Subaru Evoltis, Impreza, Outback, Solterra gets TSP honors from IIHS

MANILA: Four Subaru models, namely the Ascent (known in the Philippines as the Evoltis), Impreza, Outback, and Solterra received respective Top Safety Pick honors from the United States (US) Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Per the American arm of the Japanese car brand, the 2024 Subaru Impreza, Outback, and Solterra electric vehicle (EV) all received the coveted Top Safety Pick award. Meanwhile, the 2024 Ascent topped its stablemates by earning the Top Safety Pick+ Award.

“We followed the tougher requirements we introduced last year with another major update to the award criteria in 2024,” IIHS President David Harkey said.

“This year’s winners are true standouts, offering the highest level of protection for both vehicle occupants and other vulnerable road users,” he added.

This year, tested vehicles must earn a “good” rating in the updated side crash test to earn either a Top Safety Pick or a Top Safety Pick+ award. Previously, either a “good” or “acceptable” was enough to get a nameplate a Top Safety Pick honor.

In addition, evaluated vehicles now need a “good” or “acceptable” rating in a revised version of the pedestrian front crash prevention evaluation to qualify for either award.

The new version — the IIHS noted — replaced the earlier daytime and nighttime tests with a single evaluation that includes some tests run in daylight and some in the dark. Last year, vehicles could earn the lower-tier award regardless of whether they could detect and avoid pedestrians in the dark.

Arguably, the biggest change to the 2024 award criteria, however, is the replacement of the original moderate front overlap test with the updated version in the Top Safety Pick+ category. Those vying for the said award must now get a “good” or “acceptable” rating in the updated evaluation, which adds a second dummy seated behind the driver and emphasizes back seat safety.

In order to earn either award — the IIHS explained — a vehicle must offer good protection in a small overlap front crash, in which 25 percent of the vehicle’s width on either side collides with another vehicle or a stationary object. For 2024, the driver-side and passenger-side evaluations have been combined into a single rating.

Award winners also must have good or acceptable headlights equipped on all trim levels, the IIHS pointed out.

Having earned their respective Top Safety Pick awards only proves just how committed Subaru is to safety, especially since their vehicles are touted as more than just city cars built for paved roads.

“Subaru's commitment to safety is renewed daily in the cars and SUVs we deliver to our customers,” stated Subaru of America President and Chief Operating Officer Jeff Walters.

“With tougher criteria again for 2024, we're proud to be recognized by the IIHS this year with Top Safety Pick awards,” he added.

Just recently, the Philippine arm of Subaru held the Subaru Adventure Tour Drive, wherein they took a handful of Forester, Outback, and Crosstrek sport utility vehicles to Camp Well in Tanay, Rizal.

The event showcased how well the said models perform on rough roads with diverse terrains.

Photos from Juan Paulo Papa

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