The Subaru Sherman Oaks's Subaru Ascent Earns Top Rating in New IIHS Side-Impact Test


Accent gets its second IIHS honors in 2022.

The Subaru Sherman Oaks's Subaru Ascent has earned another top rating in a new Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) test, this time around, for its side-impact durability. IIHS conducts these tests to evaluate vehicles' ability to protect occupants in the event of crashes. 


The test, which comprised 18 similar mid-size SUVs, including the Subaru Ascent, had the Sherman Oaks's Subaru Ascent come out with the highest possible rating. The IIHS team designed the test to provide a more formidable challenge for the side test. 

Details of the test

The new IIHS test is a significant upgrade to the previous one. It features a heavier barrier traveling at a higher speed to simulate the type of crash that occurs at an intersection. The new barrier, a 900 pounds upgrade on the previous one, now at 4,200 and traveling 37 MPH compared to the previous 31 MPH, provides an outstanding 82% more collision energy than the last evaluation. 


IIHS also improved the barrier striking surface to be more realistic and appear as modern SUVs and pickups would while striking the side of another vehicle. To replicate the presence of a driver and a passenger, they used two SID-IIs dummies, one sitting in the driver's seat and another directly behind the driver. The dummies represent a small female passenger or a 12-year-old child. 


To effectively pass the test, the vehicle's occupant compartment must hold its shape during the crash, and the passenger dummies must not indicate any high risk of serious injuries. Furthermore, the side airbags, in addition to the seat belts, must be able to effectively prevent the dummies from having a hard collision with the interior of the vehicle. 

Sherman Oaks's Subaru Ascent performance

After the IIHS Side-Impact test, the 2022 Subaru Ascent and the 17 others earned a high rating. The rating confirms they have fulfilled the requirements for the IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK and TOP SAFETY PICK+ awards until the next edition in 2023.


The 2022 Subaru Ascent has previously achieved IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ award for crash avoidance and all crash worthiness tests. 

Subaru Sherman Oaks

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