Subaru Crosstrek and Impreza 2022 FAIL in New Side-Impact Crash Test

Road safety is rapidly developing, particularly as roads deteriorate, people become more distracted, and the typical automobile on US roads becomes bigger and heavier. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has increased the expectations of its side impact testing and retested existing small automobiles in response. While some performed well, the Subaru Crosstrek, Impreza hatchback, and Impreza sedan did not do as well.

The IIHS put the Mazda 3 sedan and hatchback, the Nissan Sentra, the Toyota Corolla sedan and hatchback, the Honda Civic sedan and hatchback, the Kia Forte, and the aforementioned Subarus through their paces. Only the three Subarus and the Forte received a “bad” grade. In the latest test, the two Mazdas received a “good” grade, while the rest of the field received an “okay” rating.

The IIHS increased the complexity of the new side-impact test by simulating a heavier, higher vehicle to more effectively reflect real-world circumstances. The new test employs a 4,200-pound monster at 37 mph instead of the old 3,300-lb test vehicle at 31 mph. This test has the potential to make a significant impact on collision safety by adding 900 pounds and six miles per hour of kinetic energy.

 

 

The IIHS identifies many causes for Subaru’s “poor” grade. “There was a greater penetration of the B-pillar and internal door panels into the occupant compartment, infringing on survival space and leading to a relatively high risk of torso injuries for the driver and rear passenger.” The Crosstrek received a “good” grade in the previous test.

More manufacturers will adapt to this test as it evolves. It’s still early days. However, observing how adjusting the test to an SUV-equivalent vehicle makes such a difference to vehicles that performed well in the prior test demonstrates the amount of work that has to be made, as well as the risk that SUVs offer to everyone in smaller cars.