Subaru Forester

2003-08 models

FRONTAL OFFSET TEST

OVERALL EVALUATION: Good

Structure/safety cage Injury measures Restraints/dummy kinematics
Head/neck Chest Leg/foot, left Leg/foot, right
Good Good Good Good Acceptable Good

Important: Frontal crash test ratings can be compared only among vehicles of similar weight.

Test details:

The Subaru Forester was redesigned for the 2003 model year.

Restraints/dummy kinematics — Dummy movement was well controlled. During rebound, the head hit the roof inboard of the B-pillar.

Injury measures — Measures taken from the head, neck, chest, and left leg indicate low risk of injuries to these body regions in a crash of this severity. Forces on the right tibia indicate that injuries to the lower leg would be possible. Head acceleration from the roof hit was negligible.

Left to right:

  • Action shot taken during the frontal offset crash test. Larger photo
  • The dummy's position in relation to the steering wheel and instrument panel after the crash test indicates that the driver's survival space was maintained well. Larger photo
  • Smeared greasepaint indicates where the dummy's head hit the roof liner during rebound. Head acceleration from this hit was negligible. Larger photo
  • Forces on the lower right leg were high enough to indicate the possibility of injury. Larger photo

Additional features:

  • Side airbags: front seat-mounted combination head and torso airbags
  • Electronic stability control (optional beginning with 2007 models)
  • Antilock brakes
  • Daytime running lights

Tested vehicle specifications:

  • 2003 Subaru Forester 2.5X 4wd
  • Class: Small SUV
  • Weight: 3,197 lbs.
  • Side airbags: front seat-mounted combination head and torso airbags
  • Wheelbase: 99 in.
  • Length: 175 in.
  • Width: 68 in.
  • Engine: 2.5 L 4-cylinder
  • EPA ratings: 21 mpg city | 26 mpg highway

See all test results for Subaru Forester

Last updated: October 29, 2007