Four popular SUVs have cleared ANCAP’s latest round of safety assessments, earning five-star ratings across a broad spread of powertrains and price points. The Mazda CX-5, MG MGS6 EV, BMW X3 and Cupra Formentor were all evaluated under ANCAP’s 2023–2025 criteria — a useful reminder that strong safety performance is no longer the exclusive territory of premium brands.
Mazda CX-5 Sets a Vulnerable Road User Record
The new-generation CX-5 is the standout performer of the group in one specific area. It scored 93% for Vulnerable Road User Protection, a record high under the current criteria. That figure reflects both its collision avoidance aids and the design of its front end, which ANCAP assessed as reducing injury risk to pedestrians and cyclists.
Adult and child occupant protection also rated highly, reinforcing the CX-5’s position as a credible family choice. ANCAP Chief Executive Carla Hoorweg noted that buyers of the latest model can be confident Mazda has considered the safety of both those inside and outside the vehicle.
MG MGS6 EV Impresses Across the Board
The all-electric MGS6 EV earned 92% for Adult Occupant Protection, with full points awarded for driver protection in full-width and side-impact crash tests. Child occupant results in frontal offset and side-impact scenarios were equally strong.
A notable result was the MGS6 EV’s crash compatibility score. ANCAP’s assessment found its front-end design poses a lower risk to other vehicles in a collision, a detail that matters beyond the car itself. Collision avoidance performance was also described as strong. Hoorweg said the results demonstrate MG’s ability to deliver well-rounded protection in an electric model.
BMW X3 and Cupra Formentor Round Out the Group
Petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid variants of the BMW X3 all achieved the five-star result, showing consistent performance across the powertrain range. The X3 earned maximum scores in lane-keeping system tests and showed strong results in motorcycle collision detection, a scenario that catches some vehicles out. Its autonomous emergency braking system performed well across turning, head-on and rear-end situations.
ANCAP did note some marginal chest protection results for the driver and a rear passenger in frontal impact tests, which is worth flagging even within an otherwise strong overall result.
The updated Cupra Formentor receives a refreshed five-star rating, though with an important caveat on timing. The rating applies to New Zealand vehicles with a build date from December 2025, and to Australian-supplied vehicles built from April 2026. Buyers should confirm build dates when purchasing.
Tarmac Takeaway
Taken together, these four results cover a wide range of buyers, from family SUV shoppers considering the CX-5 to those weighing up an EV in the MGS6, a premium all-rounder in the X3, or a sportier option in the Formentor. The spread of powertrains and price points across the group supports ANCAP’s point that safe choices now exist across most segments.
All four models were assessed under the same 2023–2025 criteria, making direct comparison meaningful. For anyone currently shopping in the mid-size SUV space, this batch of results offers a useful and timely reference point.
