The Denza B8 and Hyundai Elexio have joined the ranks of ANCAP’s five-star vehicles following the latest round of testing.

While testing was conducted under ANCAP’s now superseded 2023-2025 testing standards, both vehicles scored strongly across all criteria.

The Denza B8 plug-in hybrid full-size SUV scored 86 per cent for adult occupant protection, 95 per cent for child occupant protection, 75 per cent for vulnerable road user protection and 78 per cent for safety assist.

Due to technical similarities, some test results were carried over from the Denza B5, but additional tests were conducted due to the different front-end designs, particularly around vulnerable road user protection.

The Hyundai Elexio pure-electric SUV managed 88 per cent for adult occupant protection, 86 per cent for child occupant protection, 77 per cent for vulnerable road user protection and 85 per cent for safety assist.

Destructive test results – the actual physical crash performance – were carried over from the related Kia EV5 following assessment of the two vehicles’ technical similarities.

A number of Hyundai models have failed to earn five stars in recent years, including the Kona and i30 Sedan, but the company has recently affirmed its commitment to achieving the maximum score wherever possible.

As part of its release, ANCAP stated: “These latest results reflect continued maturity of active safety technologies designed to prevent crashes.  

“Both models are equipped with comprehensive suites of autonomous emergency braking and lane support systems as standard, reinforcing the baseline of safety technology available to Australasian consumers.”

ANCAP’s Chief Executive Officer, Carla Hoorweg, added: ““Consumers are expecting increasingly comprehensive safety performance from new vehicles in the market regardless of powertrain.  

“These five-star results demonstrate solid occupant protection combined with advanced crash avoidance technology, providing confidence for families and fleet buyers alike.”

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