All the new cars with expired ANCAP safety ratings and when we can expect next-gen models, from the popular Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series to the Nissan Navara, Toyota Corolla and BMW X5

As another year passes, another crop of vehicles forfeit their safety ratings from the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) – Australia and New Zealand's independent authority on crash test safety.

It is a surprisingly large group and includes a number of vehicles that are still popular on the Australian market.

Vehicles receive a rating of between zero and five stars based on their safety credentials, with five being the benchmark safety score.

Testing protocols depend on the year they are tested, with requirements updated regularly to encourage automakers to adopt better safety technology.

As a general rule, cars are tested according to four categories: Adult Occupant Protection, Child Occupant Protection, Vulnerable Road User Protection and Safety Assist.

2022 Toyota Corolla ZR Hybrid

A rating is only valid for six years, and once that period passes vehicles built after the expiry date are sold as ‘unrated’. The lifecycle of a car generation is generally eight years, so it is common for a vehicle to lose its rating across its lifetime before the next-generation is introduced.

That said, a spokesperson for ANCAP said it was important that buyers purchased vehicles with the latest crash test safety rating.

2024 BMW X5 xDrive 40i M Sport

"ANCAP’s recommendation for buyers is to look for a vehicle with the highest safety rating possible, with an ANCAP “TESTED” datestamp of no older than six years," the spokesperson said.

"The "TESTED" year (datestamp) listed alongside each ANCAP star rating denotes the rating year requirements a vehicle was assessed against, and ensures consumers are comparing vehicles rated to similar test criteria.

2023 Nissan Navara SL Warrior

"ANCAP encourages manufacturers to upgrade the safety specifications of vehicles with expired ratings, and bring them forward for testing against today’s safety criteria."

So, with that in mind, here are the vehicles with expired ANCAP ratings, and those on track for their ratings to expire before the end of 2024.

Models currently on sale with expired ANCAP safety ratings

Data based on ANCAP Safety website

Models currently on sale with ratings expiring at the end of 2024

Data based on ANCAP Safety website