Did you know the 2019 Subaru Ascent, Outback, Forester, Crosstrek, Crosstrek Hybrid, Legacy, Impreza (both sedan and hatchback), and WRX all have received a Top Safety Pick + by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)?
To qualify, IIHS tests vehicles a number of ways. A major portion of testing is done via collisions – the real-life scenario to understanding the structural integrity of a vehicle’s various components. Basically, each Vehicle will be tested multiple times at multiple angles. This includes the driver-side small overlap front, passenger-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, and roof strength tests. If the vehicle receives a good rating on all of these tests, plus a head restraint test, it is one step closer to a TSP+.
Additionally, the vehicle must receive an advanced or superior rating for front crash prevention. For a Subaru, this is done through Subaru EyeSight Driver Assist Technology with pre-collision braking. If the driver fails to apply braking pressure when there is an obstacle directly in front of the vehicle, the technology will go through a sequence that first alerts then driver, then applies braking pressure and throttle management until the Subaru is at a complete stop (if necessary). This will occur safely at differing speeds of 30 mph or less.
Finally, to receive a TSP+ award, the vehicle must also receive a good headlight rating. While all of these Subaru models did receive the distinction, it’s important to note that not all trim levels will qualify. The model must be equipped with Subaru EyeSight (all MY19 Ascent, Outback, Forester, and Legacy models currently are) and it must have specific headlights.
Despite these few exceptions, the Subaru brand dominates the IIHS choices. The Institute, a non-biased non-profit organization, does not limit the number of picks to receive a TSP+. Instead, so long as a vehicle meets the pre-determined criteria, it will be awarded the distinction. How did Toyota, Honda, and Nissan stack up? Toyota received the award three times, Honda once, and Nissan did not have a single vehicle in 2019 to receive a TSP+.
