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Five-star safety ratings for new alternative-powered SUVs, while others lag behind

5th December 2024

ANCAP SAFETY, Australasia’s independent vehicle safety authority, today announced safety ratings for eight new vehicle models, with three marques making their local debut. Notably, and in a reflection of the evolving vehicle market, all eight models are offered with either a hybrid or battery electric powertrain.

Lexus LBX and Volvo EX30 small SUVs uphold their respective brands safety credentials, both achieving five-star safety ratings.
Hybrid variants of the newHyundai Santa Felarge SUV have been awarded with a five-star ANCAP safety rating.
The recently introducedLeapmotor C10, Zeekr X and XPENG G6 electric SUVs have all earned five-star ANCAP safety ratings.
The new generation MG ZS hybrid and newly launched Jeep Avenger have received four and three-star ratings respectively.

The Lexus LBX and Volvo EX30 received strong scores, with testing resulting in five-star safety ratings. Some concerns were however noted for both model’s performance in destructive crash tests, with penalties applied to both for potential injury from hard structures behind the dashboard in the frontal offset (MBDB) test.

Like the Lexus LBX and Volvo EX30, the Hyundai Santa Fe hybrid demonstrated good results in tests of its collision avoidance capabilities with other road users. In the crash tests, full points were awarded for the Santa Fe’s protection of the driver in the full width and side impact tests, and children in the frontal offset and side impact test. Petrol variants of the Hyundai Santa Fe are currently unrated.

The Leapmotor C10 electric SUV has entered the market with a five-star safety rating. Within ANCAP’s Adult Occupant Protection assessment area, it achieved full marks in the side impact and oblique pole tests conducted. For Child Occupant Protection, the vehicle performed well, earning maximum points in the frontal offset and side impact tests, with protection for both child dummies rated as Good.

The electric Zeekr X, the first model from newcomer Zeekr, has made a strong debut with a five-star safety rating. The Zeekr X was awarded maximum points for the protection of occupants in the side impact crash test, while the front structure of the Zeekr X presented a moderate risk to occupants of an oncoming vehicle in the MPDB test (which evaluates vehicle-to-vehicle compatibility).

Similarly, XPENG’s inaugural G6 model, which launched in Australia and New Zealand recently, also received strong scores for its ability to avoid collisions, with high marks achieved for AEB performance with another vehicle, pedestrian, cyclist, and motorcyclist. High scores were awarded for the XPENG G6’s protection of the driver and passenger occupants in the frontal offset, side, and oblique pole test. The XPENG G6 is fitted with a centre airbag to prevent injuries to front seat occupants in a side impact crash, which was assessed asAdequate for prevention of excursion (movement towards the other side of the vehicle) in the far side impact tests, however minor head contact was noted in the occupant-to-occupant scenario and a penalty was applied.

“There are close to 100 current five-star ANCAP ratings for alternate-powered vehicles, with most manufacturers proving that new models can be both safe and green” said ANCAP CEO, Carla Hoorweg.

Not all recent arrivals have met the five-star expectations of today’s consumer, however. The new MG ZS hybrid has received a four-star safety rating, unable to reach five-stars through its performance in the assessment area of Adult Occupant Protection (75%), where a minimum score of 80% applies. Crash tests saw mixed results, with the omission of a suitable countermeasure, such as a centre airbag to prevent contact between front seat occupants in a side impact crash, further limiting the score for the ZS. In the full width frontal test, the seat belt for the rear passenger allowed excessive forward movement, resulting in Marginal protection of the head andAdequate protection for the neck and chest.

"The MG ZS’s four-star rating underscores the need for strong and balanced safety performance across all crash protection and prevention areas," said Ms Hoorweg. "While the vehicle demonstrated strong performance in certain crash tests, improvements in Adult Occupant Protection – such as incorporating features like a centre airbag and enhancing rear seatbelt performance—would help elevate its safety outcomes to better meet the expectations of today’s market.”

The Jeep Avenger battery electric Small SUV has received a three-star safety rating, unable to reach the five-star threshold in any area of assessment. Mixed results were seen across the destructive crash tests. The Avenger was limited to three-stars through its performance in the Vulnerable Road User Protection and Safety Assist assessment areas, demonstrating Marginal performance in pedestrian, cyclist, and motorcyclist AEB scenarios.

“As an all-new model, it’s disheartening to see the Jeep Avenger fall short on safety. With many electric SUVs entering the market and receiving five-star ANCAP ratings, we know manufacturers can prioritise top-tier safety. We urge Jeep to do so, ensuring buyers don’t have to compromise on safety,” Ms Hoorweg added.