Subarus are exceptionally safe, according to experts at the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), as well as the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS). The OEM was recently recognized by AJAC for the “Best Safety Innovation” for the new Wide-angle Mono Camera, part of Subaru’s latest version of EyeSight Driver Assist Technology; as well as IIHS’s “Top Safety Pick +” for three Subaru models.
“Subaru has a track record of continuous improvement in active safety systems,” said Graham Heeps, Chair, AJAC Innovation Awards, “With the latest step, it is pushing to increase safety not only for those inside the vehicle but outside as well. Accidents occur frequently at intersections and Subaru’s Wide-angle Mono Camera is an innovative solution to help reduce them.”
The Wide-angle Mono Camera debuted on top trims of the 2023 Subaru Outback and Legacy and is offered as standard equipment on the 2023 Ascent. This new three-camera system is more effective at identifying and preventing collisions with pedestrians and cyclists in low-speed situations such as intersections and crosswalks, thanks to its wider field of view. This new version of Eyesight has been announced as standard equipment for the all-new 2024 Crosstrek and Impreza, Subaru’s most affordable models.
“Safety is a core value and at the forefront of all of our products,” stated SCI chairman, president and CEO, Tomohiro Kubota. “With a push for pedestrian and cyclist safety alongside driver and passenger safety, we aim to make the roads a safer place for all who use them.”
Subaru saw accolades for its safety performance continue, with the release of the initial 2023 Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) TOP SAFETY PICK (TSP) and TOP SAFETY PICK + (TSP +) awards. The IIHS strengthened its requirements for the testing, demanding better side crash protection and improved pedestrian crash prevention systems and eliminating subpar headlights from the field of qualifying vehicles.
“The number of winners is smaller this year because we’re challenging automakers to build on the safety gains they’ve already achieved,” said IIHS President David Harkey. “These models are true standouts in both crashworthiness and crash prevention.”
So far, the Subaru Ascent, Subaru Outback, and recently released all-electric Subaru Solterra (built after October 2022) received a Top Safety Pick +, the institute’s top honour. Also recognized and recipients of a Top Safety Pick are Legacy and Forester, both consecutive winners for 18 and 17 years, respectively. Both models have been staples of the Subaru Safety brand pillar offering exceptional value, visibility, and versatility.
“It’s encouraging to see our models continue to be recognized by IIHS following the strengthening of its award requirements,” said Kubota. “We look forward to the rest of our lineup being tested throughout 2023 and our upcoming all-new models which were designed with safety at the forefront.”
