Rear crash protection: Subaru

For each seat/head restraint, rear-end crash protection is an assessment of occupant protection against neck injury in rear impacts at low to moderate speeds. Although such injuries usually aren't serious, they occur frequently.

The overall ratings are based on a two-step evaluation. In the first step the geometry (distance behind and below the head of a seated average-size man) is rated good, acceptable, marginal, or poor. Seats with good or acceptable geometry then are subjected to a dynamic test simulating the forces in a stationary vehicle that's rear-ended by another vehicle of the same weight going 20 mph. Seat/head restraints with marginal or poor geometry aren't tested dynamically because they cannot protect taller people in rear-end crashes. These seats are rated poor overall.

In the dynamic tests measurements are recorded on a dummy (BioRID) representing an average-size man. BioRID is designed specifically for rear-end testing at low to moderate speeds. The dynamic ratings are derived from two seat design parameters (acceleration of the dummy's torso and time from impact initiation to head restraint contact with the dummy's head) plus tension and shear forces recorded on the dummy's neck. Overall ratings are based on both geometric measurements and dynamic results.

More about the procedures for rating seat/head restraints

Good Acceptable Marginal Poor

Model	Seat type	Overall rating	Dynamic rating	Seat/head restraint geometry
BRZ 2013	Manual cloth seats
Forester 2014	Power cloth seats
Forester 2009-2013	Manual cloth seats (AHR)
Forester 2006-2008	All seats (AHR)
Impreza 2012-2013	Manual cloth seat
Impreza 2008-2011	Manual cloth seats (AHR)
Impreza 2005-2007 (mfg. after Sept 2004)	All seats (AHR)
Impreza WRX 2008-2012	Manual cloth seats
Impreza WRX 2004-2007	All seats (except TR models)
Legacy 2010-2013	All seats
Legacy/Outback 2006-2009	All seats (AHR)
Legacy/Outback 2005	All seats (AHR)
Outback 2010-2013	All seats
Tribeca 2006-2013	All seats (AHR)
XV Crosstrek 2013	Manual cloth seat

Note: Seat/head restraints with marginal or poor geometry aren't tested dynamically because they cannot protect taller people in rear-end crashes. These seats are rated poor overall. Seat/head restraints with good or acceptable geometry are also tested dynamically.

Rear crash protection test details (technical information)

Geometric ratings of other Subaru models

Ratings of seat/head restraints in newer model cars are based on restraint geometry and a dynamic test. The Institute has been publishing model-by-model ratings of the the geometry of the head restraints in older models since the mid-1990s. Geometry is the necessary first step toward a seat/head restraint that provides effective protection in rear-end crashes at low to moderate speeds.

More than one rating: Ratings are for individual vehicle models. More than one rating may be shown for a model because vehicle seat options can affect head restraint geometry.

No rating shown/no model year listed: The Institute has not evaluated the head restraints in every vehicle model during every model year. If a rating box is blank or if a model year is not listed, no rating is available. If a box is shaded gray, the model was not manufactured that year.

AHR: active head restraint. These are designed to move closer to the backs of occupants' heads in rear-end crashes. These are not rated for geometry at this time.

Model		2004	2003
Baja
Forester		AHR	AHR
Impreza	2-dr
Impreza	4-dr	AHR
Impreza WRX		see table above
Legacy/Outback

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