The news that the 2026 Subaru Forester is the recipient of a top insurance industry safety award – the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS)) TOP SAFETY PICK+ – reminded us of an old saying:

Good, better, best. Never let it rest. Until the good is better, and the better, best.

That’s because last year’s model, the 2025 Subaru Forester, did well, earning a TOP SAFETY PICK, but feel just a tad short of grabbing the top rung. Not that TOP SAFETY PICK is something to sneeze at. The 2025 Forester was – and is (we still have some) – a very safe vehicle. Here’s the difference:

 

• TOP SAFETY PICK+ requires good ratings on the small overlap front and side tests and on the moderate overlap front test, acceptable or good rating on the pedestrian front crash prevention test and acceptable- or good-rated headlights. 
• TOP SAFETY PICK requires just an acceptable rating on the moderate overlap front test

 

Understanding the IIHS ratings is fairly easy, since results are expressed in terms of Green (Good), Orange (Marginal), Yellow (Acceptable) and Red (Poor). Looking at the 2026 Subaru Forester shows a straight row of Green boxes. It even got Good scores on tests that aren’t considered part of the overall TOP SAFETY PICK+ designation, including Seat Belt Reminders and the LATCH (child seat) Ease of Use.

The 2026 Subaru Forester upped its safety game to notch the award. The 2025 Subaru Forester (excluding Wilderness trim) has been rated a TOP SAFETY PICK for 18 consecutive years!. Also rated a TSP is the 2025 Subaru Ascent – with a seven-year winning streak. 

The 2026 Forester wasn’t the only Subaru TOP SAFETY PICK+ designee. The 2025 Subaru Solterra also previously aced the tests, bringing its record of being a TSP+ to three years running. 

What makes these Subaru vehicles among the safest rides available in today’s market? A key is that each is equipped with the latest generation of Subaru EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology, with advanced active safety features like Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering, Steering Responsive Headlights and High Beam Assist. All Subarus have All-Wheel Drive, too.

But we know that consumers want more than just safety. They want style, comfort and convenience – and a great price. The 2026 Subaru Forester comes in six different trim levels and also is available as a hybrid. Starting price is just a skosh under $30,000. Come see them soon at Schomp Subaru.