ANCAP buyer guide

ANCAP 5-star is not always equal

A five-star ANCAP badge is useful, but it is not the whole safety story. The tested year, protocol generation and four sub-scores can change what "five stars" really means.

Last updated: 18 May 2026

The tested year matters

ANCAP ratings are tied to a datestamp. A 2025 five-star result has been assessed under newer expectations than an older five-star result. That does not automatically make the older car unsafe, but it means the badge should be read with its tested year beside it.

ANCAP also tells buyers to consider the age of a rating. In practical shopping terms, a recent datestamp is more comparable to today's market than a much older one.

Simple rule: compare star rating, tested year and sub-scores together. Do not rank cars by stars alone.

Why two five-star cars can differ

Different test yearsProtocols become tougher over time, especially around active safety, crash avoidance and vulnerable road users.

Different sub-score balanceOne vehicle may be stronger for child occupant protection, while another scores better for safety assist or pedestrian/cyclist protection.

Different standard equipmentRatings can depend on the safety equipment fitted to covered variants, not just the badge on the tailgate.

Different buyer use caseA family, tradie, fleet buyer and older driver may care about different parts of the same rating.

What to check before relying on a rating

Start with the official ANCAP page for the exact model and year. Then check the Adult Occupant, Child Occupant, Vulnerable Road User and Safety Assist results. If you are comparing a 2022 ute with a 2025 ute, keep that year gap visible in your decision.

Open the ANCAP ratings filter Read the sub-score guide ANCAP FAQ