You’re probably familiar with Subaru EyeSight®1 and how it can help alert you if you’re straying from your lane or how Rear Vehicle Detection can help you back out of a spot in a busy parking lot. But EyeSight and STARLINK® Safety and Security2 offer a lot of other useful assists. Another innovative STARLINK technology, STARLINK Multimedia,3 can stream your favorite music and more. Here’s how they work and how to get the most out of these features.
What Is Subaru EyeSight1 Driver Assist Technology?
Subaru EyeSight Driver Assist Technology is a suite of features that feels like an extra set of eyes on the road and – if need be – an extra foot on the brake pedal. EyeSight monitors the movement of traffic ahead of and around your vehicle, optimizes the way cruise control works, and warns you if you sway outside your lane.
Here’s how EyeSight works and what it offers:
Dual Color Cameras: The system functions thanks to color cameras mounted above both sides of the rearview mirror. The two cameras scan the road ahead for unanticipated dangers.
Adaptive Cruise Control:4 To keep a safe distance from the car in front of you, choose the distance you want to preserve, and EyeSight will automatically adjust your speed to maintain your selected distance.
Automatic Pre-Collision Braking:5 Pre-Collision Braking helps you avoid or reduce frontal impacts by alerting you and applying full braking force in emergency situations. An IIHS study found that EyeSight lowers the rate of pedestrian-related injuries by up to 35%.6
Pre-Collision Throttle Management:5 EyeSight detects objects in front of the vehicle that you are likely to hit. It will reduce power from the engine to help minimize the possible impact force and frontal impact damage.
Lane Departure and Sway Warning:5 If your vehicle is edging toward the lane markers without signaling, Lane Departure and Sway Warning will alert you with beeps and a warning on the dash to help keep you in your lane.
Lane Keep Assist:5 If you don’t react quickly to the alerts provided by Lane Departure and Sway Warning, Lane Keep Assist can help steer your Subaru back into the lane with automatic steering inputs.
Lead Vehicle Start Alert: Lead Vehicle Start Alert notifies the driver when the vehicle in front has started moving but the EyeSight driver’s vehicle has not. This occurs when the lead vehicle has moved forward a minimum of 10 feet.
Rear Seat Reminder: New in 2020, Rear Seat Reminder will alert the driver to check the rear seat for children or pets before exiting the vehicle; this is only triggered if they opened one of the 2nd-row doors before starting to drive. Standard on Forester, Ascent (2nd and 3rd row), Outback and Legacy (passenger and rear seat), Crosstrek and Impreza (CVT-equipped models only).
What Is Rear Vehicle Detection?
Rear Vehicle Detection Rear Vehicle Detection is a technology designed to help maximize driver awareness on select Subaru models and trims that helps drivers avoid crashes with vehicles in neighboring lanes on the highway or when backing out of parking spots or driveways.
This suite of technology includes:
Blind-Spot Detection and Lane Change Assist:7 Blind-Spot Detection uses radar sensors to warn you with a flashing light in either of the side mirrors if a vehicle is camped out in your blind spot. Lane Change Assist provides a flashing indicator if a vehicle is approaching in a neighboring lane when you activate your turn signal for a lane change.
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:7 Using radar sensors, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert warns drivers of vehicles that are crossing from the left or right, either in parking lot lanes or in the street as you back out of a driveway. The system provides an audible warning and a flashing alert in the side mirrors and Rear-Vision Camera Display.
Reverse Automatic Braking:8 On select Subaru vehicles equipped with Reverse Automatic Braking, when the vehicle is backing up and the system detects a pedestrian or an inanimate object, you’ll hear a series of beeps and see a warning flash in the Rear-Vision Camera Display. If you haven’t applied the brake, the system automatically fully brakes the vehicle if a collision is imminent.
Rear-Vision Camera: The Rear-Vision Camera helps you to see objects or people behind your Subaru when backing up that may ordinarily be out of the field of vision.
What Is SUBARU STARLINK?
