The Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) is overhauling its vehicle safety protocols for 2026-2028, shifting focus to a more holistic evaluation encompassing pre-crash prevention, crashworthiness, and post-crash management. These changes, developed in collaboration with Euro NCAP, aim to address the growing complexity of modern vehicles, particularly electric cars and those heavily reliant on driver-assist technology.
A New Approach: Stages of Safety
For years, ANCAP ratings have been a benchmark for car buyers, influencing purchasing decisions and pushing automakers to prioritize safety. However, as cars become more automated and electric, traditional crash tests alone aren’t enough. The new protocols break down safety into four key “Stages”: Safe Driving, Crash Avoidance, Crash Protection, and Post Crash—each weighted equally in the final score.
This isn’t just about making cars stronger in collisions; it’s about preventing them in the first place, and ensuring effective emergency response when they do happen. The shift acknowledges the full lifecycle of a crash, not just the impact itself.
Key Changes: What’s Different?
Several specific areas will see increased scrutiny:
- Electric Vehicle Safety: EVs will be assessed on their ability to isolate high-voltage batteries post-crash, preventing electrocution risks for first responders. This is critical, as EV fires are a growing concern.
- Driver Assist Robustness: ANCAP will evaluate how smoothly and reliably ADAS features like lane keeping and emergency braking function. This comes after widespread complaints about intrusive systems, with some drivers disabling them entirely. AAMI data shows 20% of Australian drivers switch off ADAS because they find it annoying.
- Physical Controls: The agency will penalize vehicles lacking physical buttons for essential functions like headlights, wipers, and hazard lights. Cars must either offer tactile controls or dedicate screen space to these features, addressing buyer frustration with infotainment-driven interfaces.
- Pedal Misapplication Prevention: Vehicles will be scored on their ability to detect and mitigate accidental pedal errors, reducing the risk of unintended acceleration.
- Post-Crash Accessibility: Cars must ensure doors unlock and handles operate even after a collision, even if electrical systems fail.
Crash Testing Updates
Traditional crash tests will also evolve:
- Third Dummy Added: Full-width frontal tests will include a male front passenger dummy alongside existing rear passengers.
- Deformable Barrier: Replacing rigid walls with deformable barriers will provide more realistic airbag deployment data.
- Whiplash Assessment Expanded: Seat structure analysis will be added to whiplash tests.
- Zero Tolerance for Critical Failures: Any crash test result showing a “critical red region” on a dummy will automatically limit a car’s rating to four stars. Severe structural failures, like collapsing seats (as seen in some MG 3 tests), will trigger a 50% score reduction.
Why This Matters
ANCAP’s changes reflect broader trends in automotive safety:
- Electrification: EVs present unique hazards, and safety standards must adapt.
- Automation: Driver-assist features are becoming ubiquitous, but their reliability is crucial.
- Human Factors: Ergonomics and usability matter—poorly designed interfaces can compromise safety.
“Our role is to continually push for improvements in all areas of vehicle safety, and our 2026 protocols reflect that,” said ANCAP CEO Carla Hoorweg.
The new protocols aren’t just about stricter ratings; they’re about setting a higher bar for automotive safety in a rapidly evolving industry. The outcome is expected to be better occupant and pedestrian protection through active crash prevention, improved impact protection, and more effective post-crash management.
