for the exact year, trim, and option packages you are considering.
- IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety): ii hs dot org — search by model year and trim to see Top Safety Pick+/Top Safety Pick status and headlight details.
- NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration): nhtsa dot gov — look up overall 5-star safety ratings and subratings by model year and configuration.
Manufacturer pages and consumer guides can provide quick summaries, but always cross-check with IIHS and NHTSA for the latest, most accurate designations.
Bottom line
In the current Subaru lineup, multiple models share the top safety designation rather than a single “safest” model. Forester, Outback, Crosstrek, and Ascent frequently appear among the highest-rated Subaru vehicles by IIHS and NHTSA, with exact status depending on model year, trim, and headlights. Prospective buyers should verify the exact configuration to confirm the top-tier rating.
Summary
The highest safety rating in Subaru’s lineup is not held by one model alone; several models—most commonly Forester, Outback, Crosstrek, and Ascent—have earned IIHS Top Safety Pick+ or Top Safety Pick status in recent years, along with strong NHTSA ratings. Always check the latest IIHS and NHTSA results for the exact year and trim you are considering to identify which Subaru model currently sits at the safety pinnacle.
