Australian and New Zealand drivers have witnessed a significant development in vehicular safety, as the Tesla Model Y secured the highest overall rating ever awarded by ANCAP for 2025. This achievement signals how electric vehicles are increasingly meeting rigorous safety expectations. Public interest has grown around how advanced driver-assistance technology influences both ratings and real-world outcomes, with consumers in these regions now using safety as a primary factor in purchasing decisions.
ANCAP’s 2025 evaluations differ from previous safety assessments, as the organization not only reasserted Tesla’s dominance following its 2022 results but also intensified focus on holistic systems combining crash protection with active safety features. Earlier news reports on previous years’ outcomes emphasized high scores for electric vehicles and newly introduced criteria, but recent test results underline the continued refinement of testing methodologies, reflecting sharper demands for integrated safety systems, such as improved driver monitoring and autonomous emergency braking.
What Drove the Model Y’s Top Score?
The key factor behind the Model Y’s success is its ability to maintain strong performances across four main areas: Adult Occupant Protection, Child Occupant Protection, Vulnerable Road User Protection, and Safety Assist. Tesla’s multi-layered approach integrates elements like autonomous emergency braking, lane support systems, and robust structural design. This strategy targeted both prevention and mitigation, aiming for consistency rather than excelling in a single category.
How Did the Tesla Model 3 Perform?
Alongside the Model Y, the Tesla Model 3 also received recognition for its strong safety performance in the latest tests. In the Medium Car segment, the Model 3 surpassed other contenders, matching its sibling’s commitment to system-based protection. Both vehicles exemplified a move away from piecemeal safety efforts, instead stressing the importance of seamless integration.
What Insights Did ANCAP’s CEO Share?
Reflecting on this year’s ratings, ANCAP Chief Executive Officer Carla Hoorweg said,
“ANCAP’s testing continues to reinforce a clear message: the safest vehicles are those designed with safety as a system, not a checklist. The top performers this year delivered consistent results across physical crash protection, crash avoidance and vulnerable road user safety, rather than relying on strength in a single area.”
She added,
“We are also seeing increasing alignment between ANCAP’s test requirements and the safety technologies that genuinely matter on Australian and New Zealand roads. Improvements in autonomous emergency braking, lane support, and driver monitoring systems are translating into more robust protection.”
Her remarks highlight an industry trend prioritizing comprehensive safety mechanisms rather than isolated features.
Test results from ANCAP’s 2025 cycle underscore a clear pattern: holistic and cohesive safety designs are gaining preference among regulators and consumers alike. The Model Y’s performance solidifies Tesla’s leading safety profile, while the Model 3’s achievements further emphasize the brand’s broad commitment to passenger and road user protection. Where past industry focus may have tilted toward crash survivability or standout technology, today’s standards favor consistent excellence across various domains. Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, and other industry players have historically featured in safety discussions; however, Tesla’s high ratings in the latest tests position it as a key reference point for future vehicle safety design. Consumers looking for enhanced protection on the road should scrutinize not just individual safety features, but the overall integration of these systems within a vehicle.
