Five-star ANCAP result for Toyota LandCruiser 70 and Prius

Toyota has delivered on its promise; the LandCruiser 70 Series has achieved an unlikely but commendable ANCAP rating of five stars.

Previously a three-star vehicle, the ancient off-roader – in single-cab form at least – has achieved the five-star rating after structural changes to chassis, cabin and bonnet, and the adoption of side curtain airbags, a driver's knee airbag and seat belt pre-tensioners. In addition, the seats have been revised.

Along with recent changes to the vehicle's engine – lifting it to Euro 5 emissions standard compliance – the LandCruiser 70 is now fit to continue selling to fleets around the country.

"It is encouraging Toyota has responded to consumer demand, particularly from commercial and fleet buyers, and implemented design changes and safety upgrades to improve the Landcruiser safety rating," said James Goodwin, ANCAP CEO.

"Safety is a key consideration for everyday consumers and corporations with a significant proportion of businesses requiring minimum 5 star vehicle standards for not only their own fleets but also their contractors.

"This competitive pressure has resulted in a two-star jump for the Landcruiser 70 and will have a tangible effect on the safety of worksites and more broadly, Australasia's vehicle fleet."

During the same batch of crash testing, ANCAP also evaluated the car that is the very antithesis of the LandCruiser 70 – but still a Toyota nonetheless – the Prius. The small hybrid hatch also came out of the testing with a five-star result, which is in keeping with the crashworthiness of earlier generations of Prius.

"The Prius has held a five-star ANCAP safety rating for a number of generations and the current model continues to impress with a notable line-up of advanced safety assist technologies as standard including autonomous emergency braking, lane support systems and adaptive cruise control," Goodwin said.