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How does the 2023 Subaru Outback compare with other midsize cars in rear passenger crash protection? In the new tougher moderate overlap front crash test from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Outback midsize SUV (ranked with midsize cars) earned an "Acceptable" rating for rear passenger safety.
The IIHS tested seven midsize cars, including the Subaru Outback. Only one of the six midsize cars IIHS tested earned a "Good" rating—the Honda Accord sedan. The Subaru Outback scored the next best and earned an "Acceptable" rating. The Nissan Altima and Toyota Camry are rated "Marginal." The Hyundai Sonata, Kia K5, and Volkswagen Jetta are rated "Poor."
The Outback received "Good" scores in driver's and rear passenger head and neck injury, head protection, chest, knee and thigh, and leg and foot injuries. But Outback scored "Poor" in rear passenger restraints and kinematics. The IIHS gives the Outback for driver and rear passengers an overall "Acceptable" score.
The IIHS says, "Measurements taken from the rear dummy in the acceptable-rated Outback didn't show any elevated injury risks. However, the dummy submarined beneath the lap belt, and its head came close to the front seat-back during the crash, increasing the likelihood of abdominal and head injuries. After impact, the dummy's head also slipped between the side curtain airbag and contacted the rear window door trim as the dummy rebounded."
The IIHS launched the updated moderate overlap front test last year after research showed that the risk of a fatal injury in newer vehicles is now higher for belted occupants in the rear than those in front.
IIHS says, "This is not because the rear seat has become less safe. Rather, the front seat has become safer because of improved airbags and advanced seat belts that are rarely available in the back. Even with these developments, the back seat remains the safest place for young children."
The IIHS also recently tested the 2023 Subaru Forester, 2023 Subaru Crosstrek, and 2023 Subaru Ascent for rear passenger safety.
Check Out These 3 Related Rear Passenger Safety Stories:
IIHS Rear Seat Crash Protection Update - New Subaru Forester Lags Behind
IIHS Rear Seat Crash Protection Update - Subaru Crosstrek Gets A Poor Rating
Most New Midsize SUVs Fail In Rear Passenger Safety - The Subaru Ascent Excels
The 2023 Subaru Forester compact SUV scored only "Marginal" in rear passenger head protection. The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek subcompact SUV earned a "Poor" rating for rear passenger safety. And the Subaru Ascent midsize SUV earned the highest "Good" ratings and excelled at rear passenger safety.
Is the 2023 Subaru Outback a safe midsize SUV?
In another IIHS crash test, the Subaru Outback is the only midsize car to earn a "Good" rating in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) updated side crash test for midsize cars. The Outback also earned the highest Top Safety Pick+ score from the IIHS.
Check out this recent safety report: Subaru Outback Is The Best Midsize Car In New IIHS Side Crash Test
How safe is the 2023 Subaru Outback for rear passengers in a crash? A new report from IIHS testing says the Outback needs some improvement. The Outback midsize SUV is the only model with an "Acceptable" score. Five others are "Marginal or "Poor."
You Might Also Like: 3 Midsize SUVs With The Best Seats - Where Is The Hot Subaru Outback Now?
Denis Flierl brings over thirty years of combined auto industry and automotive journalism experience to Torque News readers. He is an accredited Rocky Mountain Automotive Press (RMAP) member. The last twelve years have been spent with Torque News, covering Subaru vehicles and the latest news. Check back daily for his expert Subaru analysis. You'll find the latest stories on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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