Subaru Ascent: Blind Spot Monitoring Feature Explained

Blind-spot monitoring is a safety feature in some cars that helps drivers by providing alerts about vehicles or other objects that may be in their blind spot. Subaru introduced Blind-Spot Detection in 2014, and it has been improving ever since. The system uses radar and cameras to monitor adjacent lanes and nearby objects relative to the driver's designated blind spot zone. When the system detects an object, it triggers an alert, typically a blinking light on the corresponding side mirror, and sometimes a beeping or clicking noise. While Blind-Spot Detection is not standard on all Subaru models, it is available on certain trims, including the 2022 Ascent.

How does blind-spot monitoring work?

Blind-spot monitoring is a safety feature that watches your blind spots and alerts you if you attempt to make an unsafe lane change. It is a convenient feature found in many new cars, including some Subaru models. While it's still important to manually check your blind spot, this technology provides an extra layer of safety and has been proven to reduce injuries caused by lane-change crashes.

Blind-spot monitoring uses sensors, cameras, and sometimes radar placed on the outside of the car to monitor adjacent lanes and detect vehicles or objects outside of the driver's field of vision. When another vehicle enters this area, the sensors detect it and trigger an alert, typically a blinking light on the corresponding side mirror, sometimes accompanied by a beeping or clicking noise. This lets the driver know to use added caution when shifting lanes or merging. In some cases, if you activate your turn signal while the blind-spot monitoring system is triggered, you will also receive an audible alert, such as a beep or tone.

The Subaru Blind Spot Detection system, available on many Subaru models, automatically engages without any action from the driver. It employs sensors, including radar and cameras, often positioned on the mirrors and/or rear bumper. The warning light is typically located on the inner rim of each side mirror. While the system can be disabled, it is designed to provide an extra layer of awareness and enhance overall safety for drivers.

While blind-spot monitoring is a valuable feature, it is not a replacement for remaining alert and manually checking your blind spots while driving.

Is there a setting to alert the driver with a sound?

The Subaru Ascent does have blind-spot monitoring, but it is unclear if there is a setting to alert the driver with a sound. Some users have complained about the absence of an audible alert, while others have expressed relief.

Subaru's EyeSight system, which includes blind-spot monitoring, was introduced in 2014 and has been improving ever since. This technology uses radar sensors in the rear bumper of your vehicle to monitor your blind spots in both mirrors. When it senses that a vehicle on the right or left is approaching in another lane or is currently in your blind spot, a warning light will appear on your side mirror, alerting you to that vehicle's presence.

Some Subaru models do have an audible alert for blind-spot monitoring, but it is unclear if this is an available setting for the Ascent. One user suggested that it might be possible to tap into the power in the side mirror that goes to the light to create an audible alarm, but this would be challenging as the alarm would need to be audible only when the light is flashing.

While some drivers prefer the added safety of an audible alert, others find it unnecessary and even distracting. Some have pointed out that too many electronic "nannies" can lead to less attentive driving. Ultimately, it is up to the driver to pay attention and use their mirrors and turn signals properly when changing lanes.

What other safety features do Subarus have?

Subaru is known for its quality vehicles and has been around for more than 65 years. The company prioritises safety in its design, from the placement of its exclusive SUBARU BOXER® engine to the ring-shaped reinforcement frame on each vehicle for greater high-impact protection.

One of the most well-known safety features in Subaru vehicles is the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, which comes standard in all models except the BRZ. The AWD system improves handling in challenging conditions like ice, snow, and rugged roads. It detects when a wheel loses traction and instantly delivers extra power and torque to that wheel to prevent spinouts and maintain stability and control.

Another key safety feature in many Subaru models is the EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology, which acts as a second pair of eyes on the road. This system uses dual colour cameras to scan your surroundings, including blind spots, and can detect potential hazards like pedestrians, nearby traffic, and road debris. EyeSight includes several features such as Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Emergency Steering, Lane Departure and Sway Warning, Pre-Collision Brake Assist, and Pre-Collision Throttle Management.

Subaru vehicles also offer Rear Cross-Traffic Alert with radar sensors, enhancing awareness when backing up. This feature provides visual and auditory alerts for oncoming traffic from either side and can even activate automatic emergency braking if a collision is imminent.

