Four Subaru Models Named IIHS Top Safety Pick In 2024 Initial Tests

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Four Subaru Models Named IIHS Top Safety Pick In 2024 Initial Tests

Posted on April 22, 2024

 
In the realm of automotive safety, the stakes have never been higher. As of March 13, 2024, Subaru Canada, Inc. has once again ascended the podium of vehicular security, clinching significant honours in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) first round of assessments for the year. 

 
The spotlight shone brightly on the Subaru Ascent, which soared above its counterparts to snag the coveted TOP SAFETY PICK+ (TSP+) award. Not far behind, the Subaru Impreza, Outback, and Solterra each garnered the prestigious TOP SAFETY PICK (TSP) accolade, underscoring Subaru's unwavering commitment to safety.

 

Revamped Testing, Rigorous Standards

This year's IIHS testing regimen introduced a more stringent set of criteria, notably a revamped pedestrian front crash prevention evaluation. This update amalgamated the prior daytime and nighttime tests into a singular, comprehensive assessment, thereby heightening the challenge for vehicles to demonstrate their adeptness in pedestrian detection and avoidance under all lighting conditions.

 
The assessment landscape further evolved with an updated moderate front overlap test. This pivotal adjustment mandates an acceptable or good rating and emphasizes the safety of rear-seat occupants by incorporating an additional dummy positioned behind the driver. Thus, ensuring a vehicle's eligibility for the TSP+ award now necessitates excellence in this enhanced evaluation and maintaining a good rating in the original moderate overlap test for the base TSP recognition.

 

Comprehensive protection in a small overlap front crash, where 25% of the vehicle's width collides with another vehicle or a stationary object, remains crucial. This year, the evaluations for the driver-side and passenger-side have been merged into a singular rating, ensuring that vehicles must excel in protecting occupants on both sides of the vehicle. Furthermore, vehicles must be equipped with good or acceptable headlights across all trims to qualify for either award. This stipulation underscores the importance of visibility and lighting in overall safety.

 

Achieving Excellence Across the Board

IIHS President David Harkey lauded this year's winners for their exceptional commitment to protecting those within the vehicle and other vulnerable road users. Subaru's achievements in the 2024 safety tests are not merely accolades but a testament to the brand's sustained excellence in vehicular safety. 

 

The Ascent's TSP+ award marks its seventh consecutive victory, while the Outback and Impreza continue their winning streaks with the sixteenth and seventeenth consecutive wins, respectively. The all-electric Solterra, in its sophomore year, secures its second consecutive TSP, further highlighting Subaru's prowess in safety across diverse models and powertrains.

 

A Tradition of Safety

Tomohiro Kubota, Chairman, President, and CEO of SCI, expressed his enthusiasm for the brand's ongoing recognition in safety. He anticipates continuing to test Subaru's lineup throughout 2024, including the eagerly awaited all-new models. This recognition sustains Subaru's legacy as a leading recipient of the TSP+ awards since 2013, with a remarkable total of 71 TSP+ awards to its name.

 

The Road Ahead with Rally Subaru in Edmonton

The 2024 IIHS safety ratings illuminate Subaru's dedication to innovation, safety, and customer well-being. As we navigate the roads of tomorrow, Subaru's latest achievements in safety excellence assure us that the journey ahead is not just about the destination but also about ensuring we arrive there safely and securely.