SUBARU STARLINK In-Vehicle Technology3
STARLINK Multimedia:3 STARLINK Multimedia connects you and your Subaru to music, news, navigation, podcasts and more. Wireless pairing and hands-free smartphone operation make it simple and safe.
The STARLINK Multimedia System includes standard Apple CarPlay®9 and Android Auto™10 integration; a high-resolution touchscreen; AM/FM stereo; Bluetooth®11 hands-free phone and audio streaming connectivity, and voice-activated controls for your phone.
There are also available features of STARLINK that drivers can add to suit their driving needs.
Wi-Fi Connectivity: On select models, a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot12,13 allows passengers to stream content without requiring cell service or using up your mobile device’s data while you’re on the road. Listening to an unabridged audiobook on a long road trip? Wi-Fi connectivity is going to be your best friend.
STARLINK Safety Plus:2 STARLINK Safety Plus is a way to provide peace of mind if you or a loved one is involved in a crash.
The Safety Plus Package includes:
- Automatic Collision Notification – Upon a collision, Automatic Collision Notification will alert a STARLINK Customer Care Advisor, available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The advisor will then promptly communicate via the speakers in your vehicle and alert the appropriate first responder.
- SOS Emergency Assistance – Push the SOS button, and the system alerts a STARLINK Customer Care Advisor. The advisor then communicates via your vehicle’s speakers and alerts appropriate first responders.
- Enhanced Roadside Assistance
- Diagnostic Alerts
- Maintenance Notifications
- Monthly Vehicle Health Report – STARLINK sends a monthly email with a link to your MySubaru account where you can view your vehicle’s diagnostic report.
STARLINK Safety and Security Plus:2 This optional feature adds the following STARLINK Remote Services:
- Remote Lock/Unlock
- Stolen Vehicle Recovery – a STARLINK Customer Care Advisor will work directly with police to help track and recover your vehicle using its GPS location.
- Remote Vehicle Locator
FAQs
Q: How does Subaru EyeSight1 work?
A: EyeSight uses dual cameras to process images and identify vehicles, pedestrians and other traffic hazards in the vehicle’s path. If the driver can’t react quickly enough, EyeSight can apply the brakes and decrease throttle input to slow the vehicle enough to reduce the severity of a collision or help avoid it entirely.
Q: How effective is Subaru EyeSight?1
A: EyeSight has been found to reduce the rate of rear-end crashes with injuries by up to 85%,14 and all 2021 Subaru models with EyeSight receive the highest possible 2020 rating for front crash prevention from IIHS. Safety also extends to pedestrians: IIHS reporting data found that EyeSight reduces the rate of pedestrian-related injuries by up to 35%.6
Q: What model years offer Subaru EyeSight?1
A: Subaru launched its first generation of the EyeSight system for 2013 on Legacy and Outback models, and in 2014 on the Forester. In 2015, Subaru introduced the second generation of the system on the Legacy and Outback, plus the Crosstrek and Impreza also received the second generation of the system that year. The second generation was introduced on the Forester in model year 2017; the Ascent has had EyeSight since its launch in 2018.
Q: What is Subaru Blind-Spot Detection?7
A: Blind-Spot Detection uses radar sensors to warn you with a visual indicator in either of the side mirrors if a vehicle is camped out in your blind spot. Lane Change Assist7 provides a flashing indicator if a vehicle is approaching in a lane beside you when you activate your turn signal for a lane change.
Q: What is Rear Cross-Traffic Alert?7
A: Rear Cross-Traffic Alert warns drivers of vehicles that are crossing from the left or right, either in parking lot lanes or in the street as you back out of a driveway. The system provides an audible warning and a flashing alert in the side mirrors and Rear-Vision Camera Display.
Q: What Current Subaru models have Blind-Spot Detection?7
A: Blind-Spot Detection is available on 2020 or newer Subaru Legacy, Forester, Outback, Crosstrek, Ascent and WRX.
