Safety + security = confidence at
all four corners

Safety + security = confidence at all four corners

Over the past 60 years, Subaru has forged a reputation for building vehicles that offer superior levels of protection through the use of technologically advanced active and passive safety systems. The end result is a line of vehicles that pushes the envelope and regularly receives the highest possible ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). So it’s no surprise that the 2019 Subaru Outback is as robust in terms of safety standards as its rugged engineering would suggest.

Always on guard

The Outback boasts superior levels of active safety, a rock-solid reputation for accident avoidance and top marks from industry experts. The secret to its success is a combination of mechanical systems — such as Subaru Symmetrical Full-Time AWD, striking agility and fantastic visibility — and next-generation technologies, such as Vehicle Dynamics Control with Active Torque Vectoring, ABS and the available EyeSight^®◊ driver assist technology.

Heightened Visibility

Smart engineering and forward-thinking design separate this SUV alternative from the crowd when it comes to outward visibility. With its healthy ground clearance, steeply raked windshield, unobtrusive A-pillars, front quarter windows, door-mounted side mirrors and lofty seating position, the Outback features fantastic sightlines in all directions.

EyeSight^® Driver Assist Technology

The Outback is available with EyeSight^®, which utilizes two cameras to monitor activity on the road ahead, help identify potential danger and provide assistance to the driver when needed most. This award-winning technology incorporates four different advanced active-safety systems: Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking, Pre-Collision Throttle Management, and Vehicle Lane Departure and Sway Warning with Lane Keep Assist. With this feature, the Outback has earned the highest possible front-crash prevention rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)**.

High Beam Assist

Standard on models equipped with EyeSight^®, High Beam Assist allows the driver to keep the high beams activated at all times. When the EyeSight stereo cameras detect an oncoming vehicle or the distance to the vehicle in front has reduced, the system automatically switches the headlights to low beams. When other vehicles are far enough away, the system turns the high beams on again.

Reverse Automatic Braking

Also included on Outback models equipped with EyeSight^®, Reverse Automatic Braking detects obstacles behind the vehicle and automatically applies the brakes if a collision seems imminent. This system also incorporates warning features: different patterns of alarms according to the distance the car is away from an obstacle and a visual representation of the distance is projected onto the centre console screen.

Subaru Rear/Side Vehicle Detection System (SRVD)

The available SRVD system represents a big step towards full-perimeter preventive safety and has three distinct functions: Blind Spot Detection, Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Blind Spot Detection identifies vehicles behind the C-pillars and in other blind spots, while Lane Change Assist detects fast-approaching vehicles when changing lanes. Using a sensor in the back of the vehicle, Rear Cross Traffic Alert signals drivers of approaching vehicles while reversing, such as out of a parking space or driveway.

Rearview Camera

Being able to see behind you is not only a great convenience, it’s an invaluable active safety feature. This rearview camera is mounted close to the centre of the vehicle to capture a crystal-clear, distortion-free image of what’s behind your vehicle. This wide-angle image is then projected onto the centre console screen, along with guidelines that show how the vehicle trajectory changes with steering adjustments.

Auto-dimming Side Mirrors with Approach Lighting

When a vehicle approaches from behind or from an adjacent lane, these available mirrors automatically dim to protect your eyes from headlight glare. In addition, an approach lighting feature sees a beam of light projected from the mirrors to help you spot the door handles and avoid obstacles on the ground near the doors. The mirrors also house the Subaru Rear/Side Vehicle Detection system LED indicators, which have been moved to the inside of the housing for improved visibility.

Steering Responsive HeadLights

Available on the Limited and Premier (2.5i and 3.6R) trim levels, these LED headlights automatically angle in the direction of the corner to provide better illumination at night. The headlights also cast a brighter and whiter beam for improved visibility.

VDC with Active Torque Vectoring

The Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC)^† system utilizes multiple sensors to assess when the vehicle is approaching the limits of stability and then automatically adjusts the AWD torque distribution, engine output and brakes at each wheel to help stay on-course. The system is further aided by Active Torque Vectoring, which automatically applies brakes to the inside front wheel and distributes more torque to the outside front wheel during cornering. These systems, standard on all models, work together to create superior stability, cornering prowess and accident avoidance capabilities.

^† VDC is also known as electronic stability control

Stands and delivers

In the event that a collision proves unavoidable, it’s vitally important that a vehicle is strong enough and advanced enough to help protect all occupants from harm. As with all Subaru vehicles, the Outback features a wide range of passive safety systems engineered to deliver class-leading levels of protection. Exceptionally strong construction combined with the latest technologies helps minimize collision damage and, in turn, generate greater peace of mind.

Advanced Ring-shaped Reinforcement Frame

This advanced frame design incorporates high-tensile steel, connects the roof to the side pillars and the floor, and uses cross-members to create one super-strong structure that dissipates and diverts crash energy away from the passenger cabin. A front crumple zone provides further protection in the event of a frontal impact.

Whiplash-reducing Front Seats

Every aspect of the Outback is engineered to better withstand the effects of a collision and to protect passengers from injury. The front seats, for example, are designed with rigid frames, firm headrests and energy-absorbing inner seat springs to help mitigate the effects of a rear-end collision and reduce the chances of whiplash.