Australia’s leading independent vehicle safety authority, ANCAP, has announced the top-performing vehicles of 2024. The Toyota Camry, Mazda CX-80, and Zeekr X led the pack and have earned the top safety ratings this year. These models achieved five-star ANCAP safety ratings under the rigorous 2023-2025 testing protocols.
Toyota Camry Takes Top Spot
Securing the highest overall weighted score of 88.4 per cent, the Toyota Camry (Medium Car, hybrid) emerged as the safest vehicle of 2024. This was largely due to its exceptional Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) score of 95 per cent. This is the highest among all vehicles assessed this year.
“The Camry secured top spot in 2024, excelling with a score of 95% for Adult Occupant Protection – the highest AOP score of all vehicles assessed in 2024,” said ANCAP Chief Executive Officer, Carla Hoorweg.
“The Camry remains a stable and reliable choice with a safety pedigree that dates back over 13 years.”
Mazda CX-80: A Strong Contender
In second place, the Mazda CX-80 (Large SUV, petrol/diesel/PHEV) achieved an overall weighted score of 87.6 per cent. It performed well across all four assessment areas: AOP, Child Occupant Protection, Vulnerable Road User Protection, and Safety Assist. It earned a 92 per cent AOP score which is the second-highest in 2024.
“The Mazda CX-80 received the second highest Adult Occupant Protection score of 2024 with 92 per cent,” said Ms Hoorweg.
“This was assisted by its gaining of full points in the side impact, far side impact, whiplash protection, and oblique pole crash tests.”
Zeekr X Joins the Elite
Making its debut, the Zeekr X (Small SUV, electric) rounded out the top three with an overall weighted score of 87.4 per cent. As a new entrant to the Australian and New Zealand markets, Zeekr has made a strong impression.
“We saw a handful of new manufacturers enter the mix locally in 2024, and each of these – including Zeekr – have shown their commitment to bringing five-star cars to Australian and New Zealand consumers,” Ms Hoorweg commented.
Safety Highlights and Concerns
Of the 23 vehicles rated by ANCAP in 2024, 74 per cent achieved five-star safety ratings, which showed continued advancements in vehicle safety. However, not all models performed well. The Suzuki Swift recorded the lowest weighted score of the year at 56.6 per cent, earning just one star. Meanwhile, the Hyundai i30 and Jeep Avenger managed three-star ratings, with scores of 68.2 per cent and 68.4 per cent, respectively.
“The new year presents an opportunity for manufacturers with upcoming new models to strive for a top ranking, and for models that didn’t achieve the strongest scores in 2024 to use this as an opportunity to enhance safety with future model iterations,” said Ms Hoorweg.
For more details, including the full list of vehicles assessed, visit ANCAP’s website.
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