Subaru Forester, Crosstrek Take A Punch In The Gut From The New IIHS Criteria

As I wrote in an earlier story, Subaru had nine Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick+ winners last year, but in 2024, they only have one model with the highest score: the 2024 Subaru Ascent family hauler.  

Subaru's new safety scores from the IIHS this year look dismal thanks to its new stricter requirements for better protection for back seat passengers and improved pedestrian crash avoidance systems. 

Subaru Has Only One IIHS Top Safety Pick+ Winner, Forester, Crosstrek Drop Off The List @SubaruReport @torquenewsauto#subaru #subarusafety #outback #forester #crosstrek #ascenthttps://t.co/5LUsLeZExG
— Denis Flierl (@DenisFlierl) February 28, 2024

Subaru is known for building the safest vehicles in the industry, and that's one reason why I drive one. Should customers worry about buying a new 2024 Subaru Forester or Crosstrek because they aren't on the list? There's more to the story.

The new IIHS criteria didn't favor Subaru's top-selling vehicles like the Forester compact SUV and Crosstrek subcompact SUV. It’s not just Forester and Crosstrek. Subaru lost eight models to the new, more demanding IIHS requirements.

What does the IIHS say?

"There's still progress to be made in the protection that vehicles provide for their occupants, as the introduction of the updated moderate overlap test shows. But many of the biggest gains of the future will come from automakers and policymakers, along with all of us as car buyers and drivers, taking steps to protect everyone on the road, not just our own families.," said IIHS President David Harkey. 

Forester and Crosstrek take a hit

Subaru's top two selling SUVs took the biggest hit in the new IIHS test scores. The 2024 Subaru Forester compact SUV and the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek subcompact SUV do not qualify for a Top Safety Pick+ or Top Safety Pick awards. They are shut out of the top safety models this year, even though both models earned the top honors last year. 

It's slim pickings for the Subaru lineup of vehicles.

Subaru's Top Safety Pick+ winner

• 2024 Subaru Ascent

Subaru's Top Safety Pick winners

• 2024 Subaru Outback
• 2024 Subaru Impreza
• 2024 Subaru Solterra

As you can see, besides the 2024 Subaru Forester and Crosstrek, the 2024 Subaru WRX performance car, BRZ sport coupe, and Legacy sedan all fail to make the best grades this year.  

What does Subaru say to customers?

"Subaru's commitment to safety is renewed daily in the cars and SUVs we deliver to our customers," said Jeff Walters, President and Chief Operating Officer of Subaru of America. "With tougher criteria again for 2024, we're proud to be recognized by the IIHS this year with Top Safety Pick awards.

MY TAKE

Should Subaru customers not be concerned that Subaru vehicles are unsafe? The simple answer is no. Many automakers, including Subaru, must catch up in the new tests. 

New Startling Subaru Developments Customers Need To Know About @SubaruReport @torquenewsautohttps://t.co/HsnxrsoStg#subaru #forester #outback #solterra pic.twitter.com/bcFp0bUz2t
— Denis Flierl (@DenisFlierl) March 3, 2024

The new stricter requirements that the IIHS instituted this year for side impact protection, pedestrian crash prevention systems, and moderate front overlap tests were implemented to push the automakers to improve their safety systems even more. 

Subaru will update its safety technology to comply with the new criteria set forth by the IIHS. Look for the 2025 and 2026 model year Subaru Outback, Forester, Crosstrek, and other Subaru vehicles to meet the more challenging requirements. 

This is the latest information regarding Subaru's safety for customers. I'll keep you updated with any new information.

Until then, visit torquenews.com/subaru regularly and bookmark the page for my latest updates.

YOUR TURN

What about you? Will the new IIHS scores deter you from buying a Subaru Forester or Crosstrek? Let us know in the comments below.

Thanks for reading, everyone. I hope you enjoyed the Subaru Forester and Crosstrek stories. I'll see you tomorrow for my latest Subaru Report.

For additional articles related to new Subaru models, here are a few of my top stories you may enjoy. 

My Must-Read Top Picks

• 20 Best Resale Value Small SUVs And Why Subaru Crosstrek Is Number One
• Like A Fine Wine, Subaru Forester Is Getting Better With Age
• If Not For A Hot Forester And Warm Outback Subaru Sees Red Instead Of Black

Watch ALL NEW… BUT BETTER? 2024 Subaru Crosstrek review

I am Denis Flierl, a 12-year Torque News senior writer with 20+ years of Subaru and automotive journalism experience. I enjoy bringing you, the Subaru fans and customers, the most up-to-date Subaru news, reviews, and new model information. You'll find the latest Subaru stories on the Subaru page. Follow me on my The Dirty Subaru website, Dirty Subaru blog, SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

I’ve got you covered! - I cover all Subaru all the time - It’s called the “Subaru Report.” Check back daily for my expert Subaru analysis!

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photo credit: Subaru USA