Subaru doesn’t make any compromises when it comes to safety. That’s why all new Subaru models come absolutely brimming with safety features, the 2021 Subaru Outback included. But does the Subaru Outback’s long list of safety features actually point to it being a safe SUV? Let’s find out.

The 2021 Subaru Outback comes stocked with standard safety features

The 2021 Subaru Outback offers no shortage of safety features. Even if you opt for a base model, you can expect this year’s new Subaru Outback to come well-stocked with all of the standard safety features you need to feel safe behind the wheel. With standard EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, this year’s model boasts sought-after safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist and sway warning, pre-collision braking, and pre-collision throttle management.

This year’s model is also available with Subaru’s state-of-the-art DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System. This system is designed to help reduce distracted driving and, according to Subaru, “is like having an attentive co-pilot along for the ride.” 

And if those aren’t enough safety features for you? The 2021 Subaru Outback is also available with safety features such as blind-spot detection with rear-cross traffic alerts and reverse automatic braking.

The 2021 Subaru Outback is an IIHS Top Safety Pick+

With so many standard safety features to its name, it should come as no surprise that the 2021 Subaru Outback earned some pretty impressive safety ratings. According to the IIHS, this year’s model earned a ‘Good’ score in each one of its crashworthiness tests. It also earned ‘Superior’ scores in its crash avoidance and mitigation tests. All in all, that earned the 2021 Outback the title of Top Safety Pick+.

This isn’t the first time the Subaru Outback has earned the Top Safety Pick+ title, either. In fact, the Outback has been recognized by the IIHS as a Top Safety Pick+ since the 2013 model year. 

The NHTSA gave the 2021 Subaru Outback a five-star rating

This year’s Outback earned some pretty impressive safety ratings from the NHTSA too. It earned a five-star rating in front driver side tests and a four-star rating in front passenger side tests. It also earned a perfect score in the NHTSA’s side barrier and pole tests. Overall, the NHTSA gave this year’s new Outback a five-star safety rating.

Much like the IIHS, the NHTSA has always given the Outback high marks in terms of safety. The 2020 Subaru Outback also earned a five-star safety rating, as did the 2019 Subaru Outback. The last Outback to earn any less than a five-star rating was the 2012 model, which the NHTSA gave a four-star overall safety rating.

Is the Subaru Outback a safe SUV?

Yes, the Subaru Outback is a safe SUV. Particularly if you opt for this year’s model. It’s absolutely stocked with standard safety features and has proven itself in crashworthiness tests multiple times. In the end, if it’s a safe SUV that you’re after, you really can’t go wrong with the 2021 Subaru Outback.