The Subaru Outback has long been known for its go-anywhere versatility. But just as important as where it can take you is how it protects you along the way. Safety has been central to Subaru’s identity for years, and in the 2025 Outback, that commitment shows up in both the engineering and the tech.

From its crash-ready structure to its driver-assist features, the Outback continues to lead the pack in the midsize crossover space—especially for buyers who put safety at the top of their list.

Built for Impact: The Subaru Global Platform

The 2025 Outback is built on the Subaru Global Platform, a unibody design that improves rigidity, cuts body flex, and absorbs crash energy more effectively than previous generations. Subaru says it improves crash energy absorption by 40%, which translates to stronger protection in front, side, and rear impacts.

High-strength steel reinforces key parts of the frame to help redirect crash forces away from passengers. The result? Top marks in crash tests from both the IIHS and NHTSA.

There’s also smart thinking under the hood. In a frontal crash, the engine is designed to drop below the passenger cabin rather than intrude into it—one of several engineering details that speak to Subaru’s safety-first approach.

EyeSight® Driver Assist: Always Watching

Every 2025 Outback now comes standard with the latest generation of Subaru’s EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology. This system uses dual front-facing cameras plus a new wide-angle mono camera to monitor traffic, lane markings, and potential hazards.

Here’s what EyeSight adds to your daily drive:

• Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering: This keeps you in your lane and maintains a safe following distance.
• Pre-Collision Braking: Helps avoid or reduce the severity of frontal impacts by applying the brakes automatically.
• Pre-Collision Throttle Management: Cuts engine power if the car detects an obstacle during low-speed acceleration.
• Lane Departure and Sway Warning: Alerts you if the car drifts without a turn signal.
• Lead Vehicle Start Alert: Gives you a nudge when traffic ahead starts moving and you haven’t.
   

The wide-angle camera helps EyeSight better detect pedestrians and cyclists—even in low-light conditions or at the edges of the vehicle’s field of view.

DriverFocus®: A Watchful Eye on the Driver

Select trims include Subaru’s DriverFocus® system, which uses facial recognition to watch for signs of drowsiness or distraction. If the system picks up on a lack of attention, it gives a visual and audible alert.

It’s not just a safety tool, either. DriverFocus can also remember individual driver preferences—adjusting the seat, climate, and audio settings automatically when it recognizes who’s behind the wheel.

All-Around Awareness: Cameras, Sensors, and Smart Alerts

Depending on the trim, the Outback is equipped with a range of features designed to monitor what’s happening in every direction:

• Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist: Lights up the mirror if there’s a vehicle in your blind spot.
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: Warns you if cars are approaching from the side when backing out.
• Reverse Automatic Braking: This can stop the vehicle if it detects an obstacle while in reverse.
• Front View Monitor: A forward-facing camera displays a live feed to help with tight parking or trail navigation.
• Advanced Collision Avoidance: Steering When Brakes Aren’t Enough
   

Some trims now offer Automatic Emergency Steering, which works with Pre-Collision Braking to steer the car away from danger—so long as there’s room to do it safely.

There’s also Intersection Collision Avoidance, which adds protection during left turns. If the system spots an oncoming vehicle you may not see, it can warn you and apply the brakes to help prevent a collision.

Lighting That Works With You

The Outback’s Steering-Responsive Headlights follow the direction of the front wheels, giving you better visibility around corners. High-Beam Assist automatically switches between high and low beams when it senses other cars, so you’re not blinding oncoming drivers—or forgetting to turn your brights back on.

Cabin Safety and Everyday Awareness

Every 2025 Outback includes a Rear Seat Reminder, prompting drivers to check the back seat after shutting off the engine. It’s a simple, useful feature—especially for parents and pet owners—and reflects Subaru’s habit of designing for real-world use cases, not just crash-test conditions.

Safety That Goes Beyond the Checklist

Subaru doesn’t treat safety as a bundle of options—it builds it into the Outback from the ground up. Between the structure, the tech, and the attention to small details, it’s clear the brand is thinking beyond regulations or ratings. It's about building a vehicle that protects people in everyday life—on highways, city streets, and backroads alike.

In the Outback, safety isn’t something extra. It’s part of the DNA.