Some Subaru models are available with a head-up display (HUD) which puts important safety and driving information directly in your line of sight as you operate the vehicle—but is this convenience feature really worth it?

These days, many new cars come loaded with cool gadgets ranging from smartphone-compatible infotainment systems and wireless charging pads to digital instrument clusters and built-in driving aids. Some of these driving aids—like the head-up display—are more than just cool tech, they can actually help keep you safer on the road!

If you’re not sure whether you want to spring for a head-up display on your new Subaru,

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can help you decide! In this guide, we’ll go over the most important things you need to know about this useful tech—like what it is and how it works. We’ll even throw in some tips on how to lower your Subaru car insurance costs in under a minute.

Subaru head-up display: what is it and do you need it?

The head-up display—which Subaru calls their EyeSight Assist Monitor—projects useful driving and safety information onto the lower portion of a vehicle’s windshield on the driver’s side, making it easy to see while operating the car.

Thanks to the head-up display being positioned directly in the driver’s line of sight, you can keep track of important driver-assistance alerts without taking your eyes off the road.

A HUD functions by means of a tiny projector, a set of mirrors, and a semi-transparent screen working together to display certain information and images. In the case of the Subaru EyeSight Assist Monitor, this information is conveyed by a series of images and color indicators.

Here’s how they break down.

Flashing red indicators are used to let you know when the vehicle’s automatic braking, obstacle detection, or throttle management are functioning.

A red indicator flashing on one side means that lane centering is active—the side that’s flashing is the side to which you’re drifting.

Flashing yellow indicators are used to let you know when steering wheel operation isn’t detected and when lane centering or lane departure has been canceled.

A yellow indicator flashing on one side means lane departure is active—the side that’s flashing is the side to which you’re drifting.

A solid green indicator lets you know when another vehicle is detected ahead of you while using the active cruise control function.

You have the option of turning the EyeSight Assist Monitor on or off, adjusting its height and brightness, and choosing what information and indicators are displayed.

Some drivers might feel nervous about flashing images being projected into their field of vision, but in general, the HUD isn’t obtrusive. In fact, it can keep you focused on the road and even helps prevent dangerous habits like distracted driving.

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Which Subaru models have a head-up display (HUD)?

If you’re shopping for a new car and want to check out Subaru’s EyeSight Assist Monitor, you should be aware that it’s only available on four Subaru models in 2022.

Here are the Subarus that can be equipped with the EyeSight Assist Monitor head-up display:

Subaru Ascent

: EyeSight Assist Monitor is standard on all trims, but more driver aids and alerts are available with the Premium trim and higher.

Subaru Legacy: EyeSight Assist Monitor is standard on all trims, but more driver aids and alerts are available with the Premium trim and higher.

Subaru Outback: EyeSight Assist Monitor is standard on all trims, but more driver aids and alerts are available with the Premium trim and higher.

Subaru WRX: EyeSight Assist Monitor is only available on WRXs equipped with the continuously variable transmission (CVT) system.

This means that if you want to buy an Ascent, Legacy, or Outback, you can take advantage of the EyeSight Assist Monitor no matter which trim you buy—but certain driver aids, such as blind-spot monitoring and rear-automatic braking, aren’t offered on the base models.

The sporty WRX can also be optioned with a head-up display, but you’ll have to give up the car’s standard six-speed manual transmission in order to do so.

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Can you add a head-up display to a Subaru?

So what happens if you drive an older Subaru or plan to buy a 2022 Impreza, Crosstrek, or Forester—can you still get a head-up display? Unfortunately, you can’t add Subaru’s EyeSight Assist Monitor to these vehicles, but you do have the option of buying an aftermarket HUD for around $450.

Aftermarket head-up displays are a little different than manufacturer versions since they usually project information on a piece of glass that attaches to your dashboard—rather than on the windshield itself—but they’re still a great way to keep important driving information in your line of sight!

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How to use the Subaru head-up display

Learning to use Subaru’s head-up display can seem overwhelming at first, but it’s pretty straightforward!

All you have to do is push the i/SET button mounted on your steering wheel, and you’ll gain access to the EyeSight Assist Monitor controls. Then, use the arrow buttons located directly above and below the i/SET switch to cycle through display options, brightness, and height adjustment.

You can only change the Subaru EyeSight Assist Monitor settings while your vehicle is in park.

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Is a Subaru head-up display worth it?

If you’re interested in a 2022 Ascent, Legacy, or Outback, the Subaru EyeSight Assist Monitor is absolutely worth it—especially since it’s considered a standard feature on all trims and won’t cost you extra! The only decision you’ll have to make comes down to whether you want to upgrade to a higher trim for additional driver aids.

On the other hand, car buyers interested in the 2022 Subaru WRX have an important choice to make. Since the WRX only comes with the EyeSight Assist Monitor when fitted with a CVT transmission, getting a head-up display on your car requires sacrificing the sportier stick shift.

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How to save on Subaru insurance

Due to all the new, cool technology, upgrade packages, add-ons, and fancy interior features, the cost of a new car can add up fast. But you can offset some of those extra expenses by using the

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