The new Lexus RZ fully electric SUV has been awarded the full five-star ANCAP safety rating under the latest testing criteria employed for 2023-2025. It is the first vehicle to receive the top score under these new protocols.
What’s new for the ANCAP tests? Well, similar rules apply for the five-star threshold, whereby vehicles need to score 80 per cent or more for the adult and child occupant protection tests, and at least 70 per cent for the on-board safety assist technologies. However, the vulnerable road user (pedestrian) protection score threshold has moved up from 60 per cent to 70 per cent.
Also new for 2023, assessors are looking at a wider breadth of safety aspects and test scenarios, with a stronger emphasis on vehicle structure particularly during vehicle-to-vehicle crashes, as well as looking more closely at the restraint design applied in vehicles, how well motorcycle detection and driver monitoring technologies work, and how effective AEB systems operate during head-on and intersection crossing scenarios.
Following assessment of crash test data provided by the Euro NCAP division, ANCAP has awarded the local RZ the full five stars. It scored 87 per cent for adult occupant protection, 89 per cent for child occupant protection, 84 per cent for vulnerable road user protection, and 84 per cent for its safety assist technologies.
The Lexus RZ demonstrated “good” performance in the new lane support tests and autonomous emergency braking assessments, including during intersection turning scenarios. Speaking about its performance under the new testing system, ANCAP said:
“Against the new 2023 criteria, the Lexus RZ satisfied the cyclist anti-dooring requirements, demonstrating its ability to warn occupants of an approaching cyclist when exiting both the front and rear doors, and to prevent door opening if needed. Vehicle submergence requirements for door and window opening were also met.”
The Lexus RZ is available in single form in Australia called the RZ 450e. However, buyers can opt for either the Luxury or Sports Luxury trim level. The five-star ANCAP rating applies to both.
Check out the video below to see how it performed in the crash tests, and further below for our 0-100 video (review coming soon).
