Subaru Shines with Four Models Named IIHS Top Safety Picks for 2024
April 18 2024,
When it comes to vehicle safety, Subaru continues to set the bar high. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) recently announced its 2024 Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ awards, and Subaru has once again demonstrated its commitment to protecting drivers and passengers. Four Subaru models – the Ascent, Impreza, Outback, and Solterra – have been recognized for their exceptional safety performance in the initial round of testing.
The IIHS Top Safety Pick awards are among the most prestigious accolades in the automotive industry, signifying a vehicle's ability to provide superior protection in various crash scenarios. To earn these coveted awards, vehicles must undergo rigorous evaluations across multiple safety tests, including front, side, and rollover crash tests, as well as evaluations for crash avoidance and mitigation technologies.
Leading the pack is the Subaru Ascent, which secured the highest honour – the Top Safety Pick+ award. This marks the seventh consecutive year that the Ascent has received a Top Safety Pick or higher rating, a testament to Subaru's unwavering commitment to safety innovation.
The Subaru Impreza, Outback, and Solterra models also impressed, each earning the Top Safety Pick award. The Impreza's achievement is particularly noteworthy, marking its seventeenth consecutive year receiving this accolade. The Outback, a perennial favourite among outdoor enthusiasts, secured its sixteenth consecutive Top Safety Pick. Notably, the all-electric Solterra, in only its second model year, has already received its second consecutive Top Safety Pick award.
For 2024, the IIHS introduced several updates to its testing criteria, further raising the bar for vehicle safety. One significant change was the introduction of a new pedestrian front crash prevention evaluation, which replaces the previous separate daytime and nighttime tests. This evaluation assesses a vehicle's ability to detect and avoid pedestrians in varying lighting conditions, a critical factor in reducing pedestrian fatalities.
Additionally, the moderate front overlap test has been updated to include a second dummy behind the driver, emphasizing the importance of back seat safety. Vehicles must now achieve an acceptable or good rating in this revised test to qualify for the Top Safety Pick+ award.
IIHS President David Harkey commended the 2024 winners, stating, "This year's winners are true standouts, offering the highest level of protection for both vehicle occupants and other vulnerable road users."
If safety is at the top of your priority list, the award-winning Subaru Ascent, Impreza, Outback, and Solterra models should be strong contenders for your next vehicle purchase. With their exceptional safety ratings, these Subaru models provide peace of mind and confidence on the road.
