​Snow, wildlife crossings, and long stretches of empty highway are just a few of the difficulties you might face on Montana's rural roads. This is where EyeSight, Subaru's driver-assist system, can make all the difference. Using a pair of high-resolution, forward-facing cameras, this system acts as an extra pair of eyes, giving you the confidence you need in those challenging conditions.
In this guide, you'll learn how the system works and how to use and maintain it to ensure your drives through Great Falls and beyond are safer and more enjoyable.
What Subaru EyeSight Is and How It Works
Subaru EyeSight first appeared in Canada in 2012, offering a different approach to keeping you safe. With sensors and dual cameras that are mounted near your rearview mirror, the system monitors the road ahead, processing information in real time, then provides you with immediate feedback, creating an integrated approach to safety. The newest versions add a third camera for more advanced pedestrian and cyclist detection.
Together, these cameras create a 3D view of what's happening, while the system differentiates between cars, people, cyclists, and fixed objects, figuring out how far away they are and which way they're moving.
Subaru EyeSight runs silently in the background while you drive, without the need to initiate it every time you get into your car. It's your attentive copilot, helping boost your reaction time and alerting you if you zone out behind the wheel.
Core Safety Features Included in Subaru EyeSight
The 2026 EyeSight 4.0 system consists of the following 11 safety functions that work concurrently to protect and assist you in all kinds of traffic, from bumper-to-bumper city driving to open highway cruising:
- Reverse automatic braking: detects objects or vehicles behind you when you're driving in reverse, alerting you and applying the brakes if necessary
- DriverFocus system: uses facial recognition to catch sleepiness or distraction and gently reminds you to focus, or lets you know it's time for a break
- Precollision braking: watches for potential crashes and applies the brakes if you don't react
- Precollision throttle management: reduces engine power when it detects potential danger, giving you time to respond
- Lane departure and sway warning: catches any drifting and alerts you, or if necessary, intervenes to steer you back into your lane
- Steering responsive headlights: points in the direction you're turning to help you see things sooner
- High beam assist: dims and activates high beams as necessary
- Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with lane centering: automatically maintains a safe distance from the car in front
- Blind-spot detection: alerts you if there's a vehicle hidden in your blind spot
- Rear cross-traffic alert: detects vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists approaching from the side
- Automatic emergency steering: helps maneuver you safely around obstructions in your path
Which Subaru Models Come with EyeSight Driver Assist?
The EyeSight system is included as standard on most Subaru models, even on base trims. This approach makes Subaru stand out from other brands that often charge thousands to add similar safety tech to a vehicle. Subaru believes safety shouldn't be a luxury add-on that only some can afford.
Setting Up and Customizing EyeSight for Everyday Driving
To get the most out of your EyeSight system, it's worth taking the time to set it up properly, so you don't miss out on its full potential.
That's why Subaru developed the Love-Encore program. This program provides you with a personal follow-up 14 to 45 days after you purchase a vehicle, during which a specialist walks you through features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and precollision braking.
Maintenance and Best Practice
Montana's dusty roads and winter snow can block camera views and reduce performance, so it's a good idea to keep your vehicle's windows clean at all times. It also helps to replace wipers before they cause streaks and to avoid hanging items from the rearview mirror that block the camera's view.
You can customize settings such as following distance, warning sensitivity, and traffic alerts using your touch-screen or dashboard buttons. Most models from 2025 onward include smart artificial intelligence that learns your preferences.
If you see warning messages or any persistent error messages, don't ignore them. Get your vehicle checked by a professional mechanic. It's also important to have your vehicle professionally recalibrated after windshield replacement or collisions.
Annual checkups are essential. They catch issues early on and ensure that the system continues to protect you. It's also advisable to get software updates during service visits to improve performance.
How EyeSight Helps in Real-World Driving Conditions
Learn how and when to use your EyeSight system to allow it to shine. For example, if you're stuck in stop-and-go traffic, adaptive cruise control can reduce stress by smoothly handling braking and acceleration. Long highway trips across Montana can become less draining when lane-keep assist and adaptive cruise control are working together. These two functions maintain speed and make small steering corrections for a less tiresome driving experience.
When you find yourself in Montana's adverse weather conditions and are having difficulty seeing the road ahead, your EyeSight driver-assist system will make it easier by seeing for you and helping you control distance and speed. But always remember, EyeSight works as your copilot, not your replacement, and in some situations, such as thick snow, sun glare, or faded lane markings, it might be necessary for you to take over, so always stay alert and keep your eyes on the road.
Maximize Your Subaru EyeSight Experience
The Subaru EyeSight driver-assist system keeps you safe while reducing stress and fatigue on your Montana drives. With the right setup, regular maintenance, and knowing how to use it, this system can completely transform your drives.
If you need help setting up EyeSight in your Subaru, don't hesitate to drop by Great Falls Subaru and chat with our team. We know Subaru systems inside out, and we'll help you make the most of this amazing safety technology on Montana's challenging roads.
Blue Sports Car on Open Road in Motion by Erik Mclean is licensed with Pexels License
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