Four SUVs spanning mainstream, electric and premium segments have earned five-star ANCAP safety ratings, giving fleet buyers more choice when safety is a key part of vehicle selection.
The Mazda CX-5, MG MGS6 EV, BMW X3 and Cupra Formentor were assessed against ANCAP’s 2023–2025 testing and rating criteria.
For fleets, the results reinforce that strong safety performance is no longer confined to one price point or powertrain type. The latest group includes petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid and battery-electric options.
The new-generation Mazda CX-5 achieved a record 93 per cent score for Vulnerable Road User Protection. ANCAP said the result reflected effective collision-avoidance technology and front-end design intended to reduce injury risk for pedestrians and other road users. The CX-5 also delivered strong crash protection for adult and child occupants.
MG’s new MGS6 EV recorded its strongest result in Adult Occupant Protection, with a score of 92 per cent. ANCAP highlighted its crash compatibility performance, indicating its front-end design posed less risk to occupants of another vehicle in a collision. The electric SUV received full points for driver protection in full-width and side-impact crash tests.
The BMW X3 achieved five stars across petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid variants. Its lane-keeping system scored maximum points, while ANCAP also reported strong results for motorcycle detection and autonomous emergency braking across turning, head-on and rear-end collision scenarios. Some marginal chest-protection results were noted for the driver and rear passenger in frontal-impact testing.
The updated Cupra Formentor also received a new five-star rating. It applies to New Zealand vehicles built from December 2025 and Australian-supplied models built from April 2026.
ANCAP chief executive Carla Hoorweg said the results showed buyers could find safer choices across a broader spread of brands, vehicle types and price points.
For fleet managers, the ratings provide another reminder to look beyond the overall star result when developing a vehicle selection list. The individual safety pillar scores and the availability of safety systems across the variants being purchased remain important, particularly where fleets are considering a mix of conventional, hybrid and electric SUVs.
