Mazda CX-5, BMW X3, MG MGS6 EV and Cupra Formentor earn five-star ANCAP ratings

Four SUVs spanning mainstream, premium, electric, and performance segments have secured five-star ANCAP safety ratings in the latest round of crash testing.

The Mazda CX-5, MG MGS6 EV, BMW X3, and updated Cupra Formentor all achieved the maximum safety score under ANCAP's latest 2023-2025 testing protocols.

Leading the latest results was the new-generation Mazda CX-5, which recorded a standout 93 per cent score for Vulnerable Road User Protection – the highest recorded under the current ANCAP assessment regime.

ANCAP said the family SUV combined strong crash protection for adult and child occupants with highly effective collision avoidance technology and a front-end design aimed at reducing injuries to pedestrians and cyclists.

"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.

The all-electric MG MGS6 EV, due to launch in New Zealand later this month, impressed with a 92 per cent score for Adult Occupant Protection, supported by strong crash compatibility performance that ANCAP said reduced the risk posed to occupants of other vehicles in a collision.

The MGS6 EV received full points for driver protection in full-width and side impact crash tests, while child occupant protection and its collision avoidance systems also scored highly.

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

BMW's latest X3 also earned five stars across petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid variants after delivering consistently strong results across crash protection and active safety testing.

ANCAP awarded the X3 maximum scores for its lane-keeping assistance system, while its autonomous emergency braking system performed well across turning, head-on, and rear-end crash scenarios. The SUV also demonstrated strong motorcycle detection capabilities.

Crash testing found generally good occupant protection, though ANCAP noted marginal protection for the driver's chest and the rear passenger's chest 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," Ms Hoorweg said.

The updated Cupra Formentor also secured a fresh five-star rating, which applies to New Zealand-delivered vehicles built from December 2025 onwards.

"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.

The latest results continue the trend of strong safety performance across the SUV market, with manufacturers increasingly pairing improved crash protection with more sophisticated active safety technology to meet ANCAP's increasingly stringent testing requirements.