5-Star Safety: Why We at Subaru Continually Earn Top Safety Ratings
Safety in motoring isn’t a nice-to-have—it’s non-negotiable. That’s why, at Subaru, we’ve made it our mission to do more than just meet safety standards—we aim to redefine them. From crash-testing our cars back in the 1960s (before it was a thing), to packing today’s models with some of the most advanced driver-assist tech on the road, we’ve never stopped innovating around your protection.
Our commitment isn’t about marketing spin or chasing stars—it’s about making sure you and yours are as safe as possible, no matter what the road throws your way. And yes, the top-tier global safety ratings we keep racking up? They’re just the receipts.
Let’s unpack why we’ve earned our reputation as one of the safest car brands in the world—and why we’re not letting go of that title any time soon.
The Legacy of Subaru Safety: Decades of Innovation
Our obsession with safety didn’t start yesterday. In fact, we were the first Japanese automaker to conduct our own crash testing—like we said, way back in the 1960s. It was a bold move then, and it laid the foundation for a brand built around safety-first engineering.
One of our proudest milestones? The launch of EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology in 2008—the world’s first camera-based driver-assistance system. It was revolutionary then, and we’ve only raised the bar since. Today’s EyeSight includes features like adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, lane departure warning, and more—working silently in the background to help prevent accidents before they happen.
What Makes Subaru One of the Safest Car Brands?
Understanding Safety Ratings
Safety ratings are more than just bragging rights. They’re rigorous assessments by independent bodies like the IIHS, Euro NCAP, JNCAP, and ANCAP, who put vehicles through extreme crash simulations and tech trials. They test everything from frontal and side impacts to rollover resistance and child and pet occupant protection.
We’re proud to say: all our vehicles are 5-star rated across the board—from ANCAP and JNCAP in the East to Euro NCAP in the West. And our frequent IIHS Top Safety Pick+ awards are just more proof of our unwavering commitment to protecting people.
How We Earn Top Marks
Subaru vehicles are built with reinforced frames, high-strength steel, and clever crumple zones that absorb energy on impact. Add to that our class-leading safety tech—EyeSight, Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and more—and you’ve got a safety net like no other.
We also lean into design choices others overlook. Our Boxer engine sits low, reducing the centre of gravity and improving stability in a crash. Pair that with our Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, and we’re not just protecting you—we’re helping you avoid danger altogether.
Subaru’s Advanced Safety Features: Smart Tech, Real Protection
EyeSight Driver Assist
Think of it as your quiet co-pilot. With dual-colour cameras watching the road ahead, EyeSight is constantly scanning for hazards—cars, pedestrians, even cyclists—and can step in when needed. From automatic braking to gentle steering nudges, it’s built to help you stay alert, focused, and out of harm’s way.
Stability Meets Confidence: AWD & VDC
Unlike the reactive systems in many cars, our Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive offers proactive control—keeping your grip consistent whether you’re on a rain-slick highway or a gravel track in the Karoo.
And with Vehicle Dynamics Control, we’re monitoring wheel speed, steering, and yaw in real-time, making micro-adjustments to keep you steady even when the conditions are anything but.
Safety Ratings by Model: Standing Out, Across the Line-Up
Just a note on our cars – all the models currently available in South Africa are IIHS Safety Pick +, and 5 star rated in NCAP, Euro NCAP, JNCAP and ANCAP.
Subaru Outback: Adventure-Ready, Safety-First
The Outback blends go-anywhere capability with no-compromise safety. With EyeSight, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, and class-leading crash prevention tech, it’s consistently awarded the IIHS Top Safety Pick+. All that, wrapped in a rugged, ready-for-anything shell.
Subaru Forester: Family-First and Feature-Packed
Built for peace of mind, the Forester is packed with EyeSight, Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and more. Its high-strength frame and impressive Euro NCAP scores make it the go-to SUV for parents who want both practicality and protection.
Subaru Crosstrek: Compact, Clever, and Safe
Don’t let its size fool you—the Crosstrek packs serious safety punch. With EyeSight and a rear vision camera as standard, plus consistently strong IIHS crashworthiness scores, it’s a compact SUV that punches above its weight.
Subaru WRX: Power Meets Protection
Yes, you can have performance and peace of mind. The WRX comes armed with EyeSight, Brake Assist, High Beam Assist, and Vehicle Dynamics Control—earning it top safety ratings without dulling its edge. It’s the safest thrill you’ll find on four wheels.
Frequently Asked Questions: Everything You Need to Know About Subaru Safety Ratings
- What makes Subaru’s safety features stand out?
It’s the combination of structural innovation (Boxer engine + Symmetrical AWD) and proactive tech (EyeSight, VDC) that sets us apart.
- How does EyeSight keep me safe?
It monitors the road, warns you of danger, and can even hit the brakes or keep you in your lane if you don’t react in time.
- Are Subarus good for families?
Absolutely. Whether it’s the Forester, Outback, or Crosstrek, our SUVs are designed to protect the people who matter most.
At the end of the day, we’re not building cars just to tick boxes. We’re building vehicles that help people live better, safer lives—whether you’re headed off the beaten path or navigating the everyday chaos of city life. We don’t just aim for top safety scores—we engineer for peace of mind.
Want to dig deeper into the tech behind the safety? Explore Subaru safety features or learn how to customise EyeSight settings. Because when it comes to protecting what matters, we don’t believe in cutting corners. And neither should you.
