Hey guys! Thinking about the 2012 Subaru Forester? One of the biggest things on your mind is probably safety, right? Let's dive deep into the crash test performance of the 2012 Forester and see how well it protects you and your loved ones. We're going to break down the results from different safety organizations and give you a clear picture of its strengths and weaknesses.

Understanding Crash Test Ratings

Before we jump into the specifics of the 2012 Subaru Forester, let's get a handle on what these crash test ratings actually mean. You'll often hear about two main organizations: the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). These guys put vehicles through a series of rigorous tests to simulate real-world accident scenarios.

• NHTSA: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration uses a 5-star rating system, where more stars mean better protection in a crash. They evaluate vehicles in frontal crashes, side crashes, and rollover resistance. The overall rating gives you a general idea, but it's important to look at the individual test scores too.
• IIHS: The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety uses a different set of tests, including the famous (or infamous) small overlap front crash test. Their ratings range from "Good" (the best) to "Poor" (the worst). They also award "Top Safety Pick" and "Top Safety Pick+" designations to vehicles that perform exceptionally well.

It's super important to understand that these tests are constantly evolving. As automakers improve vehicle safety, the testing standards get tougher. This means a "Good" rating from the IIHS five years ago might not be as impressive as a "Good" rating today. Always look at the model year of the vehicle in relation to the test results.

When you're comparing crash test results, pay attention to the specifics of each test. For example, a vehicle might do well in a frontal crash but poorly in a side impact. Consider the types of accidents that are most common in your area or that you're most concerned about. Also, remember that crash tests are just one piece of the puzzle. Things like driver assistance features (which we'll talk about later) also play a huge role in preventing accidents in the first place.

2012 Subaru Forester: NHTSA Crash Test Results

Alright, let's get down to brass tacks and see how the 2012 Subaru Forester performed in NHTSA's crash tests. Overall, the 2012 Forester received a 4-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. While this isn't a perfect 5-star score, it's still a respectable result and puts the Forester in a competitive position within its class.

Here's a breakdown of the individual test results:

• Frontal Crash: For the frontal crash test, which simulates a head-on collision between two vehicles, the 2012 Forester earned 4 out of 5 stars. This indicates a good level of protection for the driver and front passenger in this type of accident. However, it also suggests that there's room for improvement, as some vehicles in this class achieved a 5-star rating in this category.
• Side Crash: In the side crash test, which simulates a vehicle being struck on the side by another vehicle or a fixed object, the 2012 Forester performed very well, achieving a 5-star rating. This is a strong point for the Forester, demonstrating its ability to protect occupants in side-impact collisions. Side impacts can be particularly dangerous, so this high score is definitely reassuring.
• Rollover: The rollover test assesses the vehicle's resistance to rolling over in a single-vehicle accident. The 2012 Forester received a 4-star rating for rollover resistance. This is an important factor, especially for SUVs, which tend to have a higher center of gravity compared to sedans. A 4-star rating indicates a reasonable level of rollover protection, but it's still crucial to drive safely and avoid situations that could lead to a rollover.

It's important to remember that these ratings are based on standardized tests and may not perfectly reflect real-world accident scenarios. However, they provide a valuable benchmark for comparing the safety performance of different vehicles. The 2012 Subaru Forester's 4-star overall rating from NHTSA, along with its individual test scores, suggests that it offers a good level of protection in a variety of crash situations.

2012 Subaru Forester: IIHS Crash Test Results

Now, let's switch gears and take a look at how the 2012 Subaru Forester fared in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) crash tests. The IIHS uses a different testing methodology than NHTSA, and their results provide a complementary perspective on vehicle safety.

For the 2012 model year, the IIHS gave the Subaru Forester its Top Safety Pick award. This is a significant achievement, as it indicates that the Forester performed exceptionally well in the IIHS's battery of tests. To earn a Top Safety Pick, a vehicle must achieve "Good" ratings in the following tests:

• Moderate Overlap Front: This test simulates a frontal crash where only a portion of the vehicle's front end impacts the barrier. The 2012 Forester earned a "Good" rating in this test, indicating that it provides good protection for the driver and front passenger in this type of collision.
• Side Impact: Similar to NHTSA's side crash test, this evaluates the vehicle's ability to protect occupants in a side-impact collision. The 2012 Forester earned a "Good" rating, further reinforcing its strong performance in side-impact scenarios.
• Roof Strength: This test measures the vehicle's ability to withstand a rollover without collapsing the roof. The 2012 Forester earned a "Good" rating, demonstrating its robust roof structure and its ability to protect occupants in a rollover accident.
• Head Restraints & Seats: This evaluates the design of the head restraints and seats to prevent whiplash injuries in rear-end collisions. The 2012 Forester earned a "Good" rating, indicating that its head restraints and seats are effective in reducing the risk of whiplash.

