Tesla Model Y and BYD Atto 1 Earn Five-Star ANCAP Ratings

ANCAP has released a new round of safety ratings covering six models, with the updated Tesla Model Y and the newly launched BYD Atto 1 both achieving five stars under the 2023 to 2025 assessment protocols.

The announcement also included five star results for the Nissan Navara, Volvo EX90, Mini Aceman and MG QS.

The updated Tesla Model Y retains its five star rating for vehicles built from February 2025 and on sale from May 2025. It recorded strong scores across adult occupant protection, child occupant protection, vulnerable road user protection and Safety Assist.

Testing showed high performance in autonomous emergency braking scenarios including junction, crossing and head on situations.

Adult occupant protection for the Model Y was assessed at 91 percent with the passenger compartment remaining stable in the frontal offset test. Child occupant protection was rated at 95 percent with ISOFix and top tether anchorages across the second row and a standard child presence detection system.

The BYD Atto 1 also received a five star rating following ANCAP testing based on the European BYD Dolphin Surf, which shares the same safety specification. The rating applies to all Australian and New Zealand variants.

The Atto 1 achieved 82 percent for adult occupant protection with full points in the side impact and oblique pole tests. Far side impact performance varied from marginal to poor depending on the test scenario.

Child occupant protection was assessed at 86 percent, while its Safety Assist score reached 79 percent with strong performance in forward AEB tests but no AEB Backover system.

ANCAP Chief Executive Officer Carla Hoorweg said, “These results show that manufacturers are increasingly meeting the requirements of modern safety protocols for a range of vehicles and price points, from the Nissan Navara to large and small electric vehicles.”

She added, “Among this interesting mix of vehicles, it is positive to see the diminutive BYD ATTO 1 arrive with a five star rating.”

Hoorweg also noted the relevance of the results for businesses, stating, “For fleet operators, these results show that five star safety is achievable across light commercial models and new generation EVs alike, giving procurement teams clearer options when selecting safer vehicles for their employees.”