Tesla Model Y L Scores A Perfect 5 Star Crash Test Rating At Australian NCAP
ANCAP is considered one of the toughest crash-testing agencies in the world. Apart from structural rigidity and occupant safety, the agency also considers Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) as an important part of the evaluation.
Like most crash-testing programs, ANCAP evaluates vehicles based on Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) and Child Occupant Protection (COP). It also assesses Vulnerable Road User Protection (VRU) and Safety Assist (SA) as part of the test.
The Tesla Model Y was tested by the agency and passed with a 5-star safety rating. In Adult Occupant Protection, the SUV scored 36.52 points out of 40, while in Child Occupant Protection it scored 46.62 points out of 49. In Vulnerable Road User Protection, the SUV scored 86 percent, and in the Safety Assist category, it scored 92 percent.
From the crash-test images, it is clear that the Tesla Model Y has a sturdy structure. The A-pillar of the vehicle remained largely intact even after the frontal offset and full-width crash tests. The 5-star rating that has now surfaced online applies to all Model Y variants except the recently introduced Model Y L. The rating is valid for the 2025 Model Y and remains in effect until December 2031.
Tesla Model Y
The Tesla Model Y is a mid-size SUV that the brand sells in several markets, including Australia and India. The SUV is available in Model Y and Model Y L variants. Tesla recently launched the 2026 Model Y Premium Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) variant in India at a price of ₹50.89 lakh (ex-showroom).
The electric SUV is currently offered in Premium RWD and Premium AWD variants, with the latter priced at ₹61.99 lakh (ex-showroom). The SUV comes with an all-black interior theme. It also features a 16-inch central touchscreen and an 8.0-inch touchscreen for rear passengers. The dashboard follows Tesla’s signature minimalist design philosophy, with virtually no physical buttons visible.
Most of the vehicle’s functions are controlled through the touchscreen interface. The SUV also comes equipped with a panoramic glass roof, powered tailgate, LED ambient lighting, ventilated front seats, wireless charging, power-reclining and folding rear seats, and acoustic glass.
Coming to the technical specifications, the SUV is available with a 64 kWh battery pack and a rear-mounted electric motor that produces 299 PS. This five-seater variant offers a claimed driving range of 500 km. The electric SUV can accelerate from 0–100 kmph in 5.9 seconds and has a top speed of 201 kmph. It also supports DC fast-charging speeds of up to 175 kW.