Updated Subaru models add to growing list of top performers

The Subaru Crosstrek and closely-related Subaru Impreza have each been awarded five-star ANCAP safety ratings following MY25 updates. These ratings apply to Crosstrek and Impreza vehicles built from April 2025 and on sale from June 2025.

With design and safety specification similarities between both the Subaru Crosstrek and Subaru Impreza, shared test results have been used to determine the safety ratings for these models. Collision avoidance performance tests were conducted on the Subaru Crosstrek together with the full-width frontal, oblique pole and side impact tests, while the frontal offset (MPDB) test was conducted on the Subaru Impreza. The Impreza also underwent its own side impact and pedestrian tests to confirm comparable performance.

• Adult Occupant Protection (83%) - Both models provide Good levels of protection for the driver in the full width frontal, side impact and oblique tests with full points scored. Front passenger protection in the frontal offset test was also Good. A centre airbag between the front seats is fitted however mixed performance was seen in testing of its effectiveness in side impact crashes.

• Child Occupant Protection (91%) - Both models scored maximum points in the two crash tests that feature the six- and ten-year-old child dummies. ISOFIX and top tether anchorages are fitted in the second row and both models are able to accommodate the majority of child restraints without concern.

• Vulnerable Road User Protection (Crosstrek 85%; Impreza 84%) – In physical impact tests, the bonnet and windscreen of both models provided Good protection to the head of a struck pedestrian however Poor results were noted on the stiff windscreen pillars. Both models have the ability to detect and automatically avoid or reduce the severity of a crash with pedestrians and cyclists, with positive scores recorded in forwards travel scenarios.

• Safety Assist (73%) - Both models are fitted with Subaru’s EyeSight technology, offering autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, emergency lane keeping, speed assistance systems, and a direct driver monitoring system that can detect fatigue and distraction.

Due to differences in bonnet and front bumper design, both models were separately subjected to pedestrian protection testing. The Impreza offered slightly better head and lower leg protection for pedestrians than the Crosstrek, however upper leg (femur) protection provided by the Crosstrek was superior to that of the Impreza resulting in a slightly higher Vulnerable Road User Protection score.

These results apply to all petrol and hybrid Subaru Crosstrek and petrol Impreza vehicles built from April 2025.

The G6X Series Crosstrek and G6 Series Impreza were first introduced to Australia and New Zealand in May 2023 and April 2024 respectively, however vehicles built prior to April 2025 (MY24 vehicles) are not covered by this rating.

“The Subaru Crosstrek is an important model for the Australian and New Zealand markets and continues to be a popular choice for fleet and private buyers alike,” said ANCAP Chief Executive Officer, Carla Hoorweg.

Full details on the safety performance of the Subaru Crosstrek can be viewed here.

Full details on the safety performance of the Subaru Impreza can be viewed here.