2013 Subaru Impreza Road Test and Review: Safety and Ratings
What’s New:
- Reversing camera included with optional navigation system
- NHTSA expected to re-test the 2013 Impreza
In touting its products, Subaru often talks about the benefits of its Ring-shaped Frame Reinforcement design, a structural element that “direct impact energy around the passenger compartment, rather than through it.” The Impreza is equipped with this type of structural design, along with a brake override system that makes it impossible for the car to accelerate if the brake pedal is pressed. Seven airbags are standard, including a knee airbag for the driver, and every Impreza includes stability control and 4-wheel-disc antilock brakes with brake assist.
2013 Subaru Impreza Crash-Test Ratings:
Though the Impreza was redesigned for 2012, in NHTSA crash tests the car received unimpressive 3-star ratings for its ability to protect the front seat passenger in a frontal-impact collision and the rear seat passenger in a side-impact collision. The NHTSA has not carried these ratings forward for the 2013 Impreza, which indicates new testing will be conducted on the 2013 model.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has also performed crash tests for this model, and according to the IIHS, the Impreza receives a “Top Safety Pick” rating.