The electric Tesla Model Y was the top Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) Safety rated vehicle for 2022, achieving an overall weighted score of 92.6%.
Next up is the Lexus NX medium SUV (which includes a plug-in hybrid) at 89.2%, followed by the LDV Mifa 9 battery electric vehicle (BEV) and Mifa people movers in third equal on 87.4%.
“Once again we’ve seen high levels of safety performance across a range of vehicle types and brands,” says ANCAP chief executive Carla Hoorweg.
“Of interest this year is that each of the three highest scorers include alternative-powered models,”
Looking more broadly at the 69 vehicle models rated against the outgoing 2020-2022 test and rating criteria, ANCAP says the Tesla Model Y achieved the highest scores in the Adult Occupant Protection (97%) and Safety Assist (98%) assessment areas.
The Ford Ranger, Ford Everest, Nissan Qashqai and Nissan Pathfinder shared the highest score for Child Occupant Protection (93%), while the Toyota Corolla Cross achieved the highest score for Vulnerable Road User Protection (87%).
Sixty-one of the 69 vehicle models (88%) rated by ANCAP over the past three years achieved a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating.
Thirty-one models (45%) rated over this period were those which offer an alternative-powered drivetrain.
“This clearly shows the desire and commitment of vehicle manufacturers to offer the safest vehicles they can into the Australian and New Zealand markets, and the continued appetite of consumers and fleet buyers who expect the highest level of safety,” Hoorweg explains.
“We know the continued injection of the safest vehicles onto our roads has tangible road safety and economic benefits, and this strong performance of models rated over the past three years will see even an even greater number of lives saved and serious injuries avoided.”
ANCAP’s rating program enhances the safety of the Australasian vehicle fleet by encouraging fitment of safety technologies ahead of government regulation, and encourages autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, and centre airbag technologies.
It says these are estimated to have contributed to 22 fewer fatalities and 571 serious injuries on Australian roads during 2019-2021 and is projected to result in 15 fewer fatalities and 442 serious injuries there in 2027 alone.
Click here for the full ANCAP list.