Q: What does SUBARU STARLINK In-Vehicle Technology3 do?
A: STARLINK brings multimedia content, smartphone connectivity, seamless navigation, extra safety and everyday convenience to Subaru vehicles. This suite of on-board technology helps make every drive more entertaining, confident and enjoyable.
Q: Can SUBARU STARLINK start your car?
A: Remote Engine Start2,15 is available on Subaru models equipped with Keyless Access with Push-Button Start. Remote Engine Start with Climate Control is available on vehicles with Keyless Access, Push-Button Start and automatic climate control. Remote Engine Start is not available on vehicles with a manual transmission.
1 EyeSight is a driver-assist system that may not operate optimally under all driving conditions. The driver is always responsible for safe and attentive driving. System effectiveness depends on many factors, such as vehicle maintenance, weather and road conditions. See Owner’s Manual for complete details on system operation and limitations. Requires automatic transmission.
2 Not available in all states. See Retailer for details. Activation with subscription required. Features and availability vary by vehicle and trim level. See your retailer for details.
3 Compatible smartphone and application required. For applications to operate, latest version of each application required. Data provided by smartphone is displayed on head unit screen. Some state laws prohibit the operation of handheld electronic devices while operating a vehicle. Smartphone apps should only be launched when vehicle is safely parked. Your wireless carrier’s rates may apply.
4 EyeSight is a driver-assist system that may not operate optimally under all driving conditions. Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control and Brake Light Recognition are designed to assist the driver and are not substitutes for safe and attentive driving. Lane Keep Assist operates only when the lane markings are visible. The driver is always responsible for safe and attentive driving. System effectiveness depends on many factors, such as vehicle maintenance, weather and road conditions. Lane centering function operates only when used in conjunction with Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control. See your Owner’s Manual for complete details on system operation and limitations.
5 EyeSight is a driver-assist system that may not operate optimally under all driving conditions. The driver is always responsible for safe and attentive driving. System effectiveness depends on many factors, such as vehicle maintenance, weather and road conditions. The Pre-Collision Braking System is designed to provide automatic braking that either prevents a collision or reduces the severity of a frontal impact. Pre-Collision Throttle Management is designed to reduce acceleration and minimize the severity of certain frontal impacts. Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control and Brake Light Recognition are designed to assist the driver and are not substitutes for safe and attentive driving. Lane centering function operates only when used in conjunction with Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control. The Lane Departure and Sway Warning with Lane Keep Assist operates only when the lane markings are visible, and its effectiveness depends on many factors. See Owner’s Manual for complete details on system operation and limitations.
6 Based on IIHS reporting data as of December 2017 from MY2013-2017 Subaru models equipped with EyeSight through 2017. Claim is for demonstration purposes only.
7 Blind-Spot Detection, Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert are systems designed to assist the driver by monitoring the rear and side areas of the vehicle during a lane change or reversing and are not a substitute for safe and attentive driving.
8 Reverse Automatic Braking is a system designed to assist the driver by detecting objects to help avoid a possible collision when the vehicle is moving in a reverse direction. It is not a substitute for safe and attentive driving. System effectiveness depends on many factors such as vehicle maintenance, weather and road conditions. Always exercise caution and use vehicle mirrors and Rear-Vision Camera when backing up. See Owner’s Manual for complete details on system operation and limitations.
9 Apple CarPlay® is a registered trademark of Apple, Inc.
10 Android Auto™ is a trademark of Google, Inc.
11 Bluetooth® is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc.
12 Available on select models. See your retailer for details.
13 Internet access is purchased separately through AT&T with monthly, per gigabyte, and unlimited data options available. Existing AT&T customers have the option to add a line to their AT&T Mobile Share plan.
14 Based on IIHS reporting data as of January 2017 from MY2013-2015 Subaru models equipped with EyeSight through 2014. Claim is for demonstration purposes only.
15 Remote Engine Start available on Keyless Access and Push-Button Start-equipped models only. Climate Control function available on automatic climate control-equipped models only.
