ANCAP has just unveiled the crème de la crème of car safety for 2024, and much like dessert at a fancy restaurant, these cars are worth savoring.
Taking the spotlight is the Toyota Camry—a veteran of the “safe and steady” awards circuit. This medium hybrid sedan didn’t just secure a five-star ANCAP safety rating; it smashed records with a top weighted score of 88.4%. Oh, and let’s not forget its Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) score of 95%—the highest of any vehicle tested in 2024. Carla Hoorweg, ANCAP’s Chief Executive Officer, summed it up perfectly: “The Camry remains a stable and reliable choice with a safety pedigree that dates back over 13 years”. In other words, it’s the safety equivalent of a timeless classic like The Godfather, but in car form.
Nipping at the Camry’s heels is the Mazda CX-80, a large SUV available in petrol, diesel, or PHEV flavors. With a weighted score of 87.6%, it didn’t just show up, it kicked down the crash-test doors, scoring 92% in the AOP category. Side impacts, oblique poles, whiplash tests? This thing aced them all. It’s essentially the overachieving student with perfect test scores, but in a snazzy SUV jacket.
Rounding out the podium is the Zeekr X, representing a fresh-faced brand entry into the market. This small electric SUV secured a stellar score of 87.4% and showed newcomers how it’s done, clinching a five-star rating and earning the respect of safety nerds everywhere. Carla Hoorweg had this to say: “We saw a handful of new manufacturers enter the mix locally in 2024, and each of these – including Zeekr – have shown their commitment to bringing five-star cars to Australian and New Zealand consumers.” Move over, old guard; the new kids are here to stay.
But wait, it’s not all roses and stars. At the other end of this safety spectrum lies the unfortunate Suzuki Swift, limping away with a one-star safety rating and a weighted score of 56.6%. It’s joined by the Jeep Avenger and Hyundai i30, both of which stalled out in three-star territory.
Of the 23 vehicles rated by ANCAP in 2024, nearly half were brand-new models, with 74% of the total market grabbing the coveted five-star badge. If anything, the results show that the auto industry is pushing forward hard—but with a few hiccups along the way. As Hoorweg reminds us, the scoreboard isn’t just about winners; it’s about motivating improvement. Manufacturers, let’s step it up in 2025, shall we?
For the full safety scoop, head over to ANCAP’s website, because, really, who doesn’t want to geek out over car safety scores?
