Subaru’s next-generation Forester has achieved a five-star ANCAP safety rating under the latest 2024 testing protocols, reflecting its well-rounded safety credentials. A long-time favourite among families and fleet buyers, the medium SUV performed strongly across all key assessment areas, particularly in Child Occupant and Vulnerable Road User Protection. This top-tier rating applies to all petrol and hybrid variants arriving in Australia and New Zealand from June 2025.
Breaking down the safety scores
Adult Occupant Protection- 83% (33.52/40)
In Adult Occupant Protection, the Subaru Forester scored 83% (33.52/40). Maximum points were awarded in the destructive side impact (6.00/6), oblique pole (6.00/6), and full-width frontal crash tests (7.32/8). However, the latter test revealed Weak chest protection for the second-row adult passenger, which resulted in a minor deduction. Far-side impact protection scored a solid 3.00/4, and both whiplash and rescue/extrication features were rated highly.
Child Occupant Protection-91% (44.72/49)
The Child Occupant Protection score was a standout at 91% (44.72/49). The Subaru Forester earned full marks for child restraint installation (11.81/12) and on-board features (9.25/9.25), while dynamic crash tests also returned strong results. Frontal and side impact tests for child dummies scored 15.78/16 and 7.88/8, respectively, reinforcing the Forester’s credentials as a family-friendly SUV.
Vulnerable Road User Protection-86% (54.68/63)
In Vulnerable Road User Protection, the Subaru Forester achieved 86% (54.68/63), with strong head protection scores across pedestrians, children, and cyclists (14.07/18). AEB systems showed strong functionality across pedestrian (6.75/9), cyclist (8.00/9), and motorcycle (5.01/6) tests. However, pelvis protection (4.35/6) and the lack of AEB Backover functionality (0.00/2) left minor gaps. Nevertheless, the high overall score indicates a well-rounded level of protection for those outside the vehicle.
Safety Assist Technologies- 75% (13.65/18)
Safety Assist technologies scored 75% (13.65/18). The Subaru Forester features a comprehensive suite of modern driver assistance technologies, earning high marks for AEB Car-to-Car (3.73/4), Lane Support Systems (3.00/3), and Speed Assistance (2.70/3). Driver Monitoring scored 1.50/2. Junction assist and crossing scenarios yielded slightly reduced scores (1.73/2), while the AEB Head-On test did not contribute any points (0.00/2), indicating a slight room for software refinement.
Here’s how key systems are distributed across variants:
- AEB – Car-to-Car (Rear): Standard
- AEB – Vulnerable Road Users (Pedestrians & Cyclists): Standard
- AEB – Junction Assist: Standard
- AEB – Backover: Standard
- Lane Support System (LSS): Standard
- Centre Airbag: Standard (with a 1.00 point penalty for reduced head protection on passenger-side impacts)
Despite the penalty from the asymmetric centre airbag design, the Forester’s robust safety architecture provides high occupant protection across a wide range of crash scenarios.
Standard safety equipment
The Subaru Forester includes a solid suite of driver assistance features, such as:
- Dual front, side chest, and side head-protecting airbags
- Driver knee airbag
- Centre airbag for side impacts
- Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
- Lane Keep Assist & Emergency Lane Keeping
- Speed Sign Recognition with Speed Assist
- Driver Monitoring System
- Seat Belt Reminders for all seating positions
These contributed to its strong showing in crash avoidance, despite the shortcomings in crash protection.
What ANCAP says about the result
ANCAP CEO Carla Hoorweg highlighted the importance of safety in smaller vehicles:
“The new-generation Subaru Forester extends the model’s impressive safety lineage, achieving five-star safety with strong performance across the board,” said ANCAP CEO Carla Hoorweg.
Who should consider the Subaru Forester?
- Families: With adequate child protection scores and smart restraint integration, the Subaru Forester is tailor-made for school runs and road trips.
- Fleet buyers: The Forester’s strong all-around safety, hybrid availability, and reliability make it a practical fleet option.
- Safety-conscious drivers: Advanced safety tech, strong structural integrity, and comprehensive crash protection make this SUV a smart pick for those who prioritise peace of mind.
Final thoughts
The 2025 Subaru Forester blends dependable engineering with modern safety technology to deliver one of the most secure mid-size SUVs on the market. While there are minor areas for improvement, especially in rear seat protection and AEB Backover, its five-star ANCAP rating confirms that the Subaru Forester remains a benchmark in its class, for families, fleets, and safety-first buyers alike.
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