Ive always trusted Subaru for safety, but the new IIHS crash test now looks at rear passenger protection, and it got me wondering about my 2020 Ascent. The updated test focuses on 2nd-row seat belts having pretensioners and load limiters, which some cars lack and score poorly for. The new rating only covers 2022-2023 Ascents, so i'm trying to figure out if earlier models like mine even have those features. I couldnt find anything in the manual or on Subaru's site, anyone here know?
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IIHS update
- Thread starter 2fast4you
- Start date
awdjourneycrew126
New member
- Joined
- Jul 15, 2025
- Messages
- 2
Hey there! I had that same thought about my 2020 Ascent. What I learned is that the 2020 model *does* have seatbelt pretensioners and load limiters in the back seats (the ones on the sides), just like the newer ones. I even called the dealer to make sure.
The IIHS only started looking at that stuff recently, so your Ascent should be fine in that area.
The IIHS only started looking at that stuff recently, so your Ascent should be fine in that area.