By: Bradley Nutting
Both the Outback and the Legacy Models earned, for the third year in a row, the IIHS' (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) "Top Safety Pick Plus" rating. This rating requires that the vehicle scores either "good" or "acceptable" in all five of the IIHS' crash tests plus, on top of that, scores at least a "basic" rating in the optional crash prevention systems category. That being said, both vehicles scored "good" (the highest rating) in all five crash tests and "superior" in the crash prevention systems category.
The photo to the right (of the 2015 Legacy) was taken after what is considered the most difficult test, the "small overlap front" test. This test simulates what would happen if the car ran into something like a tree or utility pole. As you can see in the photo, the driver's position in the car was maintained well, meaning that sustaining a severe injury is less likely.
The BRZ, WRX, and XV Crosstrek models also earned an IIHS "Top Safety Pick" rating for the 2015 model year. The only difference with the regular "Top Safety Pick" rating, is that it is the highest rating for models that don’t have optional crash prevention systems.
Did you know? A safer vehicle for you generally translates into lower insurance rates!
Sources:
http://www.iihs.org/iihs/ratings/TSP-List
http://www.iihs.org/iihs/ratings/vehicle/v/subaru/legacy/2015
http://www.iihs.org/iihs/ratings/vehicle/v/subaru/outback/2015
