Subaru Forester Now Scores Best With 4 Small SUVs In Rear Crash Prevention

Have you ever backed into something?

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) says that low-speed backing crashes account for a large portion of insurance claims. It's easy to do if you can't see something in your rearview mirror or side mirrors. I've done it. 

Rear automatic braking (RAB) is a safety feature on some small SUVs, and it's better than a rearview camera. The Subaru Forester received a Superior score in the new IIHS testing because it comes with Reverse Automatic Braking.

A feature you want. 

Forester's Reverse Automatic Braking monitors the area behind the vehicle while reversing. If an obstacle is detected, the system can automatically apply the brakes to avoid a collision.

"Since 2018, new vehicles have been required to come with a rear camera that makes it easier to see where you're going when you're backing up," IIHS President David Harkey said. 

Harkey says, "Rear automatic emergency braking systems aren't required, making the feature far less common. That's too bad because our research consistently shows that technology that intervenes on behalf of the driver is more effective in preventing crashes than other types of solutions."

The IIHS now has a new rear crash prevention evaluation. They tested eight small SUVs to see which are best. The IIHS ratings are crucial as they comprehensively assess a vehicle's safety features and performance, helping consumers make informed decisions. 

Only four scored a Superior rating.

Of the eight small SUVs tested, only four achieved the prestigious Superior rating, a testament to their exceptional safety features and performance. The Subaru Forester is among this elite group, underscoring its high standard and exclusivity in the market.

The Subaru Forester, Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, and Mitsubishi Outlander are the only small SUVs to earn the highest rating of Superior. The Mazda CX-5, Toyota RAV4, and Volkswagen Taos are rated Advanced. The Hyundai Tucson earns the lowest Basic rating.

Superior

• 2023-24 Subaru Forester
• 2023-24 Ford Escape
• 2023-24 Honda CR-V
• 2023-24 Mitsubishi Outlander

Advanced

• 2023-24 Mazda CX-5
• 2023-24 Toyota RAV4
• 2023-24 Volkswagen Taos

Basic

• 2023-24 Hyundai Tucson

How does IIHS test the vehicles?

Vehicles with only parking sensors that issue warnings, rear cross-traffic alerts, or both earn a basic rating. For cars with rear automatic emergency braking (AEB), the rating is determined by how their systems perform in three tests using a passenger vehicle target with different approach angles and one test using a bollard representing a pole or garage pillar. 

This rigorous testing ensures that the IIHS ratings are a reliable indicator of a vehicle's safety performance.

"Rear AEB probably offers the biggest bang for the buck of any of the crash avoidance systems we monitor," said HLDI Senior Vice President Matt Moore. "The cost of parking lot fender benders really adds up."

Forester is impressive.

Despite the challenges posed by the angled targets, the Forester's performance in the IIHS test was impressive. It successfully avoided collisions in all scenarios, except where the test vehicle reversed towards a passenger car target positioned at a 45-degree angle. This reassures potential buyers of the Forester's Safety and performance in real-world situations. Read more about Forester's safety record in my report here.

What does IIHS say about the Forester?

The angled targets were most challenging for all small SUVs. "The Forester avoided collisions in all scenarios except where the test vehicle reverses toward a passenger car target positioned at a 45-degree angle."

President Jeff Walters, Chief Operating Officer of Subaru of America, says, "Safety is at the heart of every Subaru vehicle. I'm proud our Forester excelled in this test by the IIHS. Our vehicles are designed to keep occupants and nearby pedestrians safe, stay on the road longer, and avoid costly repairs for our owners."

The Subaru Forester offers a suite of standard and available active safety features, including EyeSight Driver Assist Technology; Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert; DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System; and Reverse Automatic Braking (RAB).

Note: The new IIHS rear crash prevention evaluation did not include the next-generation 2025 Subaru Forester, which would also likely get a top Superior rating. I'll bring you the latest 2025 Forester testing information when it becomes available.

Which Forester trims have RAB? 

The 2025 Forester Reverse Automatic Braking is not available on the Base and Premium trims, is optional on the Sport and Limited trims, and is standard on the top-of-the-line Forester Touring trim.

Understanding the importance of having the latest safety technology on your vehicle is crucial. It keeps you and your loved ones safe and empowers you to make informed decisions about your vehicle. If you value Safety, 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, and Facebook.

Photo credit: Tucson Subaru