20 Nov 2025
Safer driving starts with your next used car purchase
The 2025 Used Car Safety Ratings are here, providing crucial information to help drivers, especially younger and older Australians, choose the safest second-hand vehicles on the market.
The comprehensive guide, based on data from 9.5 million vehicles and 2.6 million injured road users, provides independent insights into the overall safety performance of 561 vehicle models manufactured between 1982 and 2023.
The research revealed that medium and small SUVs, people movers, and medium passenger cars lead the way for overall safety. Concerningly, commercial utes continue to perform poorly, with 70% rated only 1 or 2 stars. Even more surprising, the average modern small car now provides better driver protection than the average modern commercial ute. Notably, this year sees the first electronic vehicle secure a 5-star rating.
The ratings provide an overall safety score, as well as separate ratings for driver protection, protection of other road users, and crash avoidance technologies.
Importantly, the guide reveals that safe vehicles are accessible across all price ranges. Almost all 'Safer Pick' vehicles, which demonstrated superior performance, are available second-hand for under $25,000, with more than half priced below $10,000.
This is especially relevant for younger drivers (up to 25 years) and older drivers (70+ years), and regional communities, who are more likely to be driving older, less-safe vehicles and who may be in the market for a replacement vehicle. By using the 2025 Used Car Safety Ratings, these drivers can make the safest choice for their budget.
View the 2025 Used Car Safety Ratings Guide
Get involved:
- Share the guide with your community.
- Read more about key crash avoidance technologies available in safer vehicles.
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