There Are 1,000s of Reasons to Buy a Subaru Outback, But This is the Only 1 That Matters
Crash tests aren’t perfect, but the IIHS works every day to make them more comprehensive and informative. The safety group recently updated the side-impact test, now using a heavier 4,200-lb barrier, which is up from 3,300 lbs, and also increasing the speed of the collision from 31 mph to 37 mph. Ok, but what does this have to do with the 2022 Subaru Outback? Aside from the many other reasons to buy a Subaru Outback, this new crash test just gave us the most important one.
How safe is the Subaru Outback?
The updated IIHS side-impact testing had to get a set of new data to see how the speed and weight change impacted the test results. According to Gear Patrol, the group put seven popular midsize vehicles that all previously got “Good” scores up against the new test. Of the seven, only the Subaru Outback passed the more incense crash test with a Good rating.
Subaru has crushed safety test scores nearly across the board. From the Subaru Forester to the Crosstrek, the subbies have been through the gauntlet and come out the other side. It’s significant that the gauntlet got harder, and the 2022 Subaru Outback didn’t skip a beat.
Why is the Subaru Outback the only car to pass the new IIHS crash test?
Gear Patrol says the lower sedans and wagons struggled with the test more because it was meant to simulate a car being hit by an SUV. Given the massive popularity of SUVs and Crossovers, this testing makes sense.
Because the Subaru Outback is a touch taller than many other vehicles in its class, it faired better. According to the IIHS, “the Outback’s structure held up reasonably well, preventing intrusion into the occupant compartment. Airbags in the Outback protected the head and neck of both the driver and passenger.”
What is the safest car company?
Safety is a major part of the Subaru design. Since Subaru bestowed the EyeSight driver assist package as a standard feature, the Outback is only one of four Subaru vehicles with a Top Safety Pick+ rating for 2022.
From crash testing, safety tech, and driver’s aids, Subaru has seemingly done a nice job of wrapping its customers in a car that will do its best to take care of them. The Subaru brand hits two major touchpoints: adventure and family. You can’t have a family car that doesn’t prioritize safety.
What were the other cars in the new IIHS test?
Gear patrol mentions some of the other participants included the Hyundai Sonata and Volkswagen Jetta, which both only managed an “Acceptable” rating. The Honda Accord squeaked out a “Marginal” rating. And lastly, the Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, and Chevy Malibu all got “Poor” ratings.
Moving forward, the IIHS will use this test as the standard for all 2023 and newer models. However, old test results won’t be affected.
