How Subaru's Eyesight Camera Technology Enhances Your Driving

The Subaru EyeSight system is an advanced driver-assistance system that uses two forward-facing cameras to monitor the road and help keep you safe. The cameras are placed on either side of the rearview mirror and work with specially developed windshields and onboard computers to scan the road ahead for potential dangers. This system can provide lane-keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control, and pre-collision braking and throttle management.

How does Subaru EyeSight work?

The Subaru EyeSight system is an advanced driver-assistance technology that acts as a second set of eyes on the road. It is designed to improve safety, provide peace of mind, and enhance driving convenience.

At the core of the EyeSight system is a set of dual-color cameras placed near the rearview mirror. These cameras continuously scan the road ahead for potential dangers, such as vehicles, objects, pedestrians, and cyclists. The cameras work in tandem with specially developed windshields and onboard computers to provide a clear picture of the surroundings.

One of the key features of EyeSight is Adaptive Cruise Control. This feature allows drivers to set a preferred following distance from the vehicle in front. The system then automatically adjusts the speed to maintain the selected distance, making long drives more comfortable and reducing driving fatigue.

EyeSight also includes Lane Keep Assist and Sway Warning. By monitoring lane markings, the system can detect if the vehicle begins to drift towards the edge of the lane and alerts the driver. If the driver does not take corrective action, EyeSight can even apply steering force to guide the vehicle back into the lane.

In addition, the EyeSight system offers Pre-Collision Braking and Throttle Management. Using advanced sensors and cameras, EyeSight can detect objects or vehicles in front of the car and calculate the likelihood of a collision. If a potential danger is detected, the system can reduce engine power and even apply full braking force to help avoid or mitigate frontal impacts. According to IIHS reporting, this system can reduce rear-end crashes resulting in injuries by up to 85%.

The latest iteration of the EyeSight system, known as EyeSight X, takes things a step further. It utilizes four cameras to create a 360-degree view, combining 3D map data and traffic information. This upgraded system is a significant step towards Subaru's goal of achieving zero traffic-related fatalities by 2030.

What is the Subaru EyeSight X system?

The Subaru EyeSight X system is the next-gen update to the EyeSight driver assistance technology. The EyeSight system uses two cameras to scan the road, while the EyeSight X uses four cameras to paint a 360-degree picture. It combines 3D map data and traffic information, acting as a step towards the Subaru brand's goal of reaching zero traffic-related fatalities by 2030.

The core of the EyeSight system is its set of dual-color cameras, placed near the rearview mirror, that constantly scan the road for any potential dangers. The EyeSight X system takes this a step further by adding two more cameras to create a more comprehensive view. This advanced system provides extra awareness, safety, and added peace of mind every time you drive.

The EyeSight X system offers several driver-assist features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, pre-collision braking, and pre-collision throttle management. With adaptive cruise control, you can set your preferred following distance, and the system will automatically adjust your speed to maintain that distance. Lane-keeping assist monitors your position on the road and alerts you if you stray out of your lane. If you don't respond to the warning, the system can even apply steering force to correct your path. Pre-collision braking can apply full braking force in emergency situations to help avoid or reduce frontal impacts. Pre-collision throttle management detects objects in front of the vehicle and reduces engine power to minimize the impact force and frontal damage.

The EyeSight X system is expected to be available on the 2023 Outback, Ascent, and Forester models, and it will be included as a standard feature on every trim level. This system is a significant upgrade to the EyeSight technology, providing even more safety and peace of mind to Subaru drivers.

What models offer Subaru EyeSight?

Subaru's EyeSight technology, which debuted in 2014, has been featured in select Subaru models. These technologies are usually standard for premium or luxury brands, but Subaru is one of the few exceptions.

The Subaru EyeSight system acts as a second set of eyes to help keep you safe. The system gathers real-time road data to control confidence-inspiring safety assists like automatic emergency steering, pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise control, and more.

The biggest question is: which Subaru vehicles have the EyeSight installed? Subaru's EyeSight is offered on select trims from six of its vehicles:

Legacy

Currently, Subaru's midsize car, the Legacy was one of the first vehicles from the automaker that received the EyeSight technology in the United States. Although it is not standard on any of its trims, you can add it to any one above the base-level model (i.e. Premium, Sport, and Limited).

Outback

The Outback, which is the wagon variant of the Legacy, was the other vehicle that first received EyeSight in 2013. The suite is standard on just the top-level Touring; you can add it to the trims directly above the base-level model (i.e. Premium and Limited).

