When you’re shopping for a family vehicle, safety isn’t just a checkbox—it’s peace of mind. The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek and Impreza have undergone extensive crash testing, revealing important insights that could influence your buying decision. Let’s break down what these results mean for real-world driving situations.
Recent Crash Test Performance Overview
The redesigned Crosstrek and Impreza, which debuted for the 2024 model year, have faced both praise and challenges in recent safety evaluations. Both vehicles were redesigned for the 2024 model year, with two passenger-side small overlap tests conducted by both the IIHS and Subaru. The results paint a mixed picture of safety performance.
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, showing that Subaru’s fundamental safety structure remains solid. However, recent testing has revealed some areas where improvements are needed.
Understanding the New Side-Impact Challenge
With the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s new, tougher side-impact test, Crosstrek (and Impreza) are rated as “Poor”. This might sound alarming, but it’s important to understand the context. The IIHS introduced a more rigorous side-impact test that better simulates crashes with modern, taller SUVs and trucks.
Smaller, lower vehicles are at a disadvantage when struck by the new test barrier, which is a more realistic representation of the front end of a typical modern SUV. This doesn’t mean the vehicles are unsafe—it means the testing standards have evolved to reflect today’s diverse vehicle landscape.
Key Safety Ratings and Awards
| Testing Organization | Rating/Award |
|---|---|
| NHTSA Overall Rating | 5 Stars |
| IIHS Top Safety Pick | Yes (Previous Years) |
| Euro NCAP Adult Protection | 83% |
| ANCAP Overall Rating | 5 Stars |
| Euro NCAP Child Protection | 91% |
| J.D. Power Safety Score | 83/100 (Great) |
Despite the challenges with the new side-impact test, both vehicles continue to earn recognition. The IIHS has named it a Top Safety Pick, and the NHTSA has awarded it five stars—the highest possible Subaru Crosstrek safety rating. These ratings reflect performance across multiple crash scenarios, not just the newest side-impact test.
What’s Working Well in Crash Protection
The good news significantly outweighs the challenges. 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. This demonstrates that Subaru’s airbag systems are effectively protecting occupants in most crash scenarios.
The airbag performed well in Euro NCAP’s tests with dummy readings indicating good protection for both the driver and passenger. European testing, known for its rigorous standards, confirms that the basic safety architecture is sound.
Recent Safety Improvements and Updates
Subaru hasn’t been sitting idle. Beginning with models built after February 2024 modifications were made to the rear seatbelts to improve occupant protection in moderate overlap frontal crashes. This shows the company’s commitment to continuous improvement based on testing feedback.
For 2025 models, the Crosstrek and Impreza have been given safety upgrades for model year 2025, enabling them to receive five-star ratings from safety authority ANCAP. These updates demonstrate that manufacturers actively respond to testing results and real-world data.
Real-World Safety Context
It’s crucial to remember that crash tests represent specific scenarios under controlled conditions. All 11 vehicles earn good ratings in the original side test, meaning that in the vast majority of side-impact crashes, these vehicles perform well.
The new side-impact test specifically addresses collisions with larger, heavier vehicles—a growing concern as SUVs and trucks become more popular. While the Crosstrek and Impreza received poor ratings in this specific test, they continue to excel in other critical safety areas.
Advanced Safety Technology
Modern safety goes beyond crash protection. The Crosstrek is equipped with Subaru’s latest EyeSight driver-assistance feature bundle as standard. These systems work to prevent crashes from happening in the first place, which is often more effective than managing their aftermath.
The autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system of the Subaru can respond to vulnerable road users as well as to other vehicles. This technology represents a proactive approach to safety that complements the passive protection provided by the vehicle’s structure and airbags.
Looking Forward: Subaru’s Safety Commitment
Subaru consistently does well on current and new tests, this one got them, they will adapt. The company has a strong track record of improving vehicles based on testing feedback. Given their history of safety innovation, future model updates will likely address the side-impact test concerns.
Bottom Line: While the new side-impact test results highlight an area for improvement, the 2025 Crosstrek and Impreza remain fundamentally safe vehicles with strong overall crash protection, excellent active safety features, and a manufacturer committed to continuous safety advancement. For most buyers, these vehicles offer solid protection for everyday driving scenarios.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Should I be concerned about the poor side-impact rating?
A: The poor rating applies to a new, more challenging test. Both vehicles still earn excellent ratings in standard side-impact tests and maintain 5-star overall safety ratings.
Q: Are 2025 models safer than 2024 models?
A: Yes, 2025 models include safety upgrades and improved rear seatbelt systems based on crash test feedback from earlier production vehicles.
Q: How do these vehicles compare to competitors in safety?
A: Both maintain competitive 5-star NHTSA ratings and continue to earn recognition from major safety organizations, though the new side-impact test affects similar-sized vehicles across the industry.
