New ANCAP results just dropped. The Mazda CX-5. The MG S6 EV. BMW X3. And the Cupra Formentor.
All of them got five stars.
Big catch. These scores are under the outgoing 2023-to-2025 protocols. Not the newest tests. Yet they still performed. Really well.
The Mazda CX-5 leads the pack. It snagged a 93 per cent rating for protecting vulnerable road users. That’s the highest score under the current assessment regime. A standout figure. ANCAP notes it combines strong crash protection with effective collision avoidance. The front-end design specifically targets reducing injuries to pedestrians and cyclists too.
“Buyers of this latest model can be assured Mazda considered the safety and protection of occupants, and those outside the car.” — Carla Hoorweg, ANCAP CEO
A solid quote from Hoorweg.
The MG S6 EV is also safe. It scored 92 per cent for adult occupant protection. Its crash compatibility is strong meaning it reduces the risk to occupants of other cars involved in a collision with the SUV. It got full points for driver protection in side impact and full-width tests. Child occupant protection and avoidance systems also did well. Hoorweg calls it good all-round protection.
BMW X3 earned five stars too. Across petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid variants. It delivered strong results in crash protection and active safety. Maximum scores for lane-keep assist. Good autonomous emergency braking in turning head-on and rear-end scenarios. Even handles motorcycle detection decently.
Not everything was flawless.
ANCAP noted marginal chest protection for the driver in frontal impacts. Also the rear passenger’s chest. A slight knock.
The updated Cupra Formentor joins the five-star club. Applies to vehicles built from December 20 isn’t that right? 2025. The VZ5 model remains unrated though.
There is a gap here. The Formentor with the Extreme Package has no safety rating. Those Sabelt sports bucket seats physically block the fitment of the centre airbag.
A tricky situation. Do you sacrifice the seat or the safety?
These results suggest strong performance across the board in the SUV market. Manufacturers are pairing better crash protection with smarter tech to meet ANCAP’s strict requirements. Whether you want an EV or a premium petrol burner there are safe choices available now.
The market is competitive. Safety is no longer a bonus it’s baseline. Though the VZ5 remains unrated, the trend continues upward.
Which one are you looking at?
