Every model family in Subaru’s 2026 U.S. lineup includes EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, a rearview camera and core braking, stability and occupant-protection equipment. That includes manual-transmission BRZ and WRX models. The important detail: the EyeSight functions and the extra safety features are not identical on every Subaru.
Safety equipment can turn a trim comparison into alphabet soup. We’ll separate the features you can expect across the lineup from the ones you need to check on the exact car. That makes it easier to spend your time comparing the equipment you actually want.
Our scope: 2026 U.S.-market Ascent, BRZ, Crosstrek, Forester, Impreza, Outback, Solterra, Trailseeker, Uncharted and WRX, including the gas/hybrid and transmission choices in the linked specifications. Checked October 10, 2026 (Pacific). This is not a claim about every Subaru ever built, another country’s lineup or the 2027 model year.
The safety foundation comes standard.
These are the shared essentials in the 2026 lineup. Names, hardware, airbag counts and operating details can differ by model.
On a phone, swipe the table sideways to compare all three columns.
| Feature | What it does | What to keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| EyeSight Driver Assist Technology | Provides forward-collision braking assistance, adaptive cruise functionality and lane-departure alerts. | The functions and operating conditions depend on the model and transmission. EyeSight does not mean every car has lane centering or hands-free driving. |
| Anti-lock brakes, Electronic Brake-force Distribution and Brake Assist | Help manage wheel lockup, distribute braking force and support emergency pedal braking. | Brake Assist supports your brake-pedal input; it is different from a system that detects an obstacle and brakes automatically. |
| Stability and traction control | Can use braking and power adjustments to help manage wheelspin or a loss of stability. | Subaru uses different system names across the lineup. Grip still depends on tires, speed and the road. |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | Warns of significantly low tire pressure. | It does not replace regular pressure and tire-condition checks. |
| Front, front-seat side and side-curtain airbags | Supplement seat belts to help protect occupants in certain crashes. | Airbag number, coverage and additional airbag types vary. One universal airbag count would be misleading. |
| Three-point seat belts and LATCH child-seat anchors | Provide restraints and designated attachment points for compatible child seats. | Check approved seating positions, installation instructions and fit in the vehicle and child-seat manuals. |
| Rearview camera | Shows a view behind the vehicle while reversing. | A camera image does not mean the car also has cross-traffic alerts or automatic reverse braking. |
Sources: Subaru’s official 2026 model specification sheets. The 2026 BRZ distributor specification sheet also lists its standard rearview camera.
EyeSight is standard. Its functions vary.
The useful buying answer is yes: Subaru lists EyeSight on all ten of these 2026 model families. Choosing a manual BRZ or manual WRX does not remove EyeSight for this model year.
The next question is what the system does on your configuration. Adaptive cruise control helps manage following distance within its operating limits. Forward-collision braking can apply braking when the system recognizes a potential collision. Lane-departure alerts warn you when the system detects certain unintended departures. Those descriptions do not promise that every situation will be detected.
Lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance and lane centering are different functions. Don’t read “EyeSight” and assume the car will continuously steer in the middle of a lane. Manual-transmission operation also differs from automatic-transmission operation; the driver still shifts gears and works the clutch. Electric Subarus use their own combinations of named assistance features, so compare the actual equipment list rather than assuming every EyeSight system has identical cameras or controls.
Examples: Subaru’s 2026 BRZ specs, 2026 WRX specs and 2026 Solterra specs.
The extras you should check by trim.
Blind-Spot Detection, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Reverse Automatic Braking, DriverFocus and a 360-degree camera are not standard on every Subaru. Some models include several of them throughout the range. Others require an option package, a higher trim or a particular transmission.
Seeing is not braking.
A rearview camera shows you an image. Rear Cross-Traffic Alert can warn about detected traffic approaching from the side while you reverse. Reverse Automatic Braking or Parking Support Brake can apply braking in specified situations. These are separate features, with separate limits.
The badge is only a start.
“Sport,” “Premium” and “Limited” do not mean the same equipment across different Subaru models. A feature included on one model’s Sport can be unavailable on another model’s Sport.
