Best Cars With Advanced Safety Features in 2025 – Drive Safer

In 2025, safety isn’t just about airbags and crumple zones. It’s about sophisticated sensors, AI-assisted driver warnings, lane-keeping technology, and full autonomy creeping ever closer. With a rise in demand for safer vehicles, Australian buyers are now prioritising crash prevention technologies more than ever before.

Whether you're a parent, a new driver, or a safety-conscious motorist, this guide will walk you through the best cars in 2025 offering cutting-edge safety features across a variety of segments—from SUVs to sedans to hatchbacks.

Why Safety Matters More Than Ever in 2025

Increased Traffic Density

Australian roads have become more congested, especially in urban areas. With more vehicles comes more potential for accidents—making tech like AEB (Autonomous Emergency Braking) critical.

Rising Insurance Costs

Cars equipped with better safety systems attract lower insurance premiums. That makes safer cars not just a life-saving investment but also a cost-saving one.

Evolving NCAP Standards

ANCAP (Australasian New Car Assessment Program) ratings have become stricter in 2025, pushing manufacturers to adopt new technologies to maintain 5-star safety scores.

What Are Advanced Safety Features in 2025?

Let’s quickly define the features we’re focusing on:

• AEB (Autonomous Emergency Braking)
• LKA (Lane Keep Assist) & LCA (Lane Centre Assist)
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)
• Driver Attention Monitoring
• 360-Degree Camera with Parking Sensors
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
• Intersection Assist
• Automatic High Beam
• Road Sign Recognition
• Highway Driving Assist (Semi-autonomous)

Top 10 Safest Cars in Australia in 2025 (with Advanced Safety Tech)

Below are the top vehicles in 2025 that combine real-world crash safety with the latest driver-assistance systems.

1. 2025 Toyota Camry Hybrid

Segment: Sedan
Price: From $39,990 drive-away
Safety Rating: 5-star ANCAP
Key Features:

• Full Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite
• Pedestrian and cyclist detection
• Adaptive cruise with curve speed management
• Driver fatigue detection
• Intersection Turn Assist

The Camry Hybrid continues to shine as one of the most tech-packed sedans, especially for its price point. It’s not only fuel-efficient but also excels in offering comprehensive safety gear as standard.

2. 2025 Volvo XC60 Recharge

Segment: Midsize Luxury SUV
Price: From $92,000
Safety Rating: 5-star ANCAP
Key Features:

• Pilot Assist (semi-autonomous driving)
• City Safety collision avoidance
• Oncoming lane mitigation
• Rear collision warning with automatic brakes
• Intelligent speed assist

Volvo remains synonymous with safety, and the XC60 Recharge plug-in hybrid proves that reputation right. Its autonomous capabilities are some of the most refined on the market.

3. 2025 Tesla Model Y

Segment: Electric SUV
Price: From $67,990
Safety Rating: 5-star ANCAP
Key Features:

• Tesla Autopilot with Navigate on Autopilot
• Real-time software updates for safety logic
• Side collision avoidance
• Lane Departure Avoidance

Model Y is a strong safety performer not just because of its structure, but due to constant software improvements. Tesla’s semi-autonomous tech is among the most advanced in its class.

4. 2025 Hyundai Tucson Elite (with N Line Safety Pack)

Segment: Midsize SUV
Price: From $48,000
Safety Rating: 5-star ANCAP
Key Features:

• Blind-spot View Monitor
• Safe Exit Assist
• Junction assist with turning detection
• Reverse AEB
• Surround view camera

Hyundai’s SmartSense suite offers value-packed protection for families, and Tucson with the N Line pack becomes a standout in its segment.

5. 2025 Mazda CX-5 Akera

Segment: Compact SUV
Price: From $54,000
Safety Rating: 5-star ANCAP
Key Features:

• Driver attention alert
• Adaptive LED headlights
• Lane tracing assist
• Radar cruise control
• Emergency Lane Keeping

Mazda’s latest i-Activsense system enhances the already popular CX-5, providing a seamless blend of performance and preventive safety.

