ANCAP SAFETY, Australia and New Zealand’s independent voice on vehicle safety, have ranked the top performing vehicles for 2022 so consumers can make choices based on their industry-leading star rating.

The Tesla Model Y (Small SUV) was awarded the top performer for 2022, achieving an overall weighted score of 92.6 per cent and the highest scores in the Adult Occupant Protection (97 per cent) and Safety Assist (98 per cent) assessment areas.

The second-highest overall score was the Lexus NX (Medium SUV) at 89.2 per cent, with the third-highest overall score being shared by the LDV MIFA 9 and LDV MIFA (People Movers) at 87.4 per cent.

Though the Tesla Model Y is ranked the safest car with a $65,000-$71,000 price range, it is limited by its exclusivity as an electric vehicle.

The Lexus NX offers petrol/diesel, hybrid and plug-in hybrid fuel types. Despite its higher price point ($68,395-$97,860), this model provides the most choice and is adaptable to personal and corporate use.

The LDV MIFA (People Movers) (petrol fuel type) and the LDV MIFA 9 (battery electric fuel type) contain the same safety features, including an anti-theft alarm, fatigue reminder and attention assist.

In addition to its innovation, the seven-seater layout is practical for small businesses needing to transport goods.

The top vehicles were awarded based on their strong performance across all areas of safety assessment.

“We’ve seen high levels of safety performance across a range of vehicle types and brands. Of interest this year is that each of the three highest scorers include alternative-powered models,” said ANCAP Chief Executive Officer Carla Hoorweg.

Since 2019, 88 per cent of ANCAP’s tested vehicles have achieved a maximum five-star safety rating, with 45 per cent of models offering an alternative-powered drivetrain.

“This clearly shows the desire and commitment of vehicle manufacturers to offer the safest vehicles they can into the Australian and New Zealand markets, and the continued appetite of consumers and fleet buyers who expect the highest level of safety,” Hoorweg said.

“We know the continued injection of the safest vehicles onto our roads has tangible road safety and economic benefits, and this strong performance of models rated over the past three years will see even an even greater number of lives saved and serious injuries avoided,” Hoorweg said.

She said ANCAP’s high safety standard and requirement of innovative technologies has resulted in 22 fewer fatalities and 571 serious injuries on Australian roads from 2019 to 2021.

The full list of vehicles rated by ANCAP is available at ancap.com.au/safety-ratings.