The 2025 Subaru Forester Safety Rating, Two Areas It Needs To Improve

The 2025 Forester needs to improve.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are the two organizations in the U.S. that test vehicles for their safety. Neither has tested the redesigned 2025 Subaru Forester. The next-generation Forester needs to improve.

The 2024 Subaru Forester's Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) safety score has some deficiencies. The fifth-generation 2024 Forester earned a Top Safety Pick score from the IIHS, but it did not earn the highest Top Safety Pick+ award for two reasons.

In the IIHS updated moderate overlap front test, the 2024 Forester earned a Marginal score. You can read my report here. 

The 2024 Forester earned an "Acceptable" score in the updated side impact test. Read my complete report here. 

In the new IIHS rear crash prevention evaluation test, the fifth-generation Forester earned the highest "Superior" score and was one of only four compact SUVs to get the top grade. Read my report here.

Where did the 2025 Forester Improve?

Subaru says the 2025 Forester is based on the Subaru Global Platform and has been strengthened to deliver 10 percent stiffer torsional rigidity than the outgoing model. Will it improve its crash protection?

How's your EyeSight? 

The latest version of Subaru's EyeSight driver assist safety technology, standard on every 2025 Forester, is designed to operate more smoothly, quickly, and in a broader range of conditions. 

Subaru says, "That is due in part to a wider field of view, updated control software, and the addition of an electric brake booster. EyeSight can identify cyclists and pedestrians at intersections sooner and, when necessary, alert the driver and apply braking to avoid collisions."

Forester gets it first.

For the first time on the next-gen Forester, Emergency Stop Assist can stop the compact SUV if it detects an unresponsive driver when the Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control is active. The system will stop the SUV, activate hazard lights, and unlock the doors. Subaru says Starlink Connected Services can then call emergency services for help. Automatic Emergency Steering is equipped on all new Forester trims with Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Keep Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. The system can help drivers avoid collisions with objects within their lane of travel at speeds 50 mph or slower. 

An available Surround-View Monitor offers a bird's-eye view of the vehicle and its surroundings, allowing the new Forester to maneuver better into parking spaces.

Overall, the 2025 Forester is equipped with advanced safety technology designed to provide reassurance and prevent accidents from occurring in the first place. 

Will the new Forester keep its occupants safer in a crash? I will bring you the latest information as soon as the IIHS and NHTSA release their crash scores.

The 2025 Forester has the potential for significant safety improvements, offering hope for a safer driving experience.

How about you?

How crucial are the new Subaru Forester's crash scores to you? Your opinion matters. Click the red Add New Comment link below and share your thoughts.

I am Denis Flierl, a top Torque News reporter 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: Adventure Subaru