Top Safety Pick +

2019 Subaru Outback

midsize car / 4-door wagon

Award applies only to vehicles with specific headlights

2019 Subaru Outback 4-door wagon — 2018 Subaru Outback shown

Crashworthiness

Rating overview
Evaluation criteria	Rating
Small overlap front: driver-side
Small overlap front: passenger-side
Moderate overlap front: original test
Side: original test
Roof strength
Head restraints & seats

Crash avoidance & mitigation

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Headlights (varies by trim/option)
Front crash prevention: vehicle-to-vehicle
Standard system	Superior

Seat belts & child restraints

Evaluation criteria	Rating
LATCH ease of use	+

Other available safety features

Optional blind spot detection
Standard lane departure warning & prevention
Optional rear automatic braking

Key

G
Good
A
Acceptable
M
Marginal
P
Poor

Superior
Advanced
Basic

Some ratings use a scale of Poor to Good. Others range from Basic to Superior.

Small overlap front: driver-side

Rating applies to 2015-19 models

Tested vehicle: 2015 Subaru Legacy 2.5i 4-door 4wd

The Subaru Legacy was redesigned for the 2015 model year. The driver-side small overlap frontal crash test ratings also apply to the station wagon version of the Legacy, known as the Outback, also redesigned for 2015.

Evaluation criteria	Rating

Structure and safety cage
Driver injury measures
Head/neck
Chest
Hip/thigh
Lower leg/foot
Driver restraints and dummy kinematics

Action shot taken during the driver-side small overlap frontal crash test.

The dummy's position in relation to the door frame, steering wheel, and instrument panel after the crash test indicates that the driver's survival space was maintained very well.

The frontal and side curtain airbags worked well together to keep the head from coming close to any stiff structure or outside objects that could cause injury.

The driver's space was maintained well, and risk of injuries to the dummy's legs and feet was low.

Technical measurements for this test

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Test ID	CEN1433
Lower occupant compartment
Lower hinge pillar max (cm)	9
Footrest (cm)	7
Left toepan (cm)	3
Brake pedal (cm)	6
Parking brake (cm)
Rocker panel lateral average (cm)	1
Upper occupant compartment
Steering column	1
Upper hinge pillar max (cm)	5
Upper dash (cm)	6
Lower instrument panel (cm)	6

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Test ID	CEN1433
Head
HIC-15	120
Peak gs at hard contact	no contact
Neck
Tension (kN)	1.2
Extension bending moment (Nm)	4
Maximum Nij	0.22
Chest maximum compression (mm)	25
Femur (kN)
Left	1.7
Right	0.1
Knee displacement (mm)
Left	4
Right	1
Knee-thigh-hip injury risk (%)
Left	0
Right	0
Maximum tibia index
Left	0.53
Right	0.36
Tibia axial force (kN)
Left	1.5
Right	0.1
Foot acceleration (g)
Left	65
Right	43

About the small overlap front test

Small overlap front: passenger-side

Rating applies to 2018-19 models

Tested vehicle: 2018 Subaru Outback 2.5i wagon 4wd

The Subaru Outback was redesigned for the 2015 model year. Beginning with the 2018 model year, the front-end and occupant compartment structure was reinforced to improve occupant protection in passenger-side small overlap crash tests. The small overlap frontal crash test ratings also apply to the sedan version of the Outback, known as the Legacy, also redesigned for 2015 and similarly modified in 2018.

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Overall evaluation
Structure and safety cage
Passenger injury measures
Head/neck
Chest
Hip/thigh
Lower leg/foot
Passenger restraints and dummy kinematics
Driver injury measures
Head/neck
Chest
Hip/thigh
Lower leg/foot
Driver restraints and dummy kinematics

Action shot taken during the passenger-side small overlap frontal crash test.

The dummy's position in relation to the door frame and dashboard after the crash test indicates that the passenger’s survival space was maintained very well.

The frontal and side curtain airbags worked well together to keep the passenger dummy’s head from coming close to any stiff structure or outside objects that could cause injury.

The passenger’s space was maintained well, and risk of injuries to the dummy's legs and feet was low.

