We all love cars for different reasons. When it comes down to it, though, most drivers are looking for one thing: a vehicle that can safely transport them from point A to point B. Although each brand has its own method for creating safer roads and peace of mind, few seem to have mastered it as well as the Subaru Impreza. The 2021 model is equipped with the latest tech protections, leaving consumers — and safety commissions — impressed. 

The Subaru Impreza is a favorite among sedans

The Subaru Impreza first rolled out in 1993, available as both a four-door sedan and a station wagon. As Auto Express notes, it was quickly lauded for its exciting rally car feel, which came at a much lower cost than a traditional sports car. With its success on the racetrack offering free promotion, Subaru was able to make the Impreza name synonymous with speed and style.

As the brand grew and began second and third generations, body redesigns helped to make the sporty vehicle appeal to families. Expanded trunk space and available five-door models allowed young professionals to invest in a practical vehicle, without entirely relinquishing a youthful flair. 

Now in its fifth generation, the Impreza continues to shine with its roomy rows of seating and all-wheel-drive. Though it continues to pay tribute to its origins as a rally car, the Impreza has shifted in one key way: its safety features. 

How safe is the 2021 Subaru Impreza?

According to Auto Evolution, the first rendition of the Impreza was seriously lacking in safety. From 1993-1998, ABS only came standard with one of the two available trims. Although all cars received side airbags, the rest of the safety repertoire left much to be desired.

Needless to say, four generations later, Subaru has seriously stepped up its game. The 2021 model is so impressive, in fact, that it made U.S. News‘ list of the year’s safest small cars. Its score of 9.8/10 is backed by the standard installation of features like “forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and a rearview camera.” 

One of the website’s few complaints was the limited trunk space in the vehicle, but maybe owners could invest in a smaller first aid kit. After all, U.S. News wasn’t the only authority impressed with the car’s safety chops. 

The NHTSA and the IIHS have approved 

Both the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have extensively tested the Subaru Impreza, and the 2021 version came away with top marks. The U.S. News report recapped all of its honors.

The NHTSA gave it an overall safety rating of 5/5 stars. When it came to the IIHS’s examination, the vehicle achieved a “good” rating in all categories but two: the headlights results were deemed “marginal” and the frontal crash prevention results were “superior.” 

Though it doesn’t have the most impressive acceleration or the flashiest looks, the Impreza is a great option for consumers in search of practicality and safety. Far from the only Subaru on the 2021 safety list, it seems like the brand could give other companies a crash course on crash prevention.