Impreza

On the smallest vehicle in the Subaru lineup, EyeSight is optional on the Premium, Sport, and Limited trims, be it a four-door sedan or a five-door hatchback. It is unavailable on the base-level trim.

Crosstrek

The Crosstrek, which is the off-road version of the Impreza, blends design cues from the SUV and hatchback body styles. It is available as a base-level model, a Premium trim, and a Limited trim, with EyeSight optional on the last two.

WRX

The high-performance variant of the Subaru Impreza, the WRX is split into five trim configurations. Of these, only the mid-tiered one—the Limited—can have EyeSight added to it; the suite is unavailable for the others.

Forester

Functioning as Subaru's compact crossover SUV, the Forester is similar to the Outback. EyeSight is standard on the top-of-the-line Touring and optional on the Premium and Limited. Notably, the Outback and the Forester are the only Subaru vehicles that have the EyeSight Driver Assist Technology suite standard on at least one trim.

2023 Ascent, Outback, Forester, and Legacy

On these models, the Subaru EyeSight system will be included as a standard feature on every trim level.

Does Subaru EyeSight improve safety?

Subaru EyeSight is a driver-assist technology that acts as an extra set of eyes on the road. It is the result of decades of safety-engineering experience, and over one million Subaru vehicles have been sold with EyeSight equipped. The system uses dual-colour cameras, placed near the rearview mirror, to constantly scan the road for potential dangers.

The cameras work with specially developed windshields and onboard computers to provide a clear picture of the road and other drivers. This advanced system provides extra awareness, safety, and peace of mind for drivers. EyeSight monitors traffic movement, optimises cruise control, and warns drivers if they sway outside their lane. It can also detect vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists when reversing and alert the driver both audibly and visually.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has found that EyeSight has demonstrated an 85% reduction in rear-end collisions that result in injuries. The IIHS has also found that EyeSight can reduce pedestrian injuries by up to 35%.

In addition to the standard EyeSight system, Subaru has released a next-gen update known as EyeSight X. This upgraded system uses four cameras to create a 360-degree picture, combining 3D map data and traffic information. EyeSight X is a step towards Subaru's goal of reaching zero traffic-related fatalities by 2030.

Overall, Subaru EyeSight is a proven system that improves safety and provides drivers with added peace of mind. While it is not a substitute for attentive driving, it is an effective tool for reducing collisions and enhancing safety on the road.

What other safety features does Subaru offer?

Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology is an advanced system that provides drivers with an extra set of eyes on the road and an extra foot on the brake in emergencies. The technology is designed to monitor traffic movement, optimise cruise control, and warn the driver if they sway outside their lane. The system can also detect potential dangers, such as pedestrians, cyclists, and road debris, and help the driver avoid them. EyeSight's Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering can automatically maintain a safe distance from the car in front and help the driver stay centred in their lane.

In addition to EyeSight, Subaru offers a range of other safety features and systems. These include:

• Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD): This system, standard in all Subaru models except the BRZ, helps vehicles handle challenging driving conditions, such as ice, snow, and rugged roads. The AWD system detects when a wheel loses traction and instantly delivers extra power and torque to that wheel to prevent spinouts and provide continuous stability and control.
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: Many Subaru vehicles feature radar sensors that provide enhanced awareness when reversing. These sensors detect oncoming traffic from either side and notify the driver with visual and auditory alerts. Reverse Automatic Braking can also stop the vehicle automatically if a collision is imminent.
• STARLINK® Safety and Security: This system, available on select 2019 and newer models, offers access to emergency services and convenience features, such as Automatic Collision Notification, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Stolen Vehicle Recovery, and Remote Services. STARLINK also provides features like remote engine start with climate control, boundary alerts, and speed alerts.
• Subaru Vehicle Construction and Safety: Subaru vehicles feature a Ring-Shaped Reinforcement Frame that forms a protective "cage" around the cabin. This frame is designed to absorb and distribute shock in high-impact crashes, regardless of the angle of impact. Additionally, cabin components are made from shock-absorbing materials, and the engine is positioned to slip beneath the floor in front-end collisions, preventing it from breaking into the cabin.
• Subaru Brake Assist Features: In addition to EyeSight's Pre-Collision Braking, Subaru vehicles are equipped with other brake assist features. These include Steering Responsive Headlights, which improve visibility, and High Beam Assist, which automatically dims and activates high beams to maintain maximum visibility while reducing glare for other drivers.

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