On a phone, swipe sideways to see the buying takeaway.
| Model | Verified equipment difference | Buying takeaway |
|---|---|---|
| Impreza | Blind-Spot Detection with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert is optional on Sport and standard on RS. | Check the Sport’s option package. Subaru specs ↗ |
| Crosstrek | Blind-Spot Detection with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert is optional on Premium, unavailable on the gas Sport, and standard on Limited, Wilderness and hybrid trims. | A gas Sport badge does not include this feature. Subaru specs ↗ |
| BRZ and WRX | EyeSight is standard with a manual transmission. Reverse Automatic Braking is tied to the BRZ automatic or WRX Subaru Performance Transmission configuration. | Transmission choice changes the assistance package. BRZ specs ↗ · WRX specs ↗ |
| Outback | DriverFocus, Blind-Spot Detection, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and Reverse Automatic Braking are standard across the 2026 range. Highway Hands-Free Assist is limited to Touring and Touring XT. | One well-equipped model does not define the whole brand. Subaru specs ↗ |
| Uncharted | EyeSight, Blind-Spot Monitor, cross-traffic alerts and Parking Support Brake are standard. The driver monitor and panoramic view monitor are on Sport and GT, not Premium FWD. | Check the EV’s own feature names and trim list. Subaru specs ↗ |
For an SUV comparison, the Forester Base vs Premium guide and Crosstrek Southern California guide show how option packages fit into the wider buying decision. Our Subaru Comparison Guide helps you narrow the model first.
Is all-wheel drive standard, too?
Not on every Subaru. The 2026 BRZ is rear-wheel drive. The 2026 Uncharted Premium FWD is front-wheel drive; Uncharted Sport and GT use all-wheel drive. Check the drivetrain on the model you’re considering instead of treating the Subaru badge as an AWD guarantee.
AWD can help put power to the road when traction is limited. It does not make the car immune to sliding, remove braking limits or replace appropriate tires. For a rainy I-5 commute or a mountain trip, tire condition, following distance and speed still matter.
Sources: Subaru’s BRZ specifications and Uncharted specifications. Explore BRZ, Decoded or Uncharted, Decoded for the model differences.
Before you choose, check the exact car.
- Start with the model year. A used Subaru or a 2027 model needs its own equipment check. This guide covers 2026 U.S. specifications.
- Write down your must-haves. Separate forward-collision braking, blind-spot alerts, rear cross-traffic alerts, reverse braking and a surround-view camera.
- Read the window sticker. Confirm the trim, transmission and factory option package. An online photo or a trim nickname is not an equipment guarantee.
- Ask for a walkthrough. Learn what the icons and warnings mean, how to adjust the systems, and when they may be unavailable. Do not test collision braking by creating a hazard.
- Check everyday fit. Adjust your seat and mirrors, look out in every direction, and try your child seat if that is part of your routine.
Driver assistance still needs a driver. Keep your attention on the road and remain ready to brake or steer. Weather, visibility, road markings, sensor obstruction, vehicle condition and maintenance can limit system operation. Read the owner’s manual for the exact car. No feature makes a Subaru self-driving or guarantees that a collision will be avoided.
Connected services are a separate equipment-and-subscription question. A standard safety feature does not mean every app service, emergency connection or subscription is included forever. Confirm the applicable trial, plan and connectivity requirements separately.
Bring us the Subaru you’re considering and the features that matter to you. We’ll help you make sense of the equipment list. Subaru buying, simplified.
Quick safety answers.
Do manual 2026 Subaru BRZ and WRX models have EyeSight?
Yes. Subaru lists EyeSight as standard on the U.S. 2026 BRZ and WRX, including manual-transmission models. Functions and operating conditions differ by model and transmission.
Does every 2026 Subaru have blind-spot monitoring?
No. Availability depends on the model, trim and option package. For example, it is optional on the Impreza Sport and standard on the Impreza RS. Check the exact window sticker.
Does a rearview camera mean my Subaru will brake in reverse?
No. A rearview camera, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and Reverse Automatic Braking or Parking Support Brake are separate features. Check which are fitted and read their operating limits.
Is all-wheel drive standard on every 2026 Subaru?
No. The BRZ is rear-wheel drive, and the Uncharted Premium FWD is front-wheel drive. Uncharted Sport and GT have all-wheel drive.
Sources & scope.
Manufacturer equipment claims above use Subaru’s U.S. 2026 specifications, checked October 10, 2026 (Pacific). These live documents can change; confirm the exact vehicle’s window sticker and owner’s manual. Buying suggestions are our team’s guidance.
- 2026 Subaru Ascent official specification comparison (PDF)
- 2026 Subaru BRZ official specification comparison (PDF)
- 2026 Subaru Crosstrek official specification comparison (PDF)
- 2026 Subaru Forester official specification comparison (PDF)
- 2026 Subaru Impreza official specification comparison (PDF)
- 2026 Subaru Outback official specification comparison (PDF)
- 2026 Subaru Solterra official specification comparison (PDF)
- 2026 Subaru Trailseeker official specification comparison (PDF)
- 2026 Subaru Uncharted official specification comparison (PDF)
- 2026 Subaru WRX official specification comparison (PDF)
- 2026 BRZ specifications — Subaru of New England (PDF; rearview camera listing)
Standard equipment is only one part of choosing and operating a vehicle.