Technical measurements for this test

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Test ID	CEP1710
Lower occupant compartment
Lower hinge pillar max (cm)	8
Footrest (cm)	9
Right toepan (cm)	4
Center toepan (cm)	1
Rocker panel lateral average (cm)	3
Upper occupant compartment
Center dash (cm)	3
Upper hinge pillar max (cm)	4
Upper dash (cm)	5
Right lower dash (cm)	6

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Test ID	CEP1710
Head
HIC-15	69
Peak gs at hard contact	no contact
Neck
Tension (kN)	1.1
Extension bending moment (Nm)	9
Maximum Nij	0.21
Chest maximum compression (mm)	23
Femur (kN)
Left	0.4
Right	2.1
Knee displacement (mm)
Left	2
Right	3
Knee-thigh-hip injury risk (%)
Left	0
Right	0
Maximum tibia index
Left	0.37
Right	0.43
Tibia axial force (kN)
Left	2.1
Right	1.5
Foot acceleration (g)
Left	51
Right	35

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Test ID	CEP1710
Head
HIC-15	31
Peak gs at hard contact	no contact
Neck
Tension (kN)	0.8
Extension bending moment (Nm)	9
Maximum Nij	0.17
Chest maximum compression (mm)	30
Femur (kN)
Left	0.3
Right	0.2
Knee displacement (mm)
Left	1
Right	0
Knee-thigh-hip injury risk (%)
Left	0
Right	0
Maximum tibia index
Left	0.28
Right	0.25
Tibia axial force (kN)
Left	0.4
Right	0.3
Foot acceleration (g)
Left	45
Right	32

About the small overlap front test

Moderate overlap front: original test

Rating applies to 2015-19 models

Tested vehicle: 2015 Subaru Legacy 2.5i Premium 4-door 4wd

The Subaru Legacy was redesigned for the 2015 model year. Moderate overlap frontal ratings are assigned by the Institute based on a test conducted by Subaru.

The moderate overlap frontal crash test ratings also apply to the station wagon version of the Legacy, known as the Outback, also redesigned for 2015.

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Overall evaluation
Structure and safety cage
Driver injury measures
Head/neck
Chest
Leg/foot, left
Leg/foot, right
Driver restraints and dummy kinematics

Technical measurements for this test

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Test ID	VTF1404
Footwell intrusion
Footrest (cm)	2
Left (cm)	3
Center (cm)	4
Right (cm)	4
Brake pedal (cm)	6
Instrument panel rearward movement
Left (cm)	0
Right (cm)	0
Steering column movement
Upward (cm)	-3
Rearward (cm)	-6
A-pillar rearward movement (cm)	0

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Test ID	VTF1404
Head
HIC-15	117
Peak gs at hard contact	no contact
Neck
Tension (kN)	1.2
Extension bending moment (Nm)	20
Maximum Nij	0.27
Chest maximum compression (mm)	32
Legs
Femur force - left (kN)	0.4
Femur force - right (kN)	0.6
Knee displacement - left (mm)	1
Knee displacement - right (mm)	1
Maximum tibia index - left	0.48
Maximum tibia index - right	0.55
Tibia axial force - left (kN)	2.7
Tibia axial force - right (kN)	2.4
Foot acceleration (g)
Left	67
Right	57

About the original moderate overlap front test

Side: original test

Rating applies to 2015-19 models

Tested vehicle: 2015 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium wagon 4wd with standard front and rear head curtain airbags and standard front seat-mounted torso airbags

The Subaru Outback was redesigned for the 2015 model year. Side ratings are assigned by the Institute based on a test conducted by Subaru.

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Overall evaluation
Structure and safety cage
Driver injury measures
Head/neck
Torso
Pelvis/leg
Driver head protection
Rear passenger injury measures
Head/neck
Torso
Pelvis/leg
Rear passenger head protection

Technical measurements for this test

Test ID	VTS1405
B-pillar to longitudinal centerline of driver's seat (cm)	-22.0
Negative numbers indicate the amount by which the crush stopped short of the seat centerline.

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Test ID	VTS1405
Head HIC-15	112
Neck
Tension (kN)	0.4
Compression (kN)	0.3
Shoulder
Lateral deflection (mm)	41
Lateral force (kN)	1.3
Torso
Maximum deflection (mm)	39
Average deflection (mm)	30
Maximum deflection rate (m/s)	2.76
Maximum viscous criterion (m/s)	0.61
Pelvis
Iliac force (kN)	0.5
Acetabulum force (kN)	2.3
Combined force (kN)	2.7
Left femur
L-M force (kN)	1.0
L-M moment (Nm)	106
A-P moment (Nm)	25

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Test ID	VTS1405
Head HIC-15	215
Neck
Tension (kN)	0.2
Compression (kN)	0.9
Shoulder
Lateral deflection (mm)	27
Lateral force (kN)	1.1
Torso
Maximum deflection (mm)	20
Average deflection (mm)	16
Maximum deflection rate (m/s)	2.54
Maximum viscous criterion (m/s)	0.21
Pelvis
Iliac force (kN)	0.6
Acetabulum force (kN)	1.6
Combined force (kN)	2.0
Left femur
L-M force (kN)	0.2
L-M moment (Nm)	42
A-P moment (Nm)	16

About the original side crash test

Roof strength

Rating applies to 2015-19 models

Tested vehicle: 2015 Subaru Legacy 2.5i 4-door 4wd

Rating applies to both the Subaru Legacy (tested) and the structurally similar Subaru Outback.

