Safety remains a defining trait of the Subaru Forester, and the 2025 model stays true to that reputation. This year, it has once again earned a Top Safety Pick designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), reflecting strong performance under the group’s latest and most demanding criteria.
The Forester’s recognition speaks to Subaru’s ongoing commitment to building vehicles that prioritize driver and passenger protection. With updated crash test results and advancements in safety technology, the 2025 Forester continues to stand out as a dependable choice in the compact SUV market.
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Also Read: Uncovering the 2025 Subaru Forester Trim Levels
Overview of the IIHS Top Safety Pick Criteria for 2025
The IIHS Top Safety Pick has long served as a benchmark for how well a vehicle can protect its occupants—and, increasingly, how well it can avoid a crash in the first place. For 2025, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety tightened its requirements, raising the bar for what qualifies as a truly safe vehicle. The changes reflect a shift toward more realistic crash scenarios and an emphasis on technology designed to prevent accidents altogether.
To make the cut, vehicles must earn high marks in a range of tests. That includes a “Good” rating in the small overlap front test, at least an “Acceptable” in the updated moderate overlap front test, and strong performance in a newly revised side impact evaluation. Together, these tests aim to replicate some of the most common—and most dangerous—real-world collisions. Earning a place among the IIHS safety picks now signals a more comprehensive level of crash protection.
The updated criteria don’t stop with crashworthiness. IIHS safety ratings now also consider how well a vehicle can help prevent accidents in the first place. That includes requiring effective pedestrian crash prevention systems and headlights that perform consistently well across all trims. The result is a more demanding, but also more meaningful, standard that helps drivers make informed choices about the vehicles they rely on daily.
Performance in Crash Tests
In the latest round of IIHS crash testing, the 2025 Subaru Forester safety rating reflects strong performance across several key evaluations. The vehicle earned a “Good” rating in the small overlap front test and the updated side impact test—two assessments that simulate serious real-world crashes. These results highlight the Forester’s ability to hold its structure and protect passengers during collisions, a critical measure for any vehicle in today’s market.
The Forester also secured an “Acceptable” rating in the revised moderate overlap front test, which now places more emphasis on rear seat safety. While this score falls just short of the top mark, it remains a solid outcome under the IIHS’s tougher 2025 criteria. Together, these results shape a well-rounded 2025 Subaru Forester safety rating, underscoring its role as a dependable option for drivers prioritizing protection and peace of mind.
Pedestrian Front Crash Prevention
The 2025 Subaru Forester comes equipped with Subaru’s EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology, a system designed to help prevent collisions with pedestrians. In recent tests, the Forester showed strong capabilities by successfully avoiding collisions in a variety of scenarios, including a child crossing during the day, as well as adults crossing or walking parallel to the vehicle at night. This range of detection highlights the system’s ability to respond to different situations drivers might encounter on the road.
These results reflect how the Forester’s pedestrian front crash prevention features are designed to work in real-world conditions, offering an extra layer of safety beyond traditional crash protection. For those driving in busy neighborhoods or areas with heavy foot traffic, this technology can be a valuable tool in reducing the risk of pedestrian accidents.
Standard Safety Features Across All Trims
The Forester comes well-equipped with safety features across all trims, underscoring the brand’s commitment to driver and passenger protection. Standard on every model is Subaru’s EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology, which includes adaptive cruise control with lane centering—systems designed to help keep the car at a safe distance from others and centered in its lane. These technologies offer practical support, especially during long drives or heavy traffic.
Beyond driver aids, the Forester also features steering-responsive LED headlights, which improve visibility around curves and in low-light conditions. Combined with Subaru’s well-regarded Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, the Forester offers steady handling and added confidence on slippery or uneven roads. It’s a package that helps explain why the Forester continues to earn strong marks in safety tests and remains a trusted choice in the compact SUV segment.
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Subaru's Consistent Commitment to Safety
Subaru’s commitment to safety is a cornerstone of its brand, and the 2025 Forester continues that tradition. Since 2007, the Forester has earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick award 18 times—more than any other small SUV in its class. This consistent recognition speaks to Subaru’s long-term focus on building vehicles that protect drivers and passengers in a variety of situations.
The Forester’s latest award is not just a one-time achievement but part of an ongoing effort to stay ahead of evolving safety standards. From reinforced structures to advanced driver-assist technologies, Subaru has worked to ensure its vehicles meet the needs of today’s drivers. For those looking for a compact SUV with a proven safety record, the Forester’s history offers a reassuring track record.
Comparison with Competitors in the Small SUV Segment
The 2025 Subaru Forester has distinguished itself with strong safety credentials in the competitive small SUV segment. Recent IIHS evaluations showed the Forester as the only model to earn a “Good” rating in certain crash prevention tests, setting it apart from rivals like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, which received “Acceptable” ratings. This edge highlights Subaru’s focus on advanced safety technologies and effective crash avoidance systems. While many small SUVs offer solid safety features, the Forester’s performance in these tests demonstrates its ability to go a step further in protecting drivers and pedestrians.
Final Note
The 2025 Subaru Forester’s latest IIHS Top Safety Pick award reinforces its reputation as one of the safest choices in the compact SUV segment. With strong crash test results, advanced pedestrian prevention technology, and a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, the Forester continues to prioritize protection for both drivers and passengers. This consistent focus on safety sets it apart in a crowded market.
For those seeking a vehicle with a proven track record and up-to-date safety technology, the Forester remains a dependable option. Subaru’s ongoing commitment to safety, combined with its strong performance against competitors, makes the 2025 Forester a compelling choice for anyone looking to balance everyday practicality with peace of mind on the road.
Looking for a reliable and safe SUV? Check out Brewster Subaru for the 2025 Forester. Whether you want to buy or explore a “ Subaru Forester for sale near me”, or prefer the convenience of a Subaru Forester lease, Brewster Subaru offers options to fit your needs. Stop by today and see why the Forester continues to earn top safety honors while delivering great performance.
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