2015 Subaru Legacy, Outback Earn Top Safety Pick+ Rating from IIHS

Thus, when fitted with the optional front crash prevention feature, the Legacy deserves the Top Safety Pick+ title. The award obviously also covers the Subaru Outback, since this is the station wagon incarnation of the Legacy.

The highlight here is Subaru’s EyeSight system, which is basically a forward collision warning system that includes an automated braking function. The IIHS tested this, with the system managing to bring the vehicle to a halt in the 12 and 25 mph front crash avoidance tests.

We’ll remind you the previous-generation Legacy and Outback were also IIHS Top Safety Pick+ vehicles, but for the small overlap test, structural performance improved from “marginal” to “good”.

“The driver space was maintained well, with the safety cage preventing excessive intrusion into the occupant compartment. The dummy's movement was well-controlled, and the frontal and side curtain airbags worked together to protect the head from contact with interior structures. Ratings for restraints, dummy kinematics, and injury measures for the head and neck, chest, pelvis, and legs and feet are all good,” the IIHS release states.

Thanks to the sustained safety performance, Subaru has managed to also earn a title as a company, as we are talking about the brand with the most Top Safety Pick awards on the market. The rest of the winners include the BRZ, Impreza, Forester, WRX and XV Crosstrek.