Subaru's 2026 Forester Honored with IIHS Top Safety Pick+ Award

Subaru's 2026 Forester Achieves IIHS Top Safety Pick+

Subaru of America, Inc. has announced that its 2026 Subaru Forester has received the coveted IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) Top Safety Pick+ award. This recognition highlights Subaru's commitment to safety, particularly as it navigates new challenges set by the IIHS standards for 2025.

The Importance of Safety in Vehicle Design

Safety has always been a cornerstone of Subaru’s vehicle design philosophy. Jeff Walters, President and COO of Subaru of America, emphasized this core focus, stating, "Earning a TOP SAFETY PICK+ designation for the 2026 Subaru Forester from the IIHS is an honor and recognition of our teams working to make safety a priority for all our vehicles."

For the 2025 evaluation, IIHS introduced stricter criteria which included a revised moderate overlap front crash test, aiming to ensure higher standards for vehicle safety. Vehicles now need to achieve an acceptable rating in this revamped test to qualify for a Top Safety Pick award, while a good rating is necessary for the prestigious Top Safety Pick+ recognition. The latest tests also introduced a new rear-seat dummy to provide better assessment of back-seat passenger protection.

The 2026 Subaru Forester earned this high-ranking safety designation across all its trim levels, including the Subaru Forester Hybrid, cementing its status in Subaru’s safety history. Remarkably, this award marks the tenth time the Forester has achieved the Top Safety Pick+ designation since its inception in 2013, showcasing its consistent performance in safety evaluations over the years.

Overview of the Subaru Forester Lineup

The lineup for the 2026 Subaru Forester includes six trim levels: Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, Touring, and Wilderness. The starting MSRP for the standard model is set at $29,995, making it a competitive option in the compact SUV market. Furthermore, the Hybrid variant, available in Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring trims, starts at $36,595. Notably, beginning with the 2026 model year, all Subaru Forester models sold in the U.S. will be assembled by Subaru of Indiana Automotive in Lafayette, Indiana.

Every version of the 2026 Forester is equipped with Subaru's latest generation EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology, which includes advanced safety features such as Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering, Steering Responsive Headlights, and High Beam Assist. These technologies work in tandem to enhance driver awareness, ensuring maximum protection for both the driver and passengers.

Continuous Commitment to Safety

Subaru's focus on safety extends beyond just earning awards. The company prides itself on environmentally friendly manufacturing practices, utilizing zero-landfill plants and earning accolades for its sustainability measures. For instance, Subaru of Indiana received special recognition from the National Wildlife Federation as a designated backyard wildlife habitat.

Over the last twenty years, Subaru and its foundation have effectively donated more than $320 million to various humanitarian causes, all while logging over 100,000 volunteer hours. Subaru's mission of being "More Than a Car Company®" highlights its dedication to community service, environmental responsibility, and overall corporate responsibility.

In conclusion, with accolades such as the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ for 2026, the Subaru Forester showcases not only exceptional safety standards but also reflects the brand’s commitment to quality and consumer trust. The road ahead for Subaru looks promising with innovations in safety and environmental considerations continuing to lead their designs.

For more information on the winners of the 2025 IIHS awards, you can visit the IIHS official website.