Subaru Forester Safety Features: Keeping You and Your Family Safe

Our road conditions can sometimes leave a lot to be desired. Things can change from smooth highways to rough gravel in a matter of kilometres, choosing a vehicle that prioritises safety is not just a preference — it’s a necessity. The Subaru Forester stands out as one of the safest family SUVs available in South Africa, combining cutting-edge technology, robust engineering, and a thoughtful design made with families in mind.

Whether you’re navigating the school run, a long-distance road trip, or an unplanned detour through the countryside, the Forester ensures that every journey is as safe as it is comfortable. Subaru’s long-standing reputation for developing intelligent safety systems makes the Forester an obvious choice for safety-conscious South African drivers.

Subaru Forester: A Family SUV Built for Safety

Safety isn’t an afterthought in the Subaru Forester — it’s the foundation of its design. Subaru has spent decades developing innovative systems that protect passengers in real-world conditions. For families in particular, where peace of mind is priceless, the Forester offers a reassuring mix of reliability, protection, and smart safety features that make every drive feel more secure.

From the daily school drop-off to adventurous weekend getaways, this SUV is engineered to handle a variety of driving scenarios with confidence. It’s no surprise that many parents see the Forester not just as a mode of transport, but as a safeguard for their family.

Key Subaru Forester Safety Features

Subaru EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology

One of the standout innovations in the Forester is EyeSight, Subaru’s advanced driver-assistance suite that acts as a second pair of eyes on the road. It includes:

• Pre-Collision Braking to help prevent frontal accidents
• Adaptive Cruise Control for maintaining safe distances in traffic
• Lane Departure and Sway Warning to keep the vehicle steady on highways
• Lane Keep Assist for gentle corrective steering when drifting is detected

These features actively work to reduce driver error — one of the most common causes of road accidents.

All-Wheel Drive for Enhanced Stability

Standard on all Forester models, Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) ensures balanced power distribution to all four wheels. This improves grip on wet, uneven, or loose surfaces — a frequent reality on South African roads, from rainy city streets to dusty farm roads.

AWD means greater confidence when accelerating, cornering, or braking, especially in unpredictable conditions.

Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS)

The Forester goes beyond basics by incorporating a suite of smart features designed to prevent accidents before they happen:

• Blind-Spot Detection for safer lane changes
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert to help when reversing out of parking spots
• Reverse Automatic Braking to prevent collisions when backing up

These features work together to enhance driver awareness and intervene when necessary, particularly helpful for parents with small children or teen drivers in the home. Read more about Subaru’s approach to keeping young drivers safe here.

Crash Protection and Body Construction

Subaru’s Ring-Shaped Reinforcement Frame is designed to absorb and redirect crash energy away from the cabin. Constructed from high-strength steel, this structure increases protection without compromising on weight or efficiency.

Subaru Forester Safety Ratings: How the SUV Performs in Crash Tests

When it comes to crash testing, the Forester consistently earns high marks from global safety authorities. Euro NCAP, JNCAP, ANCAP and IIHS have awarded the Forester top ratings for crash safety and preventative technology.

These accolades aren’t just numbers — they reflect real-world performance and Subaru’s continued commitment to occupant protection. To explore more about Subaru’s overall safety philosophy, visit Subaru South Africa’s safety page.

Subaru Forester Safety Features in Action

Here are just a few ways the Forester’s systems make a difference in everyday life:

• Avoiding Rear-End Collisions: EyeSight’s Pre-Collision Braking helps you stop quickly if the car ahead suddenly slows down.
• Staying in Your Lane: Lane Keep Assist gently nudges the steering if you begin to drift.
• Safe Parking: Reverse Automatic Braking can detect objects or pedestrians behind you and apply the brakes if necessary.

Even off the beaten track, the Forester’s combination of AWD, ground clearance, and responsive braking makes it a reliable companion for families who enjoy exploring South Africa’s scenic routes and game reserves.

How Subaru Forester Safety Measures Improve Family Travel

Parents can relax knowing their children are safe in a vehicle that’s been engineered to prioritise protection. Long-distance journeys become less stressful with features like Adaptive Cruise Control and a spacious, comfortable interior designed for all-day comfort.

Whether navigating Gauteng traffic or heading down to the Garden Route, the Forester ensures peace of mind for every kilometre.

Why Choose the Subaru Forester for Your Family?

The Subaru Forester isn’t just practical — it’s smart, stylish, and purpose-built for South African families who won’t compromise on safety. It’s packed with intelligent features that protect, assist, and adapt to your driving environment — making every trip safer, whether it’s the daily commute or your next road trip adventure.

Explore the latest Subaru Forester models or consider a quality pre-owned Forester to match your needs and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the top safety features in the Subaru Forester?
  EyeSight Driver Assist, Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, Blind-Spot Detection, Reverse Automatic Braking, and the Ring-Shaped Reinforcement Frame are key highlights.
• How does the Subaru Forester perform in crash tests?
  The Forester has consistently earned high marks from respected safety organisations like Euro NCAP, JNCAP, ANCAP and IIHS.
• What is Subaru’s EyeSight technology, and how does it improve safety?
  EyeSight uses stereo cameras to monitor traffic and assist with braking, steering, and throttle control to avoid accidents.
• How does the Subaru Forester’s AWD system contribute to safety?
  The Symmetrical AWD system ensures optimal grip and stability on all surfaces, improving safety in both urban and rural environments.
• Is the Subaru Forester a good choice for families?
  Yes, with its strong safety features, spacious interior, and family-focused design, it’s one of the best SUVs available for South African families.