A very familiar nameplate and one still unfamiliar one were among the three top overall performers in testing by independent automotive safety authority ANCAP in 2024.
The latest Toyota Camry sedan took the top spot ahead of the new Zeekr X small electric SUV in third, bookending the new Mazda CX-80 large SUV. All were tested against the current 2023-25 testing protocols.
ANCAP determined the top three performers using an overall weighting calculation, with emphasis given to physical crash protection.
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Forty per cent of the overall weighting calculation was applied to adult occupant protection, with 20 per cent each for child occupant protection, vulnerable road user protection, and safety assist. The latter category covers the effectiveness of active safety systems.
The hybrid-powered Camry received an overall rating of 88.4 per cent, fuelled by a 95 per cent score for adult occupant protection, which was the highest score for this category among all the vehicles ANCAP tested in 2024.
“The Camry remains a stable and reliable choice with a safety pedigree that dates back over 13 years,” said ANCAP CEO Carla Hoorweg.
The petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid powered CX-80 range took silver with an overall weighted score of 87.6 per cent.
It received the second highest adult occupant protection rating of all vehicles tested in 2024, with a 92 per cent score thanks in large part to the seven-seat SUV receiving full points in side impact, far-side impact, and whiplash protection, and oblique pole crash tests.
The electric Zeekr X – the Geely-owned Chinese brand’s debut model in Australia – took third with an overall weighted score of 87.4 per cent.
ANCAP rated a total of 23 models in 2024, with three quarters receiving a five-star rating. Outliers included the Suzuki Swift (one star) and Hyundai i30 and Jeep Avenger (three stars).
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