2026 Toyota HiLux receives five-star ANCAP safety rating in ANCAP

【PCauto】ANCAP has announced its latest round of test results, highlighting the 2026 Toyota HiLux.

The pickup achieved "Good" ratings across all four key assessment categories: Adult Occupant Protection, Child Occupant Protection, Vulnerable Road User Protection, and Safety Assist.

Its stable and comprehensive performance is particularly relevant to the Southeast Asian market, where pickup trucks are widely relied on for both commercial and family use.

In terms of specific scores, the HiLux scored 84% in adult protection and 89% in child protection. It scored 82% in both Vulnerable Road User Protection and Safety Assist.

Such balanced performance is noteworthy for a pickup truck, given the inherent challenges of larger dimensions and complex crash structures. Despite this, the HiLux maintains strong safety performance.

To enhance overall safety performance, the 2026 HiLux has undergone multiple upgrades in cabin structure, airbag configuration, and safety systems.

The new model introduces a centre airbag, which effectively reduces the risk of collision between front-row occupants in side-impact and far-side scenarios.

The AEB system has also been significantly upgraded. It now offers more precise detection and response for vehicles, pedestrians, and riders in various lighting conditions, providing consistent protection in both urban and highway driving.

ANCAP noted that the HiLux's front structure could pose additional risks to oncoming vehicles, leading to point deductions—an issue common among pickups and large SUVs. Nonetheless, this did not affect its overall five-star rating.

Like previous generations, the HiLux continues Toyota's consistent track record in crash integrity and system assistance performance.

This round of results marks the final batch for 2025, ahead of ANCAP's introduction of stricter "Stage of Safety" protocols in 2026.

Meanwhile, in addition to the HiLux, this round of testing also included models such as the Denza B5, GAC AION V, Hyundai Palisade, and Mitsubishi ASX.

The Denza B5, a PHEV SUV under BYD's premium sub-brand, participated in ANCAP testing for the first time and received a five-star rating, achieving scores of 86% for Adult Occupant Protection, 95% for Child Occupant Protection, 74% for Vulnerable Road User Protection, and 78% for Safety Assist.

It earned full points in the side impact test and excelled in child protection, while its AEB system also performed reliably in scenarios involving pedestrians, bicycles, and motorcycles. However, it was deducted 8 points due to the front structure posing a risk to oncoming vehicles.

The GAC AION V performed well in side-impact and far-side collision tests. It scored 88% for Adult Occupant Protection, 87% for Child Occupant Protection, 79% for Vulnerable Road User Protection, and 79% for Safety Assist, resulting in a well-rounded overall performance.

Thanks to its high structural integrity and stable active safety systems, the AION V secured a five-star rating.

The Hyundai Palisade, in both seven- and eight-seat configurations, received full marks for Child Occupant Protection, while also providing comprehensive protection for adult occupants in side and pole tests.

Despite point deductions in the frontal offset test due to minor footwell deformation, it maintained an overall five-star rating. For consumers seeking a large family SUV, its protective capabilities remain commendable.

In the latest assessment, the Mitsubishi ASX's rating dropped from five to four stars. The downgrade was primarily due to insufficient driver chest protection in the frontal offset test and the lack of a centre airbag, which led to an Adult Occupant Protection score of just 76%.

Although child occupant protection (83%) and side-impact performance were good, the overall score was still not sufficient to reach the five-star threshold. For buyers considering entry-level SUVs, this is a change worth noting.