ANCAP has released the latest safety ratings for five highly anticipated models, spanning dual-cab Utes, compact and medium SUVs, and next-generation electric vehicles.
The Toyota Hilux, Denza B5, GAC AION V, Mitsubishi ASX, and Hyundai Palisade were all assessed under the organisation’s comprehensive crash and collision avoidance protocols.
Top performers achieve five-star safety
The Toyota Hilux, one of Australia’s best-selling utes, earned a five-star ANCAP rating. The vehicle features a wider suite of safety technologies, including a centre airbag and upgraded automatic emergency braking (AEB). Testing showed consistently strong performance across all four assessment pillars.
The Denza B5, a new luxury plug-in hybrid SUV from BYD entering the Australian and New Zealand markets, also received a five-star rating. It scored maximum points in side-impact tests and demonstrated strong AEB performance for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists.
Electric newcomer GAC’s AION V made a strong debut with a five-star rating, performing particularly well in side-impact and far-side crash scenarios, placing it among the top safety performers in its class.
The Hyundai Palisade, assessed in both seven- and eight-seat variants, secured a five-star rating. The hybrid SUV achieved full points for child occupant protection in frontal and side impacts, and solid adult protection scores in side-impact and oblique pole tests. A minor penalty was applied due to reduced footwell integrity in the frontal offset test; however, overall collision avoidance performance remained strong across all scenarios.
Mitsubishi ASX rated four stars
The Mitsubishi ASX received a four-star rating, a step down from its previous assessment. While the vehicle showed good performance in side-impact and oblique pole tests and achieved strong child occupant protection (83 per cent), adult occupant protection was limited by weak driver chest protection in the frontal offset test and the absence of a centre airbag, which ultimately constrained its overall rating.
Key points for fleet and consumer buyers
Both the Toyota Hilux and Denza B5 incurred an 8.00-point penalty due to the risk their front structures pose to occupants of oncoming vehicles. In comparison, the Hyundai Palisade recorded a lower 2.73-point penalty for the same criterion.
ANCAP CEO Carla Hoorweg emphasised the significance of these ratings.
“It is great to see strong results from both established and emerging brands, including the Denza B5 and fully electric models such as the AION V,” she said.
“Each star rating communicates a distinct level of protection, giving consumers and fleet operators clear insight into vehicle safety performance and the advancement of safety features across different segments and powertrains.”
Full details of all vehicles assessed can be found on the ANCAP website.
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