However, it's important to note that the IIHS introduced the small overlap front crash test in 2012, after the 2012 Forester had already been evaluated. The 2012 Forester was not subjected to this test, so we don't have data on its performance in this particularly challenging scenario. The small overlap test has become a key factor in IIHS ratings, as it simulates a crash where only a small portion of the vehicle's front end impacts another vehicle or a fixed object, such as a tree or a pole.

Despite not being tested in the small overlap front crash, the 2012 Subaru Forester's Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS is a testament to its overall safety performance. Its "Good" ratings in the other IIHS tests demonstrate its ability to protect occupants in a variety of crash scenarios.

Safety Features of the 2012 Subaru Forester

Beyond crash test ratings, the 2012 Subaru Forester comes equipped with a range of safety features designed to prevent accidents and protect occupants in the event of a collision. These features contribute to the Forester's overall safety performance and provide an added layer of security for drivers and passengers.

Some of the key safety features of the 2012 Subaru Forester include:

• Vehicle Stability Control (VSC): This system helps to prevent skidding and loss of control by automatically applying brakes and reducing engine power when it detects that the vehicle is not traveling in the intended direction. VSC is particularly helpful in slippery conditions or during emergency maneuvers.
• Traction Control System (TCS): TCS works in conjunction with VSC to prevent wheelspin and maintain traction, especially during acceleration on loose or slippery surfaces. This helps to improve stability and control, particularly in challenging driving conditions.
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS): ABS prevents the wheels from locking up during hard braking, allowing the driver to maintain steering control. This is crucial for avoiding accidents, as it enables the driver to steer around obstacles while braking.
• Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD): EBD automatically adjusts the brake force between the front and rear wheels based on the vehicle's load and road conditions. This helps to optimize braking performance and improve stability.
• Brake Assist: Brake Assist detects emergency braking situations and automatically applies maximum braking force to help the driver stop more quickly. This can be particularly helpful for drivers who may not press the brake pedal hard enough in panic situations.
• Airbags: The 2012 Subaru Forester comes standard with a comprehensive airbag system, including front airbags, side-impact airbags, and side curtain airbags. These airbags provide cushioning and protection for occupants in the event of a collision.
• Whiplash Protection Seats: As mentioned earlier, the Forester's seats are designed to reduce the risk of whiplash injuries in rear-end collisions. The head restraints are positioned to minimize the movement of the head and neck during a rear impact.
• All-Wheel Drive (AWD): Subaru is known for its Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, which is standard on all Forester models. AWD provides enhanced traction and stability in a variety of driving conditions, including snow, ice, and rain. This can help to prevent accidents and improve overall safety.

These safety features, combined with the 2012 Subaru Forester's strong crash test performance, make it a safe and reliable choice for drivers and families.

How Safe Is Safe Enough? Making the Right Choice

So, how do you weigh all this information and decide if the 2012 Subaru Forester is safe enough for you? It really boils down to your individual needs and priorities.

• Consider Your Driving Habits: Do you do a lot of highway driving? City driving? Off-roading? Different driving conditions present different risks. If you spend a lot of time on the highway, you might prioritize frontal crash protection. If you live in an area with frequent snow or ice, the Forester's AWD system could be a major selling point.
• Think About Your Passengers: Are you primarily driving yourself, or will you have kids or other passengers in the car regularly? Consider the types of accidents that are most likely to affect your passengers. For example, if you have young children, you might prioritize side-impact protection.
• Compare to Other Vehicles: Don't just look at the Forester in isolation. Compare its crash test ratings and safety features to other vehicles in its class. This will give you a better sense of its relative safety performance.
• Factor in Your Budget: Safety is important, but it's also important to stay within your budget. The 2012 Subaru Forester offers a good balance of safety, reliability, and affordability. But there are other safe vehicles out there too, so explore your options.
• Test Drive and Inspect: Before you make a decision, take the Forester for a test drive and inspect it carefully. Pay attention to how it handles and whether you feel comfortable and confident behind the wheel. Check the condition of the tires, brakes, and other safety-related components.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to buy a 2012 Subaru Forester is a personal one. But by carefully considering its crash test ratings, safety features, and your own individual needs, you can make an informed decision and choose a vehicle that will help keep you and your loved ones safe on the road. Remember, no car is completely accident-proof, but choosing a safe vehicle is a crucial step in protecting yourself and your passengers. Drive safely, guys!