Subaru has created a U-shaped airbag for cyclists in the 2025 Forester.

      Subaru

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      Subaru has unveiled the technical specifications for the new Forester aimed at the Japanese market, featuring an interesting addition that has not yet been announced for North America. This includes a large, U-shaped airbag that inflates from the upper edge of the hood to provide protection for cyclists.

      While pedestrian airbags have existed for over a decade, Subaru asserts that its cyclist airbag is a world premiere. Originally designed as a pedestrian airbag, the company expanded its surface area to encompass both A-pillars, based on research indicating that a cyclist's head position differs from that of a pedestrian during a collision. However, the airbag is still intended to provide protection for pedestrians as well.

      At this moment, the cyclist airbag has only been confirmed for the Japanese Forester. There has been no information regarding its availability in North America. We have contacted our local Subaru representatives and will update this article as we gather more information. The automaker has also not disclosed whether this cyclist airbag will be incorporated into other models, though it’s reasonable to speculate that it may extend to a broader range.

      Andrew P. Collins

      It's important to note that while Subaru’s new airbag is a groundbreaking feature, the best way to ensure safety while cycling is to wear a helmet.

      The cyclist airbag is not the only feature specific to the Japanese market in the new Forester. In Japan, the SUV comes equipped with a turbocharged 1.8-liter flat-four engine delivering 174 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. In contrast, the only engine available in our market is a 2.5-liter flat-four producing 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque in the base model. Additionally, there is a hybrid option that provides 194 hp for the driver.

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