IIHS first tested rear crash prevention systems in 2018 and has periodically added to its ratings since then. The rating scale includes “Basic,” “Advanced,” and “Superior” ratings. Vehicles with only parking sensors that issue warnings, rear cross-traffic alerts, or both, earn a Basic rating. For vehicles with rear automatic emergency braking (AEB), their rating is determined by how their systems perform in three tests using a passenger vehicle target with different approach angles and one test using a bollard, which represents a pole or garage pillar.

The complete evaluation comprises 24 test runs conducted at 4 mph (6.4 km/h), with some scenarios weighted more heavily than others. Systems are scored based on the number of runs that either avoid the target or reduce speeds to slower than 1 mph (1.6 km/h) before hitting it. Though the low-speed crashes that rear AEB addresses don’t typically cause serious injuries, they can result in thousands of dollars in damage. Nearly 30 percent of collision claims in 2022 were for rear points of impact costing more than US$ 4,000, according to figures from the IIHS-affiliated Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI). In contrast, rear AEB costs as little as US$600 as an optional feature on some vehicles.

The Subaru Forester offers a suite of standard active safety features, including EyeSight Driver Assist Technology; Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Reverse Automatic Braking.

Reverse Automatic Braking (RAB) is designed to help avoid collisions or reduce collision damage when reversing the vehicle. Using sonar sensors mounted in the rear bumper cover, the system can detect possible obstacles behind the vehicle. If an obstacle is detected in the reversing direction, RAB will notify the driver with a warning sound and may apply the vehicle’s brakes to help prevent or minimize the impact.

Among eight SUVs tested in its category, the Forester was one of only four that received a “Superior” rating joining the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, and Mitsubishi Outlander. The Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, and Volkswagen Taos received an “Advanced” rating, while the Hyundai Tucson received a “Basic” rating.