2007 Subaru Outback Safety Review [ 2008 ]
Subaru Outback Safety Review
Safety - 9.4 (Excellent)
Anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, front and front side air bags and side curtain air bags are standard on the Outback. In government crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Outback has performed outstandingly, receiving five out of five stars in frontal and side crash tests.
Also, because of its standard all-wheel drive, the Outback clings to the road in adverse conditions. "Even when pushed on separate rainy occasions above suggested speeds on short and wet exit ramps," says Forbes, "the wagon stuck confidently to the road, with no signs of slippage or teetering."
Accident Avoidance
To help prevent accidents, all but the entry-level 2.5i Basic come standard with a tire-pressure monitor. V6 and turbocharged models come with vehicle dynamics control, Subaru's electronic stability system. The Outback's best accident-avoidance feature, however, is its standard all-wheel drive. A reviewer for the Detroit News, having driven the Outback through a snow storm, reports, "I felt like the wagon was firmly planted on the road, even when I could see tracks ahead of me where other drivers, including the local school bus, had skidded off course."
Crash Protection
The Outback aces crash tests conducted by the NHTSA, receiving 5 out of 5 stars in both frontal and side impact tests. The New York Times explains that Outbacks "have front air bags that take the driver and passenger's positions into account, as well as side-impact bags in the seats and side curtain bags that provide head protection for front and rear." The Auto Channel looks at the Outback's outstanding crash test results and concludes, "The Ring Frame Reinforced unibody structure and plenty of crumple zone area to the front and rear get credit there."
