Australia’s vehicle safety authority has expanded its latest round of Commercial Van Safety Comparison results, issuing new safety gradings for the Ford Transit, Toyota HiAce and the newly arrived Farizon SV.
The updates extend ANCAP’s independent guidance for fleets and buyers looking to compare collision-avoidance capability across commercial vans.
Ford Transit sets a new segment benchmark
The full-size Ford Transit has secured a Platinum grading with an overall collision-avoidance score of 93 per cent, the highest recorded among NB-category vans to date. It surpasses previous top performers such as the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and eSprinter.
The Transit’s result is supported by a more comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features than the model assessed in 2020, including autonomous emergency braking for vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists and reverse situations, as well as lane support, emergency lane keeping, speed assistance and driver monitoring.
“Ford’s Transit has set a new benchmark for active safety performance among the larger commercial vans segment,” ANCAP Chief Executive Officer Carla Hoorweg said.
Toyota HiAce lifts to platinum
The updated Toyota HiAce has also moved into Platinum territory with a 90 per cent collision-avoidance score, improving on the Gold rating attributed to earlier versions. The new grading applies to van and crew van variants built from June 2025.
ANCAP testing found the latest HiAce is equipped with safety systems equivalent to those in Toyota’s passenger vehicles, achieving full points for forward car-to-car detection, intervention and lane-keeping functions.
“Toyota’s updated HiAce demonstrates great progress in the smaller van segment, with the recent model improvements delivering a balanced and high-performing result,” Ms Hoorweg said.
Farizon SV debuts with strong safety showing
New to the Australian market, the battery-electric Farizon SV has entered ANCAP’s assessments with a Platinum grading and an overall score of 84 per cent. Testing showed strong performance across most categories, though ANCAP noted the absence of AEB Backover capability and speed assistance.
“Farizon’s entry reflects the high standard Australian consumers and fleets expect straight out of the box. This is a really encouraging first showing and adds to the growing range of safe electric vans now available,” Ms Hoorweg said.
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