Safest Cars in Australia

Safety is a top priority when buying a new car. When looking for the safest cars in Australia, many turn to the Australian New Car Assessment Program, better known as ANCAP SAFETY, for guidance. This organisation is a leading authority on vehicle safety in Australia and New Zealand. 

You’ll know which cars are safest to drive using ANCAP’s simple star rating system. The safety ratings cover thousands of vehicle makes, models, and variants. Use the ratings to compare the relative safety between cars so you can make the best choice. 

To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of the safest cars based on ANCAP ratings and divided them by body type. Keep you and your family protected on the road. Check out the top safest cars in Australia: 

Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) 

Demand for sports utility vehicles or SUVs is steadily increasing in Australia. With SUVs becoming so popular, buyers want to know which ones can best keep them safe. Below are some of the safest SUVs according to ANCAP’s safety ratings. 

Nissan Pathfinder 

ANCAP Rating: 5 Stars (Applies to all variants) 

Year Rated: 2022 

Rating Expires: 2028 

The Nissan Pathfinder is a large SUV equipped with a range of Nissan Intelligent Mobility safety features. Drivers can monitor their vehicle front to back with Intelligent Around View Monitor with moving object detection and Intelligent Rear View Mirror.  

The Pathfinder has a lane support system to guide drivers while driving. Other driver-assistance technology includes lane departure warning and emergency lane keeping. It’s also equipped with Intelligent Emergency Braking to help avoid collisions or lessen severity of impacts. 

BMW X1 

ANCAP Rating: 5 Stars (Applies to all petrol variants) 

Year Rated: 2022 

Rating Expires: 2028 

The BMW X1 is equipped with innovative driver assistance systems and intelligent driving dynamics. It has a rear-view camera, collision detection, and lane departure warning. Whether you’re on the move or parking or maneuvering your car, the driver support systems will guide you through it. 

The X1 is engineered with peak safety in mind. It’s equipped with airbags for protection on all sides, automatic locking retractors, and knee airbags. The airbags also have dual-threshold, dual-stage deployment so they don’t go off all the time. 

In case of accidents, the SUV is fitted with impact sensors that will automatically disengage the fuel pump, unlock the doors, and turn on interior and hazard lights. 

Ford Everest 

ANCAP Rating: 5 Stars (Applies to all variants) 

Year Rated: 2022 

Rating Expires: 2028 

Equipped with a network of safety features and smart driver assistance technology, the Ford Everest is one of the safest SUVs on the market. It’s fitted with an array of driver-assist technology like the Blind Spot Information System to help with blind spots making driving that much safer.

The Everest can alert a potential collision and detect when vehicles are turning with its Pre-Collision Assist with Intersection Assist feature. The brakes can automatically engage if you don’t act immediately. Additional safety features include, land keeping system with road edge detection, active park assist, evasive steer assist, reverse brake assist and nine airbags. 

Hatchbacks 

A hatchback is a three- or five-door car that is shorter than a regular sedan. This type of car is ideal for those who want more cargo space. Even though they’re smaller than a sedan, they provide great handling and maneuverability. Here are some of the safest hatchbacks available: 

GWM Ora 

ANCAP Rating: 5 Stars (Applies to all variants) 

Year Rated: 2022 

Rating Expires: 2028 

The GWM Ora is an electric vehicle with an array of safety features like intelligent driving assist, 360-degree camera, adaptative cruise control, blind spot monitoring, lane centre assist and keeping, lane departure warning, and rear cross traffic alert.  

It has high ANCAP assessment scores with a 92% rating on occupant protection, 84% for child occupant protection, 74% for vulnerable road user protection, and 95% for safety assist. This electric car is also equipped with autonomous emergency brakes and lane assist technology. 

Hyundai IONIQ 5 

ANCAP Rating: 5 Stars (Applies to all variants) 

Year Rated: 2021 

Rating Expires: 2027 

The IONIQ 5 has all the latest safety innovations from Hyndai in its SmartSense technology. Cruise control won’t be a as the IONIQ 5 is equipped with smart cruise control with machine learning. The artificial intelligence will learn the driver’s habits and patterns to tailor the driving experience. 

It also features blind-spot collision avoidance-assist, blind-spot view monitor, safe exit assist, surround view monitor, lane keeping assist, and rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist. There is no shortage of safety features with the IONIQ 5 keeping drivers and passengers protected. 

Polestar 2 

ANCAP Rating: 5 Stars (Applies to all variants) 

Year Rated: 2021 

Rating Expires: 2027 

Armed with various high-tech radars, cameras, and sensors, the Polestar 2 lets drivers become acutely aware of the environment they are in. It also has a plethora of driver-assist technology, from lane keeping and cruise control to parking assistance, blind spot assistance, and collision avoidance. These features keeps drivers safe and make driving easier and more convenient.

In addition to its technological safety features, this car also has innovative warning systems and post-impact protection. The passenger compartment is designed with ultra-high-strength steep protecting occupants from potential impact situations. The structural safety of Polestar 2 offers optimal protection during an accident reducing risk of injury and deformation of the battery pack. 

Sedans 

When you think of a car, a sedan is typically what comes to mind. It is a four-door car with a boot that is made to fit, at most, five people. Below are the safest sedans according to ANCAP: 

Hyundai IONIQ 6 

ANCAP Rating: 5 Stars (Applies to all variants) 

Year Rated: 2022 

Rating Expires: 2028 

Much like the Hyundai IONIQ 5, the IONIQ 6 is equipped with top-notch Hyundai SmartSense technology. It has a full suite of autonomous braking systems and lane support systems giving drivers the tools to be safe on the road.

