Four EVs achieve five-star ANCAP safety ratings

ANCAP has awarded five-star safety ratings to six models in its latest testing round, with electric vehicles (EVs) representing four of the six vehicles assessed.

The BYD ATTO 1, Tesla Model Y, Volvo EX90 and Mini Aceman all achieved the top safety rating alongside the Nissan Navara and MG QS, demonstrating strong safety performance across a range of vehicle types and price points.

The results reflect manufacturers’ ability to meet modern safety protocols across electric SUVs, light commercial vehicles and compact crossovers, says ANCAP.

Small EV delivers big safety results

The BYD ATTO 1 achieved full points for Adult Occupant Protection in side impact and pole tests, as well as child seat installation, despite its compact dimensions. The small electric vehicle scored 82% for Adult Occupant Protection, 86% for Child Occupant Protection, 76% for Vulnerable Road User protection and 79% for Safety Assist.

Tesla’s updated Model Y maintained its five-star rating for facelifted vehicles on sale from May 2025, recording the highest scores across all categories. The electric SUV achieved 91% for Adult Occupant Protection, 95% for Child Occupant Protection, 86% for Vulnerable Road User protection and 92% for Safety Assist.

The Tesla achieved the top score for vehicles tested under 2023–2025 protocols for Safety Assist, including autonomous emergency braking (AEB) Junction and Crossing, AEB Head-On, driver monitoring and lane support systems.

Premium EVs set safety benchmark

The Volvo EX90 secured a five-star result with strong occupant protection scores of 92% for adults and 94% for children. The large electric SUV features an active bonnet and a driver monitoring system with unresponsive-driver intervention, which can take control when it detects an unresponsive driver and bring the vehicle to a safe stop.

The Mini Aceman achieved its five-star rating through stable crash test structures and good side-impact and oblique pole crash performance. The compact electric crossover recorded solid AEB pedestrian, cyclist and motorcycle results, supported by an active bonnet and effective lane support systems.

ANCAP Chief Executive Officer Carla Hoorweg says the results demonstrate manufacturers’ increasing ability to meet modern safety requirements across different vehicle types and price points.

“Among this interesting mix of vehicles, it is positive to see the diminutive BYD ATTO 1 arrive with a five-star rating,” Hoorweg says.

“We know occupants of smaller cars are at greater risk due to their physical size, so this rating helps reinforce the benchmark for other manufacturers.”

Hoorweg says the results provide fleet operators with clearer options when selecting safer vehicles for employees.

“For fleet operators, these results show that five-star safety is achievable across light commercial models and new-generation EVs alike, giving procurement teams clearer options when selecting safer vehicles for their employees,” she says.

The Nissan Navara achieved its five-star rating based on crash performance and crash avoidance scoring from its corporate twin, the Mitsubishi Triton. The MG QS also attained five stars with generally good crash test performance, though it recorded a weak chest result for a rear passenger in the full-width frontal test.

Full results are available at ancap.com.au.