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.