The IONIQ 6 excelled in ANCAP’s adult occupant protection, child occupant protection, and safety assist categories as well. Its safety features include forward collision-avoidance assist, intelligent speed limit assist, and safe exit warning. It provides warning, driver assist, and smart avoidance systems to help prevent collisions and keep passengers from harm. 

Mercedes-Benz EQE 

ANCAP Rating: 5 Stars (Applies to all variants) 

Year Rated: 2022 

Rating Expires: 2028 

The Mercedes-Benz EQE received good scores for protection offered to vulnerable road users and collision avoidance capabilities. This is due to the EQE’s array of innovative safety technology like the autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and AEB Backover which detects and reacts to pedestrians while the car is reversing.  

Some EQE variants are also equipped with Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC which controls speed and distance of the car. It predictively adjusts the driving speed to follow limits and route events. Its safety features include an all-around monitoring system and head-display to keep drivers aware of their environment. 

Genesis G80 

ANCAP Rating: 5 Stars (Applies to 2.2 litre diesel and 2.5 litre petrol variants only) 

Year Rated: 2021 

Rating Expires: 2026 

The Genesis G80 provides optimal safety with its intelligent driving system and cutting-edge safety technology. Its 10-airbag system is there to prevent and/or reduce injuries in case of collisions. Meanwhile, the intelligent front lighting system, various collision avoidance systems, and driver-assist features help prevent collisions from happening in the first place. 

This mid-sized luxury sedan received top marks from ANCAP for providing high level protect to passengers after side impact and far-side impact crash tests. It scored highly for adult occupant protection and child occupant protection as well. These impressive results can be attributed the Genesis G80’s impeccable design and suite of safety technology. 

Four-Wheel Drives (4WDs) and All-Wheel Drives (AWDs) 

For optimal power and acceleration, four-wheel drives and all-wheel drives are the way to go. Designed for on-road and off-road use, these vehicles are great for any adventure on various terrains and weather conditions. Check out the safest 4WDs and AWDs below: 

Genesis GV60 

ANCAP Rating: 5 Stars (Applies to all variants) 

Year Rated: 2022 

Rating Expires: 2028 

The Genesis GV60 offers a host of intelligent safety features. The safety system of this electric vehicle is there to both protect passengers and prevent accidents. The advanced technological features are there to help drivers avoid dangers on the road. 

The driver experience is enhanced with features such as digital side mirrors with lane change assist line display and reverse parking screen magnification. The collision assistance systems also help avoid forward collisions, rear cross-traffic collisions, blind spot collisions. This car is also equipped with remote smart parking for ultimate convenience and safety. 

GWM Haval H6 

ANCAP Rating: 5 Stars (Applies to all variants) 

Year Rated: 2022 

Rating Expires: 2028 

The GWM Haval H6 offers intelligent protection from every angle with its 360-degree monitoring. It has active and passive safety protection to assist drivers while on the road or parking. Other safety features include autonomous emergency braking, lane support system with departure warning, and emergency lane keeping. 

The Haval H6 may have less automated safety features compared to others on this list, but its ANCAP scores are still top-notch. This car did well when tested for adult and child occupant protection. It scored 73% on vulnerable user protection and has an 81% for safety assist. 

GWM Tank 300 

ANCAP Rating: 5 Stars (Applies to all variants) 

Year Rated: 2022 

Rating Expires: 2028 

The GWM Tank 300 received high marks from ANCAP as it provided good protection for adult and child occupants during tests. The effectiveness of frontal airbags and seatbelts was labelled good as well. This car is equipped with an advanced direct driver monitoring system to provide additional driver assistance. 

The Tank 300 may appear bare bones in terms of safety technological features, but it does provide practical protection with a durable reinforced frame and body. This vehicle can withstand extreme conditions both on the road and off. 

Utes  

An iconic part of the country’s car culture, utes have been a mainstay on Australian roads almost everywhere. It’s a vehicle with a cargo tray in the rear and can seat a few passengers. Take a look at some of the safest utes in Australia: 

Isuzu D-Max 

ANCAP Rating: 5 Stars (Applies to all variants) 

Year Rated: 2022 

Rating Expires: 2028 

The Isuzu D-Max provides state-of-the-art safety systems working automatically and independently to protect passengers and others on the road. The Isuzu Intelligent Driver Assistance System technology provides both passive and active safety systems equipped with sensors and multiple cameras. Drivers can go on the road confidently. 

The D-Max safety system is there to help prevent collisions and reduce damage when accidents happen. Safety features include autonomous emergency braking, post-collision braking, turn assist, and misacceleration mitigation. 

Mazda BT-50 

ANCAP Rating: 5 Stars (Applies to all variants except Thunder and XTR LE) 

Year Rated: 2022 

Rating Expires: 2028 

The Mazda BT-50 has a cutting-edge safety system which comes complete with crumple zones and safety assist technologies. The airbag system includes a centre airbag, dual frontal, side chest-protecting and side head-protecting, and a driver knee airbag. This ute boasts one of the highest levels of safety available out there.  

Its host of safety technologies include trailer sway control, rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning, blind spot warning, blind spot monitor, adaptive cruise control, and hill descent. The BT-50 is a great ute whether on or off the road. 

Volkswagen Amarok 

ANCAP Rating: 5 Stars (Applies to all dual cab variants) 

Year Rated: 2022 

Rating Expires: 2028 

The Volkswagen Amarok is equipped with top-of-the-line safety and driver assistance systems there to support drivers while on the move. The car has adaptive cruise control, lane assist, traffic sign recognition, and more. 

Parking won’t be an issue with Park Assist Plus to steer the ute into a spot automatically. The 360-degree monitors will help drivers get a bird’s eye view of the surrounding area. The Amarok is also equipped with intelligent speed and speed sign recognition for accident prevention. 

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