The Tesla Model Y achieved the highest overall safety rating of any vehicle tested by the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) in 2025, cementing Tesla’s reputation for safety in Australia and New Zealand. The Model 3 further solidified this recognition by performing strongly in the same assessments.
In a recent statement, ANCAP revealed that the Model Y not only topped the safety rankings but did so with the highest overall weighted score among all 2025 vehicle evaluations. These tests focused on four critical areas: Adult Occupant Protection, Child Occupant Protection, Vulnerable Road User Protection, and Safety Assist technologies.
The Model Y excelled across all categories, showcasing a comprehensive safety strategy that integrates structural crash safety with advanced driver-assistance features like autonomous emergency braking, lane support, and vigilant driver monitoring systems. Remarkably, this achievement marks the second consecutive year that the Model Y has led ANCAP’s safety ratings, having previously topped the list in 2022.
The Model 3 also shone in the 2025 ANCAP evaluations, earning high scores in the same four areas and emerging as the top-rated vehicle in the Medium Car category. This consistent performance underlines Tesla’s commitment to safety across its vehicle lineup.
Carla Hoorweg, CEO of ANCAP, highlighted the significance of these results, emphasizing a notable shift in the automotive industry’s approach to safety. She noted that the integration of safety technology, such as advanced braking systems and lane assistance, is vital for providing meaningful real-world protection.
Hoorweg remarked, “ANCAP’s testing continues to reinforce a clear message: the safest vehicles are those designed with safety as a system, not a checklist.” She pointed out that the best performers demonstrated consistent results across all critical safety areas rather than focusing predominately on one aspect.
The latest findings reflect a growing alignment between ANCAP’s requirements and the technology vital for enhancing safety on Australian and New Zealand roads, with advancements in autonomous emergency braking, lane support, and driver monitoring leading to greater overall protection for drivers and passengers alike.