The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

Subaru Outback Awarded Maximum Possible Safety Rating


subaru outback (select to view enlarged photo)

Highest possible safety rating awarded to Subaru Outback with EyeSight collision avoidance technology by USA’s IIHS

EyeSight acts as a ‘second pair of eyes’ for drivers, with advanced stereo colour camera technology

UK Subaru Outback with Lineartronic fitted with EyeSight system as standard

COLESHILL, UK -- December 10, 2015: The Subaru Outback, equipped with Subaru’s advanced EyeSight collision avoidance technology, has been awarded the highest possible safety rating – named a ‘Top Safety Pick+ (TSP+) – by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The institute carries out some of the most demanding safety tests carried out anywhere in the world.

The IIHS, a not-for-profit organisation based in the USA, awarded the Outback with its TSP+ rating after it achieved the highest possible score of ‘Good’ in all five tests of the car’s collision safety performance. It also scored the maximum possible ‘Superior’ rating for front crash prevention, as a result of the car’s advanced EyeSight technology.

Fitted as standard to every Subaru Outback sold in the UK with a Lineartronic (CVT) transmission, EyeSight acts as a ‘second pair of eyes’ for drivers, employing stereo colour camera technology to monitor the road and traffic ahead for potential hazards. EyeSight is a major contributing factor to the Outback’s maximum five-star Euro NCAP crash test safety rating, achieved earlier this year.

EyeSight’s two colour cameras are located either side of the rear view mirror to detect the presence of vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists and other potential hazards up to 110 metres in front. EyeSight features six technologies to maximise safety: Pre-collision Braking, Pre-collision Throttle Management, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure & Sway Warning, Pre-collision Steering Assist and Lead Vehicle Start Alert.

The IIHS tightened the rules and requirements for cars aiming to qualify for a TSP+ rating in 2016, with cars needing to earn ‘Good’ scores – the highest possible result – in all five crashworthiness tests (small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraints). Cars being tested must also achieve an ‘Advanced’ or a ‘Superior’ rating for front crash prevention.