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There are plenty of ads and commercials where Subaru SUVs promote how safe they are. They paint a picture of confident protection for drivers and passengers. However, some models are struggling to meet increasing safety standards. 

Subaru SUVs aren’t as safe as they seem 

To be clear, Subaru SUVs are pretty safe vehicles to consider. However, there are other options with higher safety ratings, like Mazda, Hyundai, and Kia SUVs. 

According to Torque News, Consumer Reports dropped each Subaru model from their list of the safest SUVs. But they were on the list in 2023. 

Subaru models were cut because they are struggling to meet increasing safety standards set by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS). 

Only three 2024 models qualify for the Top Safety Pick awards, including the Subaru Outback, Impreza, and WRX. 

Also, only the 2024 Subaru Ascent and Subaru Solterra qualify for the Top Safety Pick+ awards, which is the best title a vehicle can earn. 

Because the IIHS raised its guidelines, the Subaru Forester, Crosstrek, Legacy, and BRZ models no longer qualify for top safety awards. 

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek off-roading in the woods
2024 Subaru Crosstrek | Subaru

The new criteria focuses on improved side impact protection, pedestrian front crash prevention systems, and moderate front overlap crash protection. 

President and Chief Operating Officer of Subaru America, Jeff Walters shared that Safety is at the heart of each Subaru vehicle. Subaru is excited to add the Solterra and WRX to the growing list of Subaru models recognized by the IIHS with Top Safety Pick awards. 

Jeff didn’t comment on improving safety measures for the two most popular SUVs, the Crosstrek and Forester. 

Subaru SUVs have earned 72 Top Safety Pick+ awards since 2013. So, 2024 is the first year in a while that they’ve struggled to meet increasing standards. 

IIHS President, David Harkey explains that safety standards are evolving. There is still progress to be made in the protection provided by vehicles for occupants. 

So, Subaru better get to work to reclaim its titles in 2025.

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Staff Writer

Allison Barfield

Allison Barfield joined MotorBiscuit in 2020 and covers all things trucks, SUVs, and Jeeps. Having grown up on a farm in Rock Hill, South Carolina, she’s no stranger to the “Best in Class” truck and SUV debates; people in her hometown were always gathering to help work on vehicles together, and deliberation would naturally arise.

Allison graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Media Arts. She has helped bring awareness to issues Women In Trucking face and has promoted Truckers Against Trafficking, an anti-trafficking NGO.

A fan of creatively dark literature, Allison appreciates the works of Shirley Jackson and Emily Dickenson. She lives in a mountainous area of the country and enjoys off-roading and camping. Her dog, Bruce, often joins her in testing trucks and SUVs for our site.