6. 2025 Subaru Outback Touring

Segment: Crossover/Wagon
Price: From $53,000
Safety Rating: 5-star ANCAP
Key Features:

• Subaru EyeSight 4.0 system
• Pre-collision braking and throttle management
• Adaptive cruise with lane centering
• Facial recognition for driver alertness
• Wide-angle front camera

Subaru’s symmetrical AWD and EyeSight package make the Outback one of the safest choices for families in Australia.

7. 2025 Kia EV9 GT-Line

Segment: Large Electric SUV
Price: From $88,000
Safety Rating: 5-star ANCAP
Key Features:

• Advanced Driver Assistance Level 2.5
• Rear occupant alert
• Highway Driving Assist 2
• Smart park (remote-controlled)
• Surround view monitor

The EV9 is Kia’s flagship safety and tech showcase. It’s particularly strong on large family protection and urban convenience.

8. 2025 Honda CR-V e:HEV

Segment: Hybrid SUV
Price: From $54,000
Safety Rating: 5-star ANCAP
Key Features:

• Honda Sensing 360 suite
• Traffic jam assist
• Low-speed follow
• Adaptive cruise with stop & go
• Blind spot steering assist

With its hybrid efficiency and excellent safety feature balance, the new-gen CR-V e:HEV is one of the most complete packages for modern drivers.

9. 2025 Lexus NX 450h+

Segment: Luxury Hybrid SUV
Price: From $93,000
Safety Rating: 5-star ANCAP
Key Features:

• Lexus Safety System+ 3.0
• Proactive Driving Assist
• Dynamic radar cruise control
• Emergency steering assist
• Pedestrian/vehicle intersection detection

The NX blends luxury with one of the most intelligent driver-assist systems available in the market today.

10. 2025 Ford Puma ST-Line V

Segment: Compact Hatchback SUV
Price: From $38,000
Safety Rating: 5-star ANCAP
Key Features:

• Ford Co-Pilot360
• Evasive steering assist
• Pre-collision assist with AEB
• Intelligent speed limiter
• Adaptive cruise with stop & go

Small but mighty, the Puma ST-Line V is proof that you don’t need a big budget to drive a safe, smart, tech-laden car.

Honorable Mentions (Still Extremely Safe Picks)

• 2025 Skoda Octavia RS – Advanced AEB and lane centering in a sporty sedan
• 2025 Peugeot 3008 GT Sport Plug-In Hybrid – Euro NCAP champion with top-tier ADAS
• 2025 BMW iX1 – Compact luxury EV SUV with Driving Assistant Professional
• 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Exceed Tourer PHEV – 11-airbags and full MiPilot Assist
• 2025 MG4 Essence 77kWh – Budget EV with a surprising suite of safety features

How to Choose the Safest Car for You

1. Match Safety With Purpose

Don’t overpay for features you won’t use. A commuter may not need Level 2 semi-autonomy, but should value blind-spot and rear cross traffic alert.

2. Check ANCAP Test Results

Always review ANCAP’s latest crash tests and active safety scores for the specific variant you're considering.

3. Don’t Skip the Optional Packs

Manufacturers often reserve full safety kits for higher trims or safety packs. Be sure you're getting the full set.

4. Prioritise Visibility and Ergonomics

Features are only useful if they’re accessible. Intuitive layouts and good visibility can also prevent accidents.

Safety and the Future: What’s Coming Beyond 2025?

Looking ahead, we’re likely to see:

• Vehicle-to-Vehicle Communication (V2V)
• More AI-Based Driver Behaviour Monitoring
• Full Hands-Free Driving in Controlled Zones
• Biometric Access with Driver Safety Profiling

Regulations in Australia are also moving towards mandating more ADAS features across all vehicles, much like Europe’s GSR (General Safety Regulation).

Final Thