ANCAP Safety has released its list of the strongest safety performers assessed during 2025 across major market segments in Australia and New Zealand.
The annual recognition is based on a weighted assessment of four testing areas. This includes Adult Occupant Protection, Child Occupant Protection, Vulnerable Road User Protection, and Safety Assist. Vehicles with the highest combined results across these categories are named as top performers for the year.
According to ANCAP, the 2025 results highlight the growing availability of high-level safety performance across a wide range of vehicle types. It provides clearer guidance for both private buyers and fleet operators.
Tesla Model Y leads overall results
The Tesla Model Y recorded the highest overall weighted score of any vehicle assessed by ANCAP in 2025. It delivered strong performance across occupant protection and active safety systems.
It marks the second time the Model Y has taken the top position. It was previously recognised as ANCAP’s leading performer in 2022 prior to its facelift.
Several other passenger vehicles also achieved high scores during 2025 testing. This includes the Tesla Model 3, Volvo EX90, IM 5, MGS5 EV, and Mini Cooper E. They all demonstrated strong results across multiple crash and safety assessments.
Hilux tops utility segment
In the utility category, the Toyota Hilux recorded the highest safety score among utes assessed this year. The result comes amid the release of several new-generation utes into the Australian and New Zealand markets.
ANCAP said the Hilux’s performance reflected improvements in both crash protection and driver assistance technologies.
Focus on system-based safety
ANCAP Chief Executive Officer Carla Hoorweg said the 2025 results reinforced the importance of integrated safety design rather than isolated features.
“ANCAP’s testing continues to reinforce a clear message: the safest vehicles are those designed with safety as a system, not a checklist,” Ms Hoorweg said.
“The top performers this year delivered consistent results across physical crash protection, crash avoidance and vulnerable road user safety, rather than relying on strength in a single area.”
She said recent updates to ANCAP’s testing protocols were increasingly aligned with real-world driving risks.
“We are also seeing increasing alignment between ANCAP’s test requirements and the safety technologies that genuinely matter on Australian and New Zealand roads,” Ms Hoorweg said.
“Improvements in autonomous emergency braking, lane support and driver monitoring systems are translating into more robust protection in everyday driving.”
Broader choice for buyers
Ms Hoorweg said the diversity of vehicles recognised in 2025 demonstrated that strong safety outcomes were no longer limited to specific segments.
“The breadth of top performers this year shows that high levels of safety are achievable across multiple vehicle segments, giving consumers clearer choices when safety is a priority,” she said.
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