Four SUVs across the mainstream, electric and premium segments have received five-star safety ratings in ANCAP’s latest round of vehicle assessments, delivering strong results for occupant protection and advanced driver assistance technologies.
The Mazda CX-5, MG MGS6 EV, BMW X3 and updated Cupra Formentor were all assessed against ANCAP’s 2023–2025 safety protocols, highlighting the continued focus on crash protection and collision avoidance across the new vehicle market.
Mazda CX-5 leads in vulnerable road user protection
The new-generation Mazda CX-5 achieved a five-star ANCAP safety rating, recording a 93 per cent score for Vulnerable Road User Protection—the highest score achieved in this assessment category to date.
ANCAP said the result reflected the SUV’s high-performing collision avoidance systems and front-end design, which helps reducethe risk of injury to pedestrians and other road users.
The model also performed strongly in Adult Occupant Protection and Child Occupant Protection assessments, reinforcing its suitability as a family vehicle.
“The CX-5 has long been a popular model for families, and buyers of this latest model can be assured that Mazda has considered the safety and protection of occupants and those outside the car,” said Carla Hoorweg, Chief Executive Officer of ANCAP Safety.
MG MGS6 EV records strong occupant protection
The all-electric MG MGS6 EV also secured a five-star rating, with its highest result coming in Adult Occupant Protection, where it scored 92 per cent.
ANCAP said the vehicle demonstrated:
- Full points for driver protection in the full-width frontal and side-impact crash tests.
- Strong protection for child occupants in frontal offset and side-impact tests.
- Good crash compatibility through a front-end design that reduces risks to occupants of other vehicles.
- Strong performance from its collision avoidance systems protecting vulnerable road users.
“These results demonstrate MG’s ability to deliver a model with very good all-round protection,” said Hoorweg.
BMW X3 performs well across safety technologies
Petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid variants of the BMW X3 are all covered by the five-star rating after demonstrating consistent safety performance.
ANCAP highlighted the X3’s advanced driver assistance systems, including:
- Maximum scores for lane-keeping assistance.
- Strong motorcycle detection capability.
- Effective autonomous emergency braking performance across turning, head-on and rear-end crash scenarios.
Crash testing showed generally good occupant protection, although ANCAP noted marginal chest protection for both the driver and rear passenger in frontal impact testing.
“The five-star safety rating for the BMW X3 reinforces that achieving the highest level of safety requires a balance of effective collision avoidance and crash protection features,” said Hoorweg.
Updated Cupra Formentor also awarded five stars
The updated Cupra Formentor also received a five-star ANCAP safety rating.
The rating applies to New Zealand vehicles built from December 2025 and Australian-delivered vehicles manufactured from April 2026.
Commenting on the latest group of results, Hoorweg said consumers now have a wide range of safe vehicle choices across different brands and powertrains.
“Whether buyers are prioritising an EV or a premium SUV, these latest results confirm there is broad choice for safe picks regardless of brand or price point,” she said.
The full ANCAP safety reports for the vehicles can be found below:
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