The Toyota Hilux has cemented its place as one of the safest utes on Australian roads, topping the Utility segment in ANCAP’s 2025 safety assessments. 

According to the ANCAP Safety Assessment report for the Toyota Hilux (November 2025 onwards), all dual-cab variants except the Rugged X were tested using the 2023-2025 ANCAP protocols. The rating is valid until December 2031. 

Tested Hilux models come standard with a full suite of airbags including dual frontal, side chest, side head, centre, and driver knee airbags. Active safety features are comprehensive, with autonomous emergency braking (AEB) covering car-to-car, vulnerable road users, junction, and back-over scenarios. Lane support systems include lane keep assist (LKA), lane departure warning (LDW), emergency lane keeping (ELK), and an advanced speed assistance system with sign recognition.

Crash performance results were strong across the board: Adult occupant protection (84%), child occupant protection (89%), vulnerable road user protection (82%), and safety assist (82 %). Dynamic crash tests, including frontal, side, and oblique pole impacts, showed predominantly good protection levels.

“ANCAP’s testing continues to reinforce a clear message: the safest vehicles are those designed with safety as a system, not a checklist,” said Carla Hoorweg, ANCAP Chief Executive Officer. “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.

“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 in everyday driving.

“The breadth of top performers this year shows that high levels of safety are achievable across multiple vehicle segments, giving consumers clearer choices when safety is a priority,” added Hoorweg.

The Tesla Model Y achieved the highest overall weighted ANCAP score in 2025.

VehicleCategoryAdult OccupantChild OccupantVulnerable Road UserSafety Assist
Tesla Model YMedium SUV91%95%86%92%
Tesla Model 3Medium Car90%95%89%88%
Volvo EX90Large SUV92%94%82%84%
IM 5Large Car89%91%85%79%
MG S5 EVSmall SUV90%86%82%79%
Mini Cooper ELight/Small Car89%83%77%83%
Toyota HiluxUtility84%89%82%82%
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