IIHS Rates 2022 Subaru Ascent as the Safest Midsize SUV

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) is responsible for testing vehicle safety. IIHS tests are updated every once in a while, usually getting harder for car manufacturers to get good scores. The new side-impact test perfectly proved this point, as the only vehicle to get the highest possible rating coming out of the test was the 2022 Subaru Ascent 3-Row SUV!

What Constitutes Safety?

The IIHS rates the safety of a vehicle based on its crashworthiness. A vehicle’s crashworthiness is determined with the help of six tests; three of which concern the driver and passenger-side front, and the rest are related to the sides, the roof, and head restraints and seats. 

Additionally, the IIHS uses other tests to evaluate the safety of a vehicle, such as evaluations of headlight systems and child seat attachment. In their advanced rating, the IIHS also rely on other factors such as auto-braking, which is helpful in crash avoidance. 

The Side-Impact Test

The IIHS side-impact test, which had remained unchanged since 2003, was updated in 2022, aiming to better reflect real-world crashes. 

Updating the side-impact test will significantly affect the auto industry since it will force car manufacturers to raise their standards for the protection of drivers and passengers, hopefully resulting in fewer fatalities overall.

The updated test uses a 4,200-pound barrier going 37 mph striking the vehicle. The older version used a 3,300-pound barrier. As a result, the new test generates 82% more energy compared to the previous one. The test dummies used are two SID-II dummies which are placed in the driver seat and rear seat behind the driver, each representing a small woman or a 12-year-old child.

The Results Are In

Even though the IIHS’s new side-impact test won’t be official until 2023, this year, in 2022, 18 midsize SUVs are tested so far. 

The only vehicle to achieve a “Good” rating, the highest possible rating, was the Subaru Ascent 3-Row SUV. A “Good” rating means that the compartment holding the occupants didn’t change shape significantly.

This result didn’t come as much of a surprise to many Subaru owners since the car retains its 2022 Top Safety Pick+ award, which is given to the safest cars by the IIHS. In fact, Subaru has been awarded Top Safety Pick+ more than any other brand, having won the award over 60 times since 2013!

Safety is an important factor when it comes to choosing a new vehicle, and the Subaru Ascent is proven to be one the best vehicles ever in this regard. If you’re looking for a safe and reliable SUV as a daily driver for your family, check out our 2022 Subaru Ascent special offers at Ewing Subaru of Plano, TX, and pick up your new car today! You can also modify your Subaru with genuine Subaru accessories offered in our accessories department.