The all-new 2015 Subaru Legacy has earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

2015 Subaru Legacy excels in small overlap test

The Legacy received a ‘good’ rating in the strict IIHS small overlap front crash test, thanks to the improvements made for the 2015 model year. The model also received top marks in every measurement category, including the new forward collision alert.

The Legacy scored top marks in all other categories, including the new forward collision alert rating. For a vehicle to earn the ‘plus’ designation, it must have some sort of forward collision alert.

The Legacy’s EyeSight system, which is basically a forward collision warning system that includes an automated braking function was tested by the IIHS and managed to bring the vehicle to a halt in the 12 and 25 mph front crash avoidance tests.

In addition, the previous-generation Legacy was also an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ vehicle, and earned an acceptable rating in the small overlap front test. Structural performance improved to “good” for the 2015 Legacy, compared with a marginal score for the outgoing model.

“The driver space was maintained well, with the safety cage preventing excessive intrusion into the occupant compartment. The dummy’s movement was well-controlled, and the frontal and side curtain airbags worked together to protect the head from contact with interior structures. Ratings for restraints, dummy kinematics, and injury measures for the head and neck, chest, pelvis, and legs and feet are all good,” states the IIHS.

Subaru also has the most 2014 Top Safety Pick awards of any brand. Its other winners include the BRZ, Impreza, Forester, WRX and XV Crosstrek.

Subaru South Africa confirmed that the 2015 Outback will be coming to market, while the Legacy sedan is still under consideration.

2015 Subaru Legacy small overlap IIHS crash test video