New Toyota Hilux & Denza B5 Ace Safety Tests, Mitsubishi ASX Stumbles with 4 Stars

ANCAP has released safety ratings for five significant new models, with the latest round of testing delivering mixed results for Australia's most popular segments.

The assessment includes the updated Toyota Hilux, the all-new Denza B5, the electric GAC AION V, the hybrid Hyundai Palisade, and the new-generation Mitsubishi ASX.

While established heavyweights and new Chinese entrants secured top marks, a popular compact SUV failed to achieve the maximum five-star rating.

Toyota Hilux Secures 5 Stars Despite Penalties

The 2026 Toyota Hilux, one of Australia’s best-selling vehicles, has achieved a five-star ANCAP safety rating.

Toyota’s updated utility vehicle demonstrated consistent "Good" performance across all four assessment pillars during testing.

The result was bolstered by a broadened suite of safety features, including the addition of a centre airbag and enhanced automatic emergency braking (AEB) functionality.

This safety update coincides with the launch of the latest generation for the model, which remains on the IMV ladder-frame platform but features significant price increases across the range.

‍Read More: Toyota’s “All-New” HiLux Isn’t Actually Brand New - But It’ll Cost You a Lot More

‍Despite the high score, ANCAP applied a full 8.00-point penalty to the Hilux regarding the risk its front structure poses to occupants of oncoming vehicles.

This structural stiffness is a characteristic of the carried-over platform, which now supports 48-volt mild-hybrid technology in select automatic variants.

‍Read More: 2026 Toyota HiLux: Full Australian Pricing and Specifications

Denza B5 Matches Hilux Safety Score

The Denza B5, a luxury-focused off-road SUV from BYD, has also achieved a five-star safety rating upon its entry into the Australian and New Zealand markets.

This plug-in hybrid SUV achieved maximum points in side-impact testing and showed good performance across most crash scenarios.

ANCAP noted robust AEB capability for protecting pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists in most tested environments.

Like the Hilux, the heavy-duty Denza B5 received an 8.00-point penalty for the potential damage its front structure could inflict on oncoming vehicles in a collision.

The B5 arrives with aggressive pricing starting from $74,990, positioning it as a direct competitor to the Toyota Prado.

‍Read More: Australia's 4X4 Landscape Just Changed: BYD’s DENZA Reveals Shock B5 & B8 Pricing

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Mitsubishi ASX Downgraded to 4 Stars

The new-generation Mitsubishi ASX achieved a four-star safety rating, marking a departure from the maximum score held by its predecessor.

Now based on the Renault Captur and the CMF-B platform, the new ASX showed "Good" performance in side-impact and oblique pole tests.

It also demonstrated strong Child Occupant Protection scores of 83%.

However, the vehicle’s overall rating was constrained by "Weak" chest protection for the driver in the frontal offset crash test.

The absence of a centre airbag was cited by ANCAP as the limiting factor that prevented the vehicle from reaching a five-star result.

This rating applies to the 2025 model, which has seen a significant price hike compared to the previous generation, now starting at over $37,000.

‍Read More: 2025 Mitsubishi ASX Australian Price and Specs Confirmed: Renault Captur-Based Compact SUV Starts At Over $37K

Strong Results for GAC and Hyundai

Another new market entrant, the electric GAC AION V, secured a five-star result on debut.

The SUV performed strongly in side-impact and far-side assessments, placing it among the top safety performers in the current market.This adds to the appeal of the 510km-range electric SUV, which recently launched with a starting price of $42,590.

‍Read More: Australia Gets a 510km Range Electric SUV Priced From Just $42k

‍The Hyundai Palisade also earned a five-star ANCAP safety rating for both its seven and eight-seat variants.

The large SUV scored full points for Child Occupant Protection in frontal and side-impact crash tests.

It also achieved full points for adult protection in side-impact and oblique pole tests.A penalty was applied for a loss of footwell integrity in the frontal offset test, and a 2.73-point penalty was recorded for oncoming vehicle risk.

The updated Palisade range now features a hybrid powertrain for the first time, with prices starting near $90,000.

‍Read More: 2026 Hyundai Palisade Review