The STARLINK® Safety and Security system is another notable safety feature in equipped Subaru vehicles. It connects drivers to essential and emergency services, allowing them to send and receive data over the on-board wireless network. The MySubaru smartphone app enhances this system, providing remote access to various vehicle functions.

Other safety features found in Subaru vehicles include:

• Airbags
• Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)
• Traction control
• Vehicle dynamics control (electronic stability control)
• Seat belts
• Telematics
• Adaptive cruise control
• Pre-collision braking
• Lane keep assist
• Rear vehicle detection

Subaru's commitment to safety is evident in its vehicle construction as well. The Ring-Shaped Reinforcement Frame forms a protective "cage" around the cabin, bolstered by a pillar and frame. This design helps absorb and distribute shock in high-impact crashes, regardless of the angle of impact. Additionally, the strategic positioning of the horizontally-opposed engine allows it to slip beneath the floor during a front-end collision, preventing it from breaking through the cabin and reducing the risk of injury. Strong side door beams further enhance protection in T-bone or side collisions.

How does Subaru's EyeSight system work?

The Subaru EyeSight system is an advanced driver-assistance system that acts as a second set of eyes, helping to keep you safe on the road. The system uses two cameras (or four in the EyeSight X version) placed near the rearview mirror to scan the road ahead for potential dangers. The cameras work in tandem with specially developed windshields and onboard computers to provide a clear picture of the road and other drivers.

The EyeSight system provides several features to enhance safety and driver assistance, including:

• Adaptive Cruise Control: This feature allows the driver to set a preferred following distance from the car in front. The system will automatically adjust the speed to maintain the selected distance.
• Lane Keep Assist and Sway Warning: EyeSight monitors the vehicle's position on the road and alerts the driver if they stray from their lane.
• Pre-Collision Braking: The system can detect potential frontal collisions and alert the driver. It can also apply full braking force in emergency situations to help avoid or reduce the impact.
• Pre-Collision Throttle Management: EyeSight can detect objects in front of the vehicle and reduce engine power to minimize the force of an impact.
• Lane-Keeping Assist: The system detects lane markings and alerts the driver if they stray outside their lane. If the warning is ignored, EyeSight can apply steering force to correct the vehicle's path.
• Automatic Emergency Steering: This feature uses driving data to determine if a collision is likely and automatically steers the vehicle to safety while applying pre-collision braking if needed.

The EyeSight system also includes brake assist features such as Steering Responsive Headlights, High Beam Assist, and DriverFocus, which alerts the driver if their attention wanders or they show signs of drowsiness.

Overall, the Subaru EyeSight system provides an extra layer of safety and convenience for drivers, helping to avoid accidents and reduce injuries.

What models offer blind-spot monitoring?

Blind-Spot Monitoring is a feature that provides drivers with an extra set of eyes, alerting them to vehicles or other objects outside their field of vision. This is achieved through the use of radar and a series of sensors placed on and around the vehicle. When another vehicle enters the driver's blind spot, they are alerted through visual or auditory cues, helping to prevent collisions.

Subaru introduced Blind-Spot Detection in 2014, and it has since become a standard feature on all new Subaru models for the 2020 and 2021 model years. However, for the 2022 model year, Blind-Spot Detection is only available as standard on certain models and trim levels, including the Forester, Legacy, Outback, Ascent, and BRZ with automatic transmissions. For the Impreza, Crosstrek, and WRX, it is available as an option on certain trim levels.

The Subaru Blind Spot Detection system works by employing sensors, including radar and cameras, positioned on the mirrors and/or rear bumper. These sensors constantly monitor adjacent lanes and nearby objects relative to the driver's designated blind spot zone. When another vehicle enters this area, a warning light typically blinks on the corresponding side mirror, and sometimes this is accompanied by a beeping or clicking noise.

While Blind-Spot Detection is available on many Subaru models, it is important to note that not all models or trim levels may include this feature as standard. Additionally, some Subaru owners have expressed a desire for an audible alert in addition to the visual warning, as the absence of a chime or beep was noted as a "con" for the Ascent model.

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