ANCAP: safest models of 2025 announced

Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) has revealed the top-rated models it crash-tested in 2025, with the updated Tesla Model Y medium SUV taking out the top spot, just as pre-update version did in 2022.

The best-selling electric SUV scored 91 per cent for its adult occupant protection, 95 per cent for child occupant protection, 86 per cent for vulnerable road user protection and 92 per cent for its safety assists – a higher average than any other vehicle.

Breathing down its neck was the related Model 3 sedan which nabbed respective category scores of 90, 95, 89 and 88 per cent, making it the second-highest-ranked model overall and the safest passenger vehicle of any size.

Delving down into the vehicle classes, the Volvo EX90 (92%, 94%, 82%, 84%) was the safest large SUV, the MG IM5 (89%, 91%, 85%, 79%) was the highest-rated large car, the MGS5 EV (90%, 86%, 82%, 79%) was the safest small SUV, the MINI Cooper E was the best-performing light or small car while the new-generation Toyota HiLux (84%, 89%, 82%, 82%) took out the ute category.

“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,” ANCAP chief executive officer Carla Hoorweg said.

“We are also seeing increasing alignment between ANCAP’s test requirements and the safety technologies that genuinely matter on Australian and New Zealand roads.

“Improvements in autonomous emergency braking, lane support and driver monitoring systems are translating into more robust protection in everyday driving.”

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