Car safety is often taken for granted these days, but not all new cars are created equal. The 2015 Subaru Outback and Legacy went through the battery of Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) tests and passed with flying colors. Both earn 2014 Top Safety Pick+ with highest marks across the board. Actually, IIHS used the 2015 Subaru Legacy for some tests (such as the Roof Strength test) and applied the same ratings to the Outback because it is “structurally similar” to the Legacy.
IIHS introduced the Small Overlap Front crash test in 2013, and the previous generation Legacy/Outback scored acceptable. This is a tough test as the vehicle crashes into a solid barrier at 40 mph, and the headlight area takes the brunt of the force. It means the driver-side wheel gets jammed into the passenger compartment and this can severely affect the driver’s legs and ability to extract the person afterwards. The redesigned 2015 model improved for a good/green rating.
The Subaru Legacy earned a 5.36 roof strength score, one of the highest in the segment. This test measures the force it takes to compress the roof, simulating a rollover situation. The Legacy’s roof showed maximum resistance after compressing just two inches. It withstood a maximum force of 18,533 pounds.
IIHS also rates computerized crash warning or crash avoidance systems. Subaru’s optional EyeSight system scored the maximum 6 out of 6 points here. The Institute says, the EyeSight met the criteria for forward collision warning, and avoided 12 mph and 25 mph frontal collisions.
The 2015 Subaru Legacy starts at $21,695, and the Subaru Outback starts at $24,895. The two cars use a continuously variable transmission to squeak out 25 MPG city and 33 MPG on the highway.
Take a look at this IIHS small overlap front crash test video. Notice the stiffness of the roof rail and driver’s door, as well as the positioning of the steering column after the crash. The door structure is important for egress, and the solid steering column ensures proper positioning of the front airbag.
Check out these TFLcar videos of the 2015 Subaru Outback and Legacy reveals.
Andre Smirnov is a life-long automotive enthusiast, writer, reporter, and software engineer. He has been writing and reporting at TFL since 2011. When not working or spending time with the family – you can find him tinkering in the garage or simply ‘going for a drive’.
