2026 Subaru TOP SAFETY PICK+ Award Winners: Forester, Ascent & Outback
2026 Subaru Models Win TOP SAFETY PICK+: Forester, Ascent & Outback Earn IIHS’s Highest Honor
At Napleton’s Schaumburg Subaru, safety is more than a selling point — it’s a promise. For 2026, Subaru strengthens that promise as the Forester, Ascent, and Outback all earn the IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ award, the highest safety rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. For drivers in Schaumburg, IL and the Chicagoland area, that means these vehicles aren’t just capable and stylish. They’re among the safest on the road.
What Is the IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ Award?
The IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ designation is the highest safety award given by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. To earn it, vehicles must achieve top scores across rigorous crashworthiness and crash prevention tests — including front and side crash tests, roof strength, pedestrian detection, and headlight performance. Every category must meet the highest standards.
Earning this award across multiple models, including Wilderness and Hybrid variants, highlights Subaru’s commitment to safety engineering.
The 2026 Subaru TOP SAFETY PICK+ Winners
2026 Subaru Forester — TOP SAFETY PICK+ for 20 Consecutive Years
The 2026 Subaru Forester continues a remarkable streak: 20 consecutive years earning TOP SAFETY PICK or TOP SAFETY PICK+ from the IIHS — an achievement no other compact SUV can match. This year, the honor extends to all Forester variants:
Every Forester comes standard with EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, delivering confidence in all conditions. Whether you prioritize family use, off-road capability, or efficiency, the Forester offers proven safety you can trust.
2026 Subaru Ascent — TOP SAFETY PICK+
Subaru’s largest SUV, the 2026 Subaru Ascent, has earned the IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ award, making it one of the safest three-row family SUVs available today. For families in Schaumburg and across the Chicagoland suburbs, the Ascent offers the room you need and the safety you deserve.
- Standard EyeSight® across all trim levels
- Rear cross-traffic alert with automatic emergency steering
- Reverse automatic emergency braking
- Blind-spot detection with lane change assist
- Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive standard on every model
- 8 standard airbags for comprehensive occupant protection
With seating for up to eight and ample cargo space, the Ascent delivers family-ready versatility without compromising safety.
2026 Subaru Outback — TOP SAFETY PICK+ (Including Wilderness)
The legendary 2026 Subaru Outback earns the TOP SAFETY PICK+ designation for both its standard and Wilderness variants. Whether you’re navigating I-90 during a Chicago snowstorm or heading off-road on a weekend escape, the Outback has you covered.
- EyeSight® Driver Assist standard across all trims
- DriverFocus® Distraction Mitigation System on select trims
- Subaru Symmetrical AWD standard on every model
- Hands-Free Driving Assist available on Touring and Touring XT trims
- 8.7 inches of ground clearance on Outback Wilderness
The Outback Wilderness trim adds X-MODE® with Hill Descent Control and upgraded off-road capability — all while maintaining the full TOP SAFETY PICK+ designation.
Frequently Asked Questions: 2026 Subaru TOP SAFETY PICK+
The 2026 Subaru Forester (including Wilderness and Hybrid), the 2026 Subaru Ascent, and the 2026 Subaru Outback (including Wilderness) all earned IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ — the highest safety award available.
TOP SAFETY PICK+ is the IIHS’s highest honor. It requires Good or Acceptable headlight ratings in addition to top scores across all major crash tests. TOP SAFETY PICK is the second tier and does not require the same headlight performance standards.
Yes. The Subaru Forester has earned either TOP SAFETY PICK or TOP SAFETY PICK+ from the IIHS for 20 consecutive years — an unmatched achievement in the compact SUV segment.
Visit Napleton’s Schaumburg Subaru at 911 W Higgins Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60195. Our team is ready to walk you through every safety feature, compare trim levels, and help you find the right model for your needs.
Yes. EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology is standard across all trim levels of the Forester, Ascent, and Outback for 2026 — not just on higher trims. Every buyer gets Subaru’s full suite of active safety technology.
Why Schaumburg and Chicagoland Drivers Choose Napleton’s Schaumburg Subaru
Midwest driving conditions demand vehicles you can trust. The 2026 Forester, Ascent, and Outback are built for harsh winters, heavy traffic, and changing weather.
Napleton’s Schaumburg Subaru proudly serves drivers throughout Schaumburg and nearby communities like Hoffman Estates, Elk Grove Village, Rolling Meadows, Roselle, Hanover Park, and Arlington Heights. Our team can help you compare trims, explore safety features, and find the right fit.
We offer a wide selection of 2026 models, including Wilderness and Hybrid options, along with competitive financing and a straightforward buying experience.
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