Mix of marques meet the mark

An assortment of SUVs have taken out five-star ANCAP safety ratings – Mazda CX-5, MG MGS6 EV, BMW X3 and Cupra Formentor. All were assessed against ANCAP’s 2023-2025 testing and rating criteria.

Mazda CX-5

The new-generation Mazda CX-5 arrives on Australian and New Zealand shores with a five-star safety rating. Scoring a record high 93% for Vulnerable Road User Protection, the CX-5 demonstrated high-performing collision avoidance aids and a well-designed front end, to reduce the risk of injury to pedestrians and other road users.

As a mainstay family SUV, the Mazda CX-5 also offers high calibre crash protection for adult and child occupants.

“The CX-5 has long been a popular model for families, and buyers of this latest model can be assured that Mazda has considered the safety and protection of occupants and those outside the car,” said ANCAP Chief Executive Officer, Carla Hoorweg.

MGS6 EV

The safety highlight of MG’s newest model, the all-electric MGS6 EV, was its performance across the Adult Occupant Protection pillar of assessment, where it scored a high 92%. Helping to achieve this was its crash compatibility score, where test results showed its front-end design to be less of a risk to other vehicles in a crash.

Full points were awarded for protection of the driver in the full width and side impact crash tests. Protection of child occupants in the frontal offset and side impact tests was equally impressive. Test results for the MGS6 EV’s protection of those outside the vehicle through its collision avoidance capabilities were also strong.

“These results demonstrate MG’s ability to deliver a model with very good all-round protection,” said Ms Hoorweg.

BMW X3

Petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid variants of the BMW X3 demonstrated similar, high levels of performance.

The X3 earned maximum scores in tests of its lane-keeping system and showed impressive results in its ability to detect and avoid collisions with motorcycles. Its autonomous braking system – which functions across turning, head-on and rear-end emergency braking scenarios – also scored well.

Crash test results showed generally good levels of protection for occupants, with some marginal results noted for the chest of the driver and rear passenger in frontal impact tests.

“The five-star safety rating for the BMW X3 reinforces that achieving the highest level of safety requires a balance of effective collision avoidance and crash protection features.”

Cupra Formentor

The updated Cupra Formentor receives a fresh five-star rating – applicable to vehicles sold in New Zealand with a build date from December 2025, and Australian-supplied vehicles built from April 2026.

"Whether buyers are prioritising an EV or a premium SUV, these latest results confirm there is broad choice for safe picks regardless of brand or price point," Ms Hoorweg said.

Full details on the performance of all models assessed by ANCAP can be viewed here.