The latest round of ANCAP safety ratings highlight the consistently high level of protection now being delivered across the Australian and New Zealand new vehicle market.
ANCAP Safety awarded five-star ratings to several new models assessed under its 2023–2025 testing criteria, ahead of a revised ratings framework that will apply to vehicles tested from 2026.
Strong results across multiple manufacturers
Among the newly rated vehicles, the Leapmotor B10 delivered standout results across key categories, including Adult Occupant Protection, Child Occupant Protection and Safety Assist. The model achieved a 95 per cent score for Child Occupant Protection, matching the highest result recorded under the current assessment regime.
Geely’s first plug-in hybrid assessed by ANCAP, the Starray EM-i, returned a balanced performance, highlighted by an 86 per cent score for Vulnerable Road User Protection, reflecting effective pedestrian and cyclist safety outcomes.
The Zeekr 7X, the second model from the brand to undergo ANCAP testing, recorded high scores for both Adult and Child Occupant Protection. The vehicle achieved maximum points in side impact and oblique pole crash tests.
Established brands maintain high benchmarks
The Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe secured a five-star ANCAP rating with strong Adult Occupant Protection results and the highest Vulnerable Road User Protection score among this group of vehicles.
Kia’s EV4 also achieved a five-star rating, with ANCAP noting the level of standard safety equipment supplied to the Australian and New Zealand market.
“As more new models and emerging brands arrive on our roads, independent safety assessment remains critical. ANCAP testing provides consumers with clear, comparable information, and ensures vehicles meet the highest standards for protection, regardless of badge or price point,” ANCAP chief executive Carla Hoorweg said.
Ratings updated for existing models
ANCAP also confirmed updated five-star ratings for several existing vehicles following specification changes.
An updated rating now applies to the Toyota bZ4X for vehicles built from October 2025, with the revised result also extending to its sibling model, the Subaru Solterra.
The five-star safety rating originally awarded to petrol variants of the MG HS has been expanded to include hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions. ANCAP said additional testing confirmed comparable crash protection and high-voltage system integrity across the electrified variants.
The full safety reports for these vehicles can be found below:
- Geely Starray EM-i
- Kia EV4
- Leapmotor B10
- Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe
- MG HS
- Subaru Solterra
- Toyota bZ4X
- Zeekr 7X
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