2026 Subaru Forester, Ascent, and Outback Earn Highest Crash Test Awards from IIHS​

For 2026, Subaru earned three more TOP SAFETY PICK+ awards from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety in their latest rounds of crash testing. These awards went to the 2026 Ascent, Forester, and Outback. 

These awards were based on a new set of stringent crash tests set by the IIHS. These tests were to further examine crashworthiness in various scenarios. For 2026, all vehicles must achieve a “GOOD” rating in the updated moderate overlap front crash test to achieve the TOP SAFETY PICK+ award. Another new test for 2026 adds a rear seat crash test dummy to evaluate the protection a rear seat passenger receives in an accident. The IIHS also updated its crash test criteria to examine vehicle-to-vehicle contact and pedestrian collision prevention. 

The IIHS checks for the effectiveness of the driver assistance technologies on board. The Subaru EyeSight Driver Assist Technology is considered one of the best of its kind in the industry. It is cited as one of the main reasons Subaru models score higher in crash tests overall. EyeSight brings a host of features together to ensure a safe drive every time you and your passengers are on board. These features include Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering, Emergency Stop Assist, and Pre-collision Brake Assist. 

These awards include all variants of these three Subaru models. The 2026 Forester’s awards are for testing on the gas, Hybrid, and Wilderness models. Now, you can be assured that every 2026 Forester will be there to protect you from harm. That also includes those sitting in child seats, as the IIHS also rated their tethers and anchors with a “GOOD” rating.  

For the 2026 Outback, that also includes the Wilderness model. This year marks the first time IIHS has tested it as an SUV, and it earned its marks with flying colors. That includes the headlamp tests, as they look at how much light they emit straight on and off to the side. In that test, the 2026 Outback’s newly developed LED headlights received a “GOOD” rating.  

Our three-row 2026 Ascent also demonstrated top marks for its crash worthiness to earn the TOP SAFETY PICK+ designation. In the child seat tests, the third-row positions received “GOOD” ratings for all three positions, along with the passenger-side second-row position.  

With the addition of the 2026 Ascent, Forester, and Outback, this now gives Subaru a total of 78 TOP SAFETY PICK+ awards since 2013. A record that proves how Subaru is committed to creating a safe vehicle for everyone.  

If you want a safe vehicle built to go year-round, contact us at Michael Hohl Subaru to see the award-winning 2026 Ascent, Forester, and Outback soon!