Key Points
- Six of the seven top safety performers are electric vehicles, showing EV safety leadership
- Toyota Hilux tops utility vehicle category with strong all-round performance
- Seven vehicles set new benchmarks across different market segments
ANCAP has revealed its top safety performers for 2025. These vehicles represent the safest options across key market segments.
The assessment is based on four pillars. These are Adult Occupant Protection, Child Occupant Protection, Vulnerable Road User Protection, and Safety Assist.
The results show increasing availability of high safety performance across vehicle types. More buyers now have access to vehicles with strong safety credentials.
Six of the seven top performers are electric vehicles. Only the Toyota Hilux utility vehicle represents traditional powertrains. This demonstrates the strong safety performance of electric vehicles across multiple segments.
Tesla Model Y Takes Top Spot
The Tesla Model Y achieved the highest overall weighted score of any vehicle assessed by ANCAP in 2025. It scored 91% for adult occupant protection, 95% for child occupant protection, 86% for vulnerable road user protection, and 92% for safety assist.
This is the second time the Model Y has taken the lead position. The pre-facelifted Model Y was also awarded ANCAP's top performer in 2022.
Electric Vehicles Dominate Safety Rankings
Six of the seven top performers are electric vehicles. The Tesla Model Y, Tesla Model 3, Volvo EX90, IM 5, MG S5 EV, and Mini Cooper E are all EVs. Only the Toyota Hilux represents traditional powertrains.
This shows electric vehicles are not just environmentally friendly. They are also leading in safety performance. Electric vehicle architecture may contribute to better crash protection and integration of safety systems.
The dominance of EVs in these rankings reflects their advanced design and technology. Modern electric vehicles are setting new benchmarks for safety across multiple segments.
Top Performers by Category
Vehicle | Category | Adult Protection | Child Protection | Vulnerable Road User | Safety Assist |
Tesla Model Y | Medium SUV | 91% | 95% | 86% | 92% |
Tesla Model 3 | Medium Car | 90% | 95% | 89% | 88% |
Volvo EX90 | Large SUV | 92% | 94% | 82% | 84% |
IM 5 | Large Car | 89% | 91% | 85% | 79% |
MG S5 EV | Small SUV | 90% | 86% | 82% | 79% |
Mini Cooper E | Light/Small Car | 89% | 83% | 77% | 83% |
Toyota Hilux | Utility | 84% | 89% | 82% | 82% |
What Makes These Vehicles Stand Out
ANCAP Chief Executive Officer Carla Hoorweg said the testing continues to reinforce a clear message. She stated that the safest vehicles are those designed with safety as a system, not a checklist.
The top performers delivered consistent results across physical crash protection, crash avoidance and vulnerable road user safety. They are not relying on strength in a single area.
There is increasing alignment between ANCAP's test requirements and safety technologies that matter on Australian and New Zealand roads. Improvements in autonomous emergency braking, lane support and driver monitoring systems are translating into more robust protection.
How ANCAP Calculates Top Performers
Top performer results are calculated by taking a weighted sum of a vehicle's scores across four assessment areas. Adult Occupant Protection accounts for 40% of the overall weighting.
This approach ensures segment winners deliver strong all-round performance. It prevents vehicles from excelling in only one part of the assessment.
What This Means for Buyers
These results give consumers and fleets clearer choices when safety is a priority. The breadth of top performers shows high levels of safety are achievable across multiple vehicle segments.
Electric vehicles are proving to be among the safest options available. Buyers considering EVs can be confident in their safety performance. The dominance of EVs in safety rankings reflects their advanced design and technology.
Buyers should prioritize safety when choosing their next vehicle. These vehicles set the benchmark for safety performance in 2025.
About the author
Danny Thai
Danny is a consultant and entrepreneur working at the cutting edge of the electric vehicle and energy transition. He is passionate about educating and helping consumers make better decisions through data.
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