Subaru has always promoted safety as a flagship character for all of its vehicles. Even the capable and adventurous Outback is promoted as a safe and reliable vehicle. However, just because an automaker builds safety into its brand and marketing, doesn’t always mean the vehicles it produces earn top safety ratings. We wanted to learn more about the Subaru Outback and understand how safe it really is.

How to evaluate safety in new vehicles

To determine how safe the Subaru Outback is, we wanted to look to the experts who provide crash test ratings. It’s also beneficial to review the vehicle’s standard and available safety equipment. By today’s standards, adding new driver assistance features is customary. Considering the Subaru Outback offers a complete redesign for 2020, we wanted to see what was new.

An overview of Subaru Outback and what’s new

The Outback came out strong for 2020 with a fresh and attractive design, with new features and comforts. Competitors in this midsize SUV space include the Honda CR-V, Ford Edge, Chevy Equinox, and Nissan Murano. All of which have been raising the bar in this class. The Outback seats five and visually, looks like a wagon and SUV mix.

It comes equipped with the 182-hp 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder base engine, with options to bump up to the 260-hp 2.4-liter. Consumers can opt for the 11.6-inch tablet-style touch screen. Outback screams value when you consider the features and the price tag. It ranges from $26,645-$35,965. But, what about safety features?

Plenty of safety and driver assistance features

There is a family of available safety options for every configuration for the Subaru Outback. Subaru’s Standard Eyesight comes standard with basics like adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and lane departure alert. It also offers lane-centering assistance, front collision alert, and automatic front braking.

Pedestrian detection and heads-up display are also part of this suite of extras. Other optional safety features include cross-traffic and blind-spot alerting, auto-reverse braking, along with drowsy driver alert systems.

Safety in connectivity

The Subaru Outback makes hands-free connectivity behind the wheel standard. Every configuration comes standard with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto technology. This means, regardless of the device you prefer, you’ll always be able to connect when you’re behind the wheel. Talk, text, or respond to notifications all without averting your eyes from the road.

What the experts say about the Subaru Outback’s safety ratings

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crowned the 2020 Subaru Outback with a Top Safety Pick ranking, along with the 2020 Subaru Legacy. To earn this distinction, a vehicle has to achieve a ‘Good’ rating in at least five of the six crash tests the IIHS performs. They also consider available tech and headlights. For Outback, the IIHS ratings indicate it’s well beyond standard safety and receives high marks in almost every category.

The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration, the other organization responsible for safety reporting, also weighs in with crash test ratings for newly released vehicle models. For now, they haven’t issued an evaluation yet for the Subaru Outback. Their assessment for the 2019 Outback boasts a five-star safety rating. Considering the past performance and the findings of the IIHS, we anticipate the NHTSA will have high recommendations for the Subaru Outback soon.

Subaru routinely markets its vehicles as safety-first rides. The Subaru Outback is no exception. While some company-sponsored messages can be overindulgent, when it comes to Outback, the safety proof is in the pudding.

It really is a top-notch safety consideration and may even be one of the safest models on the road today. Consumers who may be looking for a roomy, unique, and adventurous option with everything in safety and security, the 2020 Subaru Outback is definitely worth a look.