Overall evaluation
Curb weight	3,455 lbs
Peak force	18,533 lbs
Strength-to-weight ratio	5.36

About the roof strength test

Head restraints & seats

Seat type: Power cloth seat

Overall evaluation
Dynamic rating
Seat/head restraint geometry

Technical measurements for this test

Seat type	Power cloth seat
Geometry
Backset (mm)	17
Distance below top of head (mm)	-7
Seat design parameters
Pass/fail	Pass
Max T1 acceleration (g)	12.5
Head contact time (ms)	50
Force rating	1
Neck forces
Max neck shear force (N)	0
Max neck tension (N)	140

About the head restraint & seat test
Currently, IIHS tests apply only to front seats.

Headlights

Ratings are given for 3 different headlight variations available on this vehicle.

Trim level(s)

2.5i Limited trim
2.5i Touring trim
3.6R Limited trim
3.6R Touring trim

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Low-beam headlight type	LED projector
High-beam headlight type	LED projector
Curve-adaptive?	Yes
High-beam assist?	Yes
Overall rating
Distance at which headlights provide at least 5 lux illumination:

Low beams
On the straightaway, visibility was good on the right side of the road and fair on the left side. On curves, visibility was good on both right curves, fair on the sharp left curve and inadequate on the gradual left curve.

The low beams never exceeded glare limits.

High beams
On the straightaway, visibility was good on the right side of the road and fair on the left side. On curves, visibility was good on the gradual left and both right curves and fair on the sharp left curve.

High-beam assist compensates for some limitations of this vehicle's low beams on the straightaway, on both left curves and on the sharp right curve.

Technical measurements for this test

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Trim level(s)	2.5i Limited trim 2.5i Touring trim 3.6R Limited trim 3.6R Touring trim
Low-beam headlight type	LED projector
High-beam headlight type	LED projector
Curve-adaptive?	Yes
High-beam assist?	Yes
Overall rating Applies to 2018-19 models

LOW BEAMS	Average minimum useful illumination distance (5 lux)	Amount glare exceeded threshold
Straightaway right edge	117.0 m	None
Straightaway left edge	53.4 m	None
250m radius right curve, right edge	89.3 m	None
250m radius left curve, left edge	54.9 m	None
150m radius right curve, left edge	59.9 m	None
150m radius left curve, left edge	49.9 m	None

HIGH BEAMS	Average minimum useful illumination distance (5 lux)
Straightaway right edge	144.2 m
Straightaway left edge	136.6 m
250m radius right curve, right edge	89.3 m
250m radius left curve, left edge	81.1 m
150m radius right curve, right edge	79.5 m
150m radius left curve, left edge	63.6 m

Trim level(s)

2.5i Premium trim

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Low-beam headlight type	Halogen projector
High-beam headlight type	Halogen reflector
Curve-adaptive?	No
High-beam assist?	Yes
Overall rating
Distance at which headlights provide at least 5 lux illumination:

Low beams
On the straightaway, visibility was fair on both sides of the road. On curves, visibility was inadequate in all 4 tests.

The low beams never exceeded glare limits.

High beams
On the straightaway, visibility was good on both sides of the road. On curves, visibility was fair on the gradual right curve and inadequate on the sharp right and both left curves.

High-beam assist compensates for some limitations of this vehicle's low beams on the straightaway and all 4 curves.

Technical measurements for this test

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Trim level(s)	2.5i Premium trim
Low-beam headlight type	Halogen projector
High-beam headlight type	Halogen reflector
Curve-adaptive?	No
High-beam assist?	Yes
Overall rating Applies to 2018-19 models

LOW BEAMS	Average minimum useful illumination distance (5 lux)	Amount glare exceeded threshold
Straightaway right edge	84.8 m	None
Straightaway left edge	47.6 m	None
250m radius right curve, right edge	52.7 m	None
250m radius left curve, left edge	45.5 m	None
150m radius right curve, right edge	44.0 m	None
150m radius left curve, left edge	39.7 m	None

HIGH BEAMS	Average minimum useful illumination distance (5 lux)
Straightaway right edge	159.1 m
Straightaway left edge	145.8 m
250m radius right curve, right edge	65.3 m
250m radius left curve, left edge	64.4 m
150m radius right curve, right edge	48.9 m
150m radius left curve, left edge	48.1 m

Trim level(s)

2.5i trim
2.5i Premium trim

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Low-beam headlight type	Halogen projector
High-beam headlight type	Halogen reflector
Curve-adaptive?	No
High-beam assist?	No
Overall rating
Distance at which headlights provide at least 5 lux illumination:

Low beams
On the straightaway, visibility was fair on both sides of the road. On curves, visibility was inadequate in all 4 tests.

