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Subaru Forester Excels In New IIHS Test, All Other Small SUVs Score Poorly

How did the Subaru Forester do in the latest updated front crash prevention test from the IIHS? Forester is the only small SUV that achieved the highest good score. Check the small SUV ratings here.
2024 Subaru Forester

How safe is the 2024 Subaru Forester? The 2024 Subaru Forester is the best small SUV in the new front crash prevention test from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Forester is the only small SUV with the highest "Good" score in the updated IIHS vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention test.

The IIHS says, "The Subaru Forester is the only small SUV to earn a Good rating in the updated test." 

I've listed the scores of the ten small SUVs recently tested by the IIHS, from best to worst. All models are 2023-2024 model year vehicles. 

  • Subaru Forester - Good
  • Honda CR-V - Acceptable
  • Toyota RAV4 - Acceptable
  • Ford Escape - Marginal
  • Hyundai Tucson - Marginal
  • Jeep Compass - Marginal
  • Chevrolet Equinox - Poor
  • Mazda CX-5 - Poor
  • Mitsubishi Outlander - Poor
  • Volkswagen Taos - Poor

Why Is The New Testing Critical For Small SUV Customers?

"This is a vital update to one of our most successful test programs," IIHS President David Harkey said. "The vast majority of new vehicles now come with automatic emergency braking, and our research shows the technology prevents as many as half of all front-to-rear crashes. This new, tougher evaluation targets some of the most dangerous front-to-rear crashes that are still happening."

The IIHS Raises The Bar

The IIHs updated the original test because additional IIHS research showed that today's safety systems are less effective at preventing crashes with motorcycles and medium or heavy trucks than avoiding crashes with other passenger vehicles.

The IIHS says to address those issues, "Instead of the earlier 12 and 25 mph speeds, the updated test includes trials run at 31, 37 and 43 mph (50, 60 and 70 kilometers per hour). In addition to a passenger car target, it examines performance with a motorcycle target and a semitrailer. As a result, the new evaluation reflects a substantially greater proportion of police-reported front-to-rear crashes, including many more severe ones."

The Subaru Forester Ranks Best

In the updated testing, the "Good"-rated Forester avoided a collision with the passenger car target at every test speed, avoided hitting the motorcycle target at 31 and 37 mph, and slowed by an average of 30 mph before hitting the motorcycle target in the 43 mph tests, says the IIHS. "The forward collision warning alerts also came more than the required 2.1 seconds before the projected time of impact in all those trials and those conducted with the trailer."

All Forester Trim Levels Come With Subaru EyeSight

Subaru's EyeSight with automatic emergency braking delivers visual and audible alerts if it detects danger ahead, and it can automatically slow or stop the vehicle to help prevent an accident.

The next-generation Subaru EyeSight on the Forester has a wide-angle Mono Camera, making it the best safety technology available today.

How Does EyeSight Work?

The new safety technology uses Subaru's EyeSight driver assist system, which processes the recognized information and first alerts the driver. Then, it applies brakes to avoid collisions with crossing bicycles and pedestrians when necessary. In case of an accident, the system helps to mitigate the damage.

Subaru EyeSight Receives Top Safety Award

Last year, I covered Subaru's latest version of its EyeSight safety technology, which was recently named the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) 's best safety innovation.

"Subaru has a track record of continuous improvement in active safety systems," said Graham Heeps, Chair of AJAC Innovation Awards. With the latest step, it is pushing to increase safety not only for those inside the vehicle but also outside. Accidents frequently occur at intersections, and Subaru's Wide-angle Mono Camera is an innovative solution to help reduce them."

MY TAKE

As I've covered the Subaru brand, I've seen the automaker's continuing commitment to safety. Safety is a core value for Subaru, and they keep improving EyeSight technology with each new generation of vehicles they produce. Customers can be assured they are driving one of the safest vehicles today. 

For customers looking for the safest compact SUV, the 2024 Subaru Forester gets the highest "Good" score in front crash prevention from the IIHS. Forester scores better than all other Toyota, Honda, Ford, and Hyundai models.

The 2025 Subaru Forester is coming soon with improved safety technology. You can check out my report here. 

Don't Leave Yet. IT'S YOUR TURN

How important is safety to you when looking for a new vehicle? Tell us by clicking the Add New Comment link below.

Thanks for reading, everyone. I hope you enjoyed this new Subaru Forester safety story. See you tomorrow for my latest Subaru Report.

Before you go, watch the Small SUV crash avoidance systems struggle in the new test - IIHS News.

I am Denis Flierl, a top Torque News and Subaru reporter since 2012. I’ve invested over 30 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 The Dirty Subaru website, Dirty Subaru blog, X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

I’ve got you covered! - I cover all Subaru all the time. 

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Photo credit: IIHS

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