The 2015 Subaru Forester crash test results represent a significant milestone in the compact crossover segment, highlighting the model's enduring commitment to passenger safety. Decades of Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and boxer engine design philosophy culminated in a vehicle that earned top marks from major safety authorities. This specific model year served as a crucial bridge between legacy engineering and modern automotive safety standards, offering buyers confidence without compromising the adventurous spirit the Forester is known for.
Overview of the 2015 Model Year Safety Achievements
Launched for the 2015 model year, the Subaru Forester debuted with a suite of standard safety features that were largely optional on competitors. The foundation of its crashworthiness lies in its high-tensile steel frame, designed to absorb and distribute impact forces efficiently. This robust structure, combined with the vehicle's low center of gravity, contributes to superior handling and reduced rollover risk, which are key factors in the overall crash test scores reported by the IIHS and NHTSA.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Ratings
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration evaluates vehicles through a series of rigorous frontal offset, side barrier, and rollover tests. For the 2015 Subaru Forester, the results were exceptional, earning a top-tier 5-star safety rating across all categories. This perfect score signifies that the vehicle's design effectively protects occupants from severe injury in a variety of collision scenarios, from head-on impacts to side collisions.
Detailed NHTSA Star Ratings Breakdown
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Performance
While NHTSA provides a star-based system, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety offers a more detailed analysis of specific crash scenarios. The 2015 Forester was recognized as a Top Safety Pick, a prestigious award given to vehicles that perform exceptionally well in a battery of tests. To earn this status, the model had to achieve Good ratings in front, side, and roof strength tests, along with an acceptable or good rating in the head restraint evaluation.
IIHS Moderate Overlap Front Test
One of the most critical tests administered by the IIHS is the moderate overlap front crash test. This scenario simulates a common collision where the front corner of the vehicle strikes a tree or utility pole. The 2015 Forester's structure managed to keep the crash forces away from the occupant compartment, resulting in a superior Good rating. This success is a direct result of the vehicle's crumple zone design, which dissipates energy before it can reach the cabin.
