You’re thinking about buying a pre-owned Subaru. Perhaps it’s the Outback or the Impreza. You may be looking at features, space, and seating configurations. Yet, what’s most important to your family is how safe the vehicle is. Let’s consider the Subaru Outback and its safety rating.
How safe is the 2020 Subaru Outback?
The 2020 Subaru Outback received a 5-Star Overall Safety Rating from NHTSA and the highest possible score of “Good” from IIHS. Combined with a 4.59-Star Owner Rating and 4.61/10-Expert Review Rating from Vehicle History, you can have confidence in this car.
Investing in a pre-owned car means learning as much as you can about how safe that car is. We’ll help with that by breaking down test results and looking at some safety features here. You’ll be able to make the right decision for you after reading this.
2020 Subaru Outback Crash Test Results
One of the ways to measure Subaru safety is to take a closer look at the crash tests. These tests involve a lot of collision research on the vehicle. It provides authentic and transparent information on what could happen if an accident occurs. Here’s how the Outback did.
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Test Results
The IIHS looks at a variety of factors to determine crashworthiness. This includes moderate and small overlap risks at the front, side impact, roof strength, and both head restraints and seats. In all of these areas, IIHS gave it a “Good” rating, the highest possible.
In crash avoidance and mitigation testing, IIHS gave the outback good ratings in most areas. However, some of the trim and optional headlights received only “Acceptable” and “Marginal” ratings. In areas of front crash prevention with other vehicles or pediatricians, this vehicle received “Superior” ratings.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Test Results
The NHTSA gives the 2020 Subaru Outback a full 5-Start Overall Safety Rating. That’s the highest it can. In frontal crash testing, the vehicle scored a full 5 stars on front driver and passenger collisions. In side crash ratings, the NHTSA also found solid performance with 5 stars.
In the Rollover Test, the Outback received just 4 stars. While this vehicle did not tip over during the dynamic tip test, it did have a high rollover risk. The NHTSA gave it an 18.5%, which is higher than others in its class.
2020 Subaru Outback Available Safety Tech
Safety is improving rapidly in many vehicles including in Subaru because of the use of technology. Sensors placed around the exterior of the car help the vehicle’s computer to make decisions to minimize risks and prevent accidents. Here’s what’s on many Subaru vehicles.
Subaru EyeSight
At the heart of all of Subaru vehicle’s driver assist and safety features is a suite of applications called Subaru EyeSight. The company notes it’s helped to reduce rear-end crashes with injuries by as much as 85% since its inclusion.
This driver assist technology provides a range of methods for improving overall safety, including these features.
Lane Keep Assist and Sway Warnings
With radar sensors on the vehicle, the system can monitor your position on the road in relation to lane markings. If you are swaying or moving outside of the lane, it will alert you with an audible warning. If you continue to do so, it can move you back in place.
Pre-Collision Throttle Management
One of the unique features of Subaru driver tech is this one. If there’s a crash likely, the vehicle will reduce the power going to the engine. The benefit here is that the possible impact force will be much less, reducing front impact damage considerably.
Pre-Collision Braking
The vehicle isn’t going to let you collide with another object if it can help it. To do that, it can apply some or the full force of the brakes if it detects a high risk of collision. EyeSight can, then, reduce the rate of pedestrian or other vehicle accidents considerably.
Adaptive Cruise Control
This feature works to help you to maintain a safe, pre-determined distance when operating cruise control. If the vehicle in front of you gets too close, the car automatically slows down as it works to prevent collisions. You can select the distance desired.
Here’s What Other People Also Ask About the 2020 Subaru Lineup
Safety questions are important, but there are other factors to think about before buying a Subaru. Here some questions others have asked.
Which Subaru vehicle is the safest?
This can be a very hard question to answer because there are numerous high-rated vehicles. The Impreza has consistently earned high marks for safety in both IIHS and consumer ratings. You may find other vehicles have a strong safety rating as well.
What types of problems do Subaru vehicles have?
Many Subaru vehicles have minimal problems. Differences existing in make, model, and year. Some noted concerns include problems with the head gaskets, front suspension, and powertrain deficiencies. Yet, overall, this vehicle lineup has fewer recalls than some competitors.
Which is better, the Subaru Forester or the Outback?
There are a lot of features to compare. The Forester is a solid vehicle with good performance and safety. The Outback is consistently rated highly by consumers and experts alike both for safety and for driving experience and performance. Compare models and trims carefully.
How long do Subaru vehicles last?
There is a lot of range here, including in models and various years. Most Subaru vehicles are built to last. These vehicles typically have lower maintenance needs. When well maintained and serviced, some owners report their cars lasting for 150,000 to 225,000 miles. Some may last even longer.
Should You Buy a Pre-Owned Subaru? Make the Safe Choice
Before you make a buying decision, use our free tool at Vehicle History. We’ve combined millions of data points from reputable providers to help you make the best decision that includes NHTSA and J.D. Power.
Use our free tool now to look up the model and trim you’re after in a Subaru to get accurate information about any vehicle’s performance and safety standards.
