There are certain traits that get assigned to different brands of automobiles. For example, some manufacturers are known for their high-speed performance, others for towing and off-road capacities, and some for their luxury, affordability, or style. However, when it comes to safety, Subaru is almost exclusively recognized as the leader of the pack. The brand consistently wins awards for its safety, performs well in crash tests, and exceeds the industry's standards time and time again.
But what is it about Subarus that makes them such safe vehicles? Below we dive into the specifics and discover what makes Subarus stand out from the pack.
The Structure of a Subaru
Safety works from the inside out. At the very core of Subaru's safety is the structural design of the vehicles. Subarus are constructed with sturdy, robust frames that use the company's proprietary structure, specifically a ring-shaped reinforced frame. In this design, the pillars, body-side frames, and floor cross-members are positioned in a ring-like layout and connected to form a protective cage encompassing the cabin. The side frames extend straight to the front bumper to create a design that absorbs energy from frontal impacts more efficiently.
Additionally, Subaru positions the engine lower to the ground than most other manufacturers, providing a more even weight distribution and increased safety in a forward-moving collision.
Subaru's Advanced Safety Features
Much of what makes Subarus so safe are the many safety features packed into seemingly every nook and cranny of each vehicle. Among the most notable is Subaru's signature Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) system. This technology, standard in all Subarus except the sporty BRZ, is about more than just off-roading capabilities. The all-wheel drivetrain helps improve traction and continuously monitors each tire's acceleration, braking, and cornering to deliver the appropriate amount of power to each one at just the right time. Weight is evenly distributed, and a solid connection with the road is established to create an engaged and responsive drive.
While the Symmetrical AWD system is the face of Subaru safety, there are a number of additional features designed to prevent accidents, protect drivers and passengers during accidents, and even provide assistance after an accident. Below are just a few samples of some features that may be found in a Subaru, many of which come standard.
Pre-Collision Braking
Pre-collision braking alerts you of an upcoming object and applies the brakes to reduce or avoid a frontal impact collision.
Adaptive Cruise Control
Perhaps you're commuting down the highway near York, Pennsylvania, and wish to drive on cruise control. Adaptive cruise control with lane centering allows you to choose the distance you want to remain from the vehicle in front of you. Your Subaru will maintain and regulate the vehicle's speed based on the flow of traffic.
Blind-Spot Detection
When a vehicle enters a blind spot on either side of your car, blind-spot detection will signal that vehicle's presence to you with a visual indicator on your side mirror.
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
What happens if traffic approaches from the side while you are backing up? Don't worry; the rear cross-traffic alert will warn you and help avoid the type of collisions common in shopping centers, city areas, and parking garages. And reverse automatic braking will even stop the car automatically when an object is detected behind the car.
DriverFocus
DriverFocus can detect a drowsy or distracted driver and offer a visible and audible to alert the driver. If the warning is ignored, the vehicle will slow itself and, eventually, come to a complete stop.
Lane-Centering Assist
Lane-centering assist recognizes the lanes on the road and gently nudges the vehicle back into the center should you begin to drift.
Brake Override System
If both the gas and brake pedals are pressed simultaneously, the brake pedal will override the gas to prevent unintended acceleration.
STARLINK Safety and Security
STARLINK automatically notifies emergency personnel when your car has experienced a collision and reports your precise location so help can find you no matter where you are.
Airbags
Standard in every vehicle, Subaru includes a system known as the Supplemental Restraint System, which provides airbags for the driver, front passenger, and second-row passengers. Airbags are complemented by whiplash-reducing technology in the seating of some Subarus.
The above features represent just a sampling of the many safety technologies found in Subarus.
Subaru Safety Ratings and Awards
We can tell you that Subarus are some of the safest cars on the road, but you don't have to take our word for it.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, or IIHS, is the leading voice of automobile safety standards and ratings. Vehicles that perform the best in the organization's stringent safety tests qualify as a "Top Safety Pick" or "Top Safety Pick+." And unsurprisingly, five Subaru vehicles were recognized as either a "Top Safety Pick" or "Top Safety Pick+" for the 2023 model year.
In the midsize category, the Subaru Legacy earned a "Top Safety Pick" award, while the Outback was named "Top Safety Pick+."
Among small SUVs, the Subaru Forrester picked up a "Top Safety Pick," and the Solterra was awarded a "Top Safety Pick+."
Last but not least, the Subaru Ascent was a "Top Safety Pick+" in the midsize SUV class. Since 2013, no other brand has earned more "Top Safety Pick+" awards than Subaru.
The other authority on automobile safety is the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). NHTSA conducts safety tests and scores each vehicle in four categories: frontal crash, side-barrier crash, side-pole crash, and rollover resistance.
For 2023, the Subaru Legacy, Outback, Impreza, Crosstrek, WRX, Forester, and Ascent all received perfect overall safety ratings of five out of five stars. Not only that, but the WRX, Impreza, and Legacy received five-star ratings in all four crash categories.
Is Vehicle Safety Your Top Priority?
If you put safety in the front seat, make Apple Subaru your next destination. Our selection of new, used, and certified pre-owned Subaru vehicles for sale are among the safest on the road. Our finance department can help you get there, and our service center keeps you there.
Learn more about the safety of Subaru vehicles by visiting us on Loucks Road in York, Pennsylvania, where you can meet with our team and take some vehicles for a test drive. Your transportation needs are our business, and our customers mean the world to us. You're in safe hands with Apple Subaru.
Subaru XV by Rutger van der Maar is licensed with CC BY 2.0
