Subaru XV Crosstrek 2013 Named As A Top Safety Pick

Great news for all Subaru lovers: the 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek achieved top marks for crash safety in all of the applicable tests. These tests were recently completed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, but they did not include the new small overlap front crash test.

Actually, this designation is not entirely surprising, considering the fact that the Subaru Impreza was also a top safety pick. The Crosstrek is a virtual twin to the Impreza, although it does have an additional three inches of ground clearance.

How The IIHS Operates

This is a non-profit and independent US organization which conducts safety tests on every type of vehicle imaginable. They are looking to help promote the reduction of injuries and deaths from car accidents. As a scientific and educational group, funding is provided by a number of auto insurance companies. The IIHS releases information on a number of topics, including vehicle and motorcycle safety, air bags and driving tips.

The results of each test are listed from “bad” to “good” and can vary among a number of ratings. They also analyze a number of safety factors for passengers as well as drivers. They even also issue rating for child car booster seats.

Types Of Testing

Perhaps the most important type of testing carried out by the IIHS is the frontal offset impact crash test. The reason for this is that only about 40% of the vehicle’s front is exposed. This not only shows the structural integrity of a car better than exposing the full front, it is much more realistic. Most actual accidents involve a frontal offset type of crash.

The side impact test is also very demanding. This test actually simulates the impact of an SUV crashing into the side of a passenger vehicle. This tests not only the structural integrity of a vehicle, but also how effective side airbag systems may be. The IIHS actually has a series of nine different areas within the side impact category, providing ratings of:

• Good
• Acceptable
• Marginal
• Poor

Finding a vehicle, such as the Subaru XV Crosstrek, which performs highly in all areas is pretty rare, indeed. Any vehicle which is able to obtain a good overall rating in these tests is one which a consumer should definitely feel not only safe, but proud to drive. Such is the case with the 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek.