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The 2022 Subaru Outback midsize SUV, Crosstrek subcompact crossover, Forester compact SUV, and Ascent 3-Row family hauler all score among the safest new SUVs according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Both organizations evaluate the safety of vehicles through crash and safety testing.
Which 2022 Outback, Crosstrek, Forester, and Ascent trim levels offer the best safety value? A new report from Kelley Blue Book (KBB) says all four Subaru models are among the safest new /SUVs. They narrowed down their picks to the trim level within each model, providing the most standard and available advanced safety technology and features. They also weighed the level of safety equipment against price to determine the best safety value.
2022 Subaru Outback
KBB says the Base trims in the 2022 Subaru Outback and 2022 Forester offer the best safety value for customers. They say the best 2022 Crosstrek trim level is the Crosstrek Hybrid because it has all the safety technology, including standard EyeSight. The Base Crosstrek comes with a 6-speed manual transmission and is unavailable with EyeSight driver assist safety tech. KBB gives the nod to the Ascent Premium trim as the best safety value.
Which Subaru model is rated the highest?
KBB says by balancing price against safety content, they determined the safest trim level within each model and gave it a score from zero to five. The 2022 Outback is the best safety value among the four Subaru models, according to KBB, with an overall rating of 4.6. They give the Forester and Ascent a score of 4.3 and Crosstrek an overall score of 4.2.
photo credit: Competition Subaru
KBB gives the highest score to the Outback. The Forester scores lower because it gets an "Acceptable" rating on the IIHS's new side-impact crash test. The Ascent gets the highest "Good" score in the new side-impact crash test. The Outback and Crosstrek have not been tested in the latest side-impact protocol.
What is the price of the Outback Base trim?
The 2022 Outback base trim level starts at $27,845, $2,425 less than the Premium ($30,270). Prices include destination and delivery fees ($1,125).
What is the price of the Forester Base trim?
The 2022 Forester base trim level starts at $26,320, $3,000 less than the Premium ($29,320). Prices include destination and delivery fees ($1,125).
What is the price of the Ascent base trim?
The 2022 Ascent base trim level starts at $33,420, $2,500 less than the Premium ($35,920). Prices include destination and delivery fees ($1,125).
What is the price of the Crosstrek Hybrid?
The 2022 Subaru Crosstrek Crosstrek Hybrid starts at $37,520. The Crosstrek Premium with EyeSight and similar safety technology starts at $26,820 or $10,700 less than the Hybrid trim level. Note that the Crosstrek Hybrid is a limited production trim and is unavailable in all areas.
photo credit: Competition Subaru
Our take
Customers want safety technology but also convenience features not found on the Base trim levels. The base trims only come with 17-inch steel wheels, and they don't include features buyers want, like a power driver's seat, heated seats and mirrors, keyless access, push-button start, and other upgrades.
We recommend the best safety value balancing price against safety content and features that will satisfy customers the most: they are the 2002 Subaru Outback Premium, 2022 Forester Premium, 2022 Crosstrek Premium with the CVT automatic transmission, and 2022 Ascent Premium trim levels.
What's coming for the 2023 model change?
Customers may want to wait for the 2023 Subaru Outback and 2023 Ascent that get new safety updates. There is no advantage to waiting for the 2023 Crosstrek and 2023 Forester that remain unchanged. Check out the 2023 Outback and Ascent changes in the reports below.
You Might Also Like: Some 2023 Subaru Outback Trims Get A Huge Price Jump - The Complete Model Guide
Also Check Out: Meet The 2023 Subaru Ascent With Significant New Upgrades And Features
Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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Photo credit: main image Competition Subaru
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