The low beams never exceeded glare limits.

High beams
On the straightaway, visibility was good on both sides of the road. On curves, visibility was fair on the gradual right curve and inadequate on the sharp right and both left curves.

Technical measurements for this test

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Trim level(s)	2.5i trim 2.5i Premium trim
Low-beam headlight type	Halogen projector
High-beam headlight type	Halogen reflector
Curve-adaptive?	No
High-beam assist?	No
Overall rating Applies to 2018-19 models

LOW BEAMS	Average minimum useful illumination distance (5 lux)	Amount glare exceeded threshold
Straightaway right edge	84.8 m	None
Straightaway left edge	47.6 m	None
250m radius right curve, right edge	52.7 m	None
250m radius left curve, left edge	45.5 m	None
150m radius right curve, right edge	44.0 m	None
150m radius left curve, left edge	39.7 m	None

HIGH BEAMS	Average minimum useful illumination distance (5 lux)
Straightaway right edge	159.1 m
Straightaway left edge	145.8 m
250m radius right curve, right edge	65.3 m
250m radius left curve, left edge	64.4 m
150m radius right curve, right edge	48.9 m
150m radius left curve, left edge	48.1 m

About the headlight evaluation

Front crash prevention: vehicle-to-vehicle

System details

Standard EyeSight Driver-Assist System

Overall evaluation

Applies to 2019 models

Superior

This system meets the requirements for forward collision warning.
In the 12 mph test, this vehicle avoided a collision.
In the 25 mph test, this vehicle avoided a collision.

About the original front crash prevention test

Child seat anchors

Rating applies to 2018-19 models

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Overall evaluation	+ extra LATCH positions
Vehicle trim	2.5i
Seat type	cloth

This vehicle has 2 rear seating positions with complete child seat attachment (LATCH) hardware.

It has 1 additional seating position with a tether anchor and the ability to borrow lower anchors from the other seating positions.

Note: When anchors are borrowed, they aren't available to use in their designated positions.

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Overall evaluation	+ extra LATCH positions
Vehicle trim	2.5i
Seat type	cloth

Rating icon	Rating
G	Good
A	Acceptable
M	Marginal
P	Poor
	Seating positions that rely on borrowed lower anchors or have only a tether anchor available are not rated.
thether anchor symbol	Tether anchor
lower anchor symbol	Lower anchors
shared lower achors symbol	Lower anchor(s) can be borrowed from adjacent positions(s)
	No hardware available

Details by seating position

Position	Rating
1
1	Tether anchor
	easy-to-find location
	no other hardware could be confused for anchor
	Lower anchors
	not too deep in seat
	not too much force needed to attach
	easy to maneuver around anchors
2
2	Tether anchor
	easy-to-find location
	no other hardware could be confused for anchor
	Lower anchors
	Can be borrowed from 1 and 3
3
3	Tether anchor
	easy-to-find location
	no other hardware could be confused for anchor
	Lower anchors
	not too deep in seat
	not too much force needed to attach
	easy to maneuver around anchors

Technical measurements for this test

Lower anchor A
Open access rated	No
Depth (cm)	0-2
Force (lbs)	4
Clearance angle (degrees)	79
Lower anchor B
Open access rated	Yes
Depth	Visible
Force (lbs)	0
Clearance angle (degrees)	83
Tether anchor
Location	Middle seatback
Confusing hardware present	Yes
Has contrasting label within 3 inches of tether anchor	Yes
Tether anchors can be accessed while seatback is properly positioned for use of LATCH	Not measured

Lower anchor A
Lower latch is shared for this seat position
Lower anchor B
Lower latch is shared for this seat position
Tether anchor
Location	Middle seatback
Confusing hardware present	Yes
Has contrasting label within 3 inches of tether anchor	Yes
Tether anchors can be accessed while seatback is properly positioned for use of LATCH	Not measured

Lower anchor A
Open access rated	Yes
Depth	Visible
Force (lbs)	0
Clearance angle (degrees)	79
Lower anchor B
Open access rated	No
Depth (cm)	0-2
Force (lbs)	2
Clearance angle (degrees)	81
Tether anchor
Location	Middle seatback
Confusing hardware present	Yes
Has contrasting label within 3 inches of tether anchor	Yes
Tether anchors can be accessed while seatback is properly positioned for use of LATCH	Not measured

About the child seat anchor evaluation