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Subaru now has five top safety picks.
Curious about Subaru's safest new vehicles? The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), known for its rigorous testing, has put eight new models to the test, and two more Subaru vehicles have emerged as the safest new cars for 2024.
Subaru's recent feat in the more stringent IIHS safety ratings is a significant one, with five of its models now earning the prestigious Top Safety Pick awards. Read my recent Subaru safety report here.
The IIHS says, "The new winners bring the total number of vehicles earning this year's Top Safety Pick+ award to 38 and the number earning Top Safety Pick to 53."
The 2024 Subaru Solterra is now a top-tier winner, earning a Top Safety Pick+ award, and the 2024 Subaru WRX earned the next-tier winner, earning a Top Safety Pick award.
Now, Subaru has two 2024 model year top-tier winners who have earned Top Safety Pick+ awards.
- Subaru Ascent
- Subaru Solterra
Subaru has three 2024 model year next-tier winners earning Top Safety Pick awards.
- Subaru Outback
- Subaru Impreza
- Subaru WRX
Why does Subaru have fewer models that qualify for the top awards?
New models must now meet more stringent requirements to earn the IIHS's Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ designations.
The IIHS has set specific criteria for vehicles to qualify for Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ awards in 2024. These include good ratings in the small overlap front and updated side tests, an acceptable or good rating in the pedestrian front crash prevention evaluation, and acceptable- or good-rated headlights across all trim levels.
In addition, a good rating in the original moderate overlap front test is enough to qualify for Top Safety Pick, and a good or acceptable rating in the updated test is needed for the highest "plus" score.
Consumer Reports (by subscription) says, "As a result, far fewer vehicles earn the Top Safety Pick+ ranking this year compared with last year, but the cars on this year's list are safer than ever."
The Solterra moves up to the top tier.
In the latest round, the Subaru Solterra moves from a Top Safety Pick winner to a Top Safety Pick+ winner. Solterra is the only model of the eight tested models that earns the highest "Good" score in all seven testing areas.
The Subaru WRX has made a notable improvement, now earning a Top Safety Pick in the latest round of safety ratings.
The Subaru WRX sports car improved from "Marginal" to the highest "Good" score in the moderate overlap front crash test.
Where is the next-generation Subaru Forester?
The IIHS Still needs to test the 2025 Subaru Forester compact SUV. I will bring the results as soon as the IIHS completes its testing. Stay tuned.
The IIHS says it will continue to announce award winners as it completes testing. More vehicles will likely be added to both the Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ lists as automakers implement changes to improve their performance in the updated moderate overlap crash test.
Which Subaru models do not qualify for IIHS awards?
The Subaru Crosstrek, Legacy, and BRZ models have not qualified for awards under the new IIHS guidelines.
Subaru will have to update its safety technology to comply with the new criteria set forth by the IIHS. Will the 2025 model year Subaru Forester, Crosstrek, and other Subaru vehicles meet the more challenging requirements? Stay tuned.
IIHS president David Harkey underscores the ongoing evolution of safety standards, stating, "There's still progress to be made in the protection that vehicles provide for their occupants, as the introduction of the updated moderate overlap test shows."
However, the remodeled Crosstrek received a new safety award in Europe.
It's important to note that the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek was awarded the maximum five-star rating in the new 2024 Euro NCAP safety test. Here are a few of the results.
- Crosstrek scored 90% in the Child Occupant safety category
- 85% achieved in the protection of road users with top scores awarded in crash avoidance tests with cyclists and motorcyclists
- Top scores for Driver and passenger safety with 83% for two types of lateral crash impacts
I'll update customers on all Subaru vehicle safety testing and ratings as soon as they are available. Come back tomorrow for my complete report on Crosstrek's new Euro NCAP safety award.
It's Your Turn
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I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Writer since 2012. I’ve invested over 13 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role, working with every major car brand. I am an experienced Rocky Mountain Automotive Press member. You'll find my expert Subaru analysis here. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.
Photo credit: Subaru USA
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