As new models continue to pour into the Australian and New Zealand markets, ANCAP’s latest round of testing shows one thing loud and clear: top-tier safety is no longer a premium add‑on, it’s becoming the norm. A fresh batch of vehicles has just secured the coveted five-star ANCAP safety rating, reflecting both technological progress and increasing manufacturer commitment to protecting occupants, pedestrians, and vulnerable road users alike.
In classic ANCAP fashion, these results were compiled under the 2023–2025 testing regime, making them some of the final vehicles to be assessed before the updated 2026 protocols roll in. Here’s a closer look at the standout performers.
Leapmotor B10 – A Rising Star With a Record-Setting Child Safety Score
One of the biggest headline grabbers this year is the Leapmotor B10, an emerging-market offering proving it can compete at the highest level. The B10 delivered exceptional scores across the board, particularly in Child Occupant Protection, where it achieved an impressive 95 percent, tying the highest ever recorded under the current ANCAP standards. With strong Adult Occupant and Safety Assist results as well, it signals a bold arrival from a brand quickly gaining recognition.
Geely Starray EM-i – PHEV Power With Balanced Protection
As Geely’s first plug-in hybrid model assessed by ANCAP, the Starray EM‑i showcased well-rounded competence across all categories. Its standout achievement was an 86 percent rating in Vulnerable Road User Protection — a major plus for urban safety, where pedestrian and cyclist interaction is most frequent. With scores of 90 percent for Adult Occupant Protection and 87 percent for Child Occupant Protection, the EM‑i demonstrates Geely’s rapid evolution in global safety standards.
Zeekr 7X – High Marks in Crash Testing Excellence
The Zeekr 7X, the second model from the brand to undergo ANCAP evaluation, also impressed with a strong suite of results. It performed particularly well in side-impact and oblique pole crash tests, earning maximum points — an indicator of robust engineering and structural integrity. Its 91 percent Adult Occupant and 87 percent Child Occupant Protection scores position it solidly among leading contenders.
Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe – Luxury Meets Leading-Edge Safety
The only premium European model in this round, the Mercedes‑Benz CLE Coupe, lived up to the badge. It scored the highest Vulnerable Road User Protection rating of the entire group, at 87 percent, reinforcing Mercedes’ ongoing investment in pedestrian and cyclist detection tech. Its 93 percent Adult Occupant Protection score also cements its place as one of the safest luxury coupes on sale today.
Kia EV4 – Another Strong EV Entry
Kia has been on a roll with safety performance across its EV lineup, and the EV4 continues that trajectory. Featuring a standard safety suite designed for both the Australian and NZ markets, the EV4 reached five stars with commendable results — 84 percent Adult Occupant, 86 percent Child Occupant, and 81 percent for Safety Assist systems. As EV adoption accelerates, models like the EV4 show consumers can expect safety without compromise.
Updated Ratings: Toyota bZ4X, Subaru Solterra, and MG HS
Some familiar faces also returned with updated or extended five-star credentials. The Toyota bZ4X now carries an updated rating applicable to vehicles built from October 2025, with its twin (the Subaru Solterra) sharing the result thanks to manufacturers’ spec enhancements. Both models sit at a consistent 88 percent Adult Occupant and 86 percent Child Occupant Protection.
Meanwhile, the MG HS saw its original five-star petrol rating expanded to include hybrid and plug‑in hybrid variants. Additional testing confirmed that electrified versions deliver comparable occupant protection and maintain high-voltage system safety.
What These Results Mean for Today’s Buyers
According to ANCAP CEO Carla Hoorweg, independent assessment remains crucial as the market fills with new brands and advanced models. ANCAP helps ensure a transparent, level playing field (regardless of price point or badge advantage) allowing consumers to make informed decisions based on verifiable safety metrics.
With the 2026 testing regime on the horizon, these final pre‑update results serve as a benchmark of how far manufacturers have come. From emerging EV makers to established luxury marques, top-tier safety performance is becoming universal, and that’s a win for every road user.
As more models arrive and safety tech evolves, one thing’s certain: the bar is rising, and ANCAP is ready to push it higher.
