What are the safest SUVs for new model shoppers this year? Check out the latest report for the top 28 models and which new Subaru SUVs rank best.
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How safe are Subaru's all-wheel-drive SUVs? A new report from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reveals The 2023 Subaru Forester, 2023 Outback, 2023 Ascent, and 2023 Solterra are among the safest new SUVs new model shoppers can buy today.
Subaru has three new models to earn the highest safety award. First, the 2023 Subaru Outback achieved the highest Top Safety Pick+ award in the Midsize Car category. The all-new 2023 Subaru Solterra EV (built after October 2022) earned the Top Safety Pick+ award for Small SUVs. Finally, the 2023 Subaru Ascent is the best in the Midsize SUV segment.
The 2023 Subaru Forester wins the Top Safety Pick award in the Small SUV category.
The Top Safety PIck+ SUV winners in each category for 2023
Small SUVs
Honda CR-V
Honda HR-V
Lexus UX
Subaru Solterra (built after October 2022)
Subaru Outback
Hyundai Palisade
Kia Telluride
Nissan Pathfinder
Subaru Ascent
Toyota Highlander
Volkswagen ID.4
Acura MDX
Acura RDX
Infiniti QX60
Lexus NX and NX Plug-in Hybrid
Lexus RX
Tesla Model Y
Volvo XC90 and XC90 Recharge
The Top Safety Pick SUV award winners in each category for 2023
Small SUVs
Mazda CX-30
Mazda CX-5
Mazda CX-50
Nissan Rogue
Subaru Forester
Toyota RAV4 and RAV4 Prime
Toyota Venza
Midsized SUVs
Ford Explorer
Mazda CX-9
Midsized Luxury SUV
Lincoln Nautilus
The IIHS crash tests are getting more challenging for new vehicles to attain the Top Safety Pick+ awards. As a result, only 28 new cars now qualify for the highest achievement, and only 20 vehicles qualify for the Top Safety Pick award. That's down from the 101 cars to get the top award last year.
What makes the IIHS tests harder to pass?
The IIHS says fewer cars passed because of the addition of a stricter side impact crash test, a more comprehensive evaluation of automatic emergency braking (AEB), and new headlight requirements. The IIHS says the changes are designed to replicate real-world situations where crashes can take place.
Where is the Subaru Crosstrek?
The only Subaru SUV that does not make the list is the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek. The IIHS has not tested the Crosstrek yet. Look for the next-generation 2024 Crosstrek among the next round of small SUVs to be tested by the IIHS. We will bring you the results when they are announced.
Subaru says its models have earned more IIHS TSP+ awards than any other brand since 2013.
2023 Top Safety Pick+ Winners
2023 Subaru Ascent (TSP+ for six consecutive years)
2023 Subaru Outback (TSP+ for 15 straight years)
2023 Subaru Solterra (built after Oct. 2022) (First year for TSP+)
2023 Top Safety Pick Winners
2023 Subaru Legacy (TSP for 18 consecutive years)
2023 Subaru Forester (TSP for 17 straight years)
The 2023 Subaru Forester compact SUV, 2023 Outback midsize SUV, 2023 Ascent 3-Row SUV, and 2023 all-electric Solterra Compact SUV come standard with the automaker's EyeSight driver assist safety technology on all trim levels. The EyeSight technology and Subaru's ring-shaped reinforcement frame helped the models earn the tougher-to-earn IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and Top Safety Pick awards.
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Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report, where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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Photo credit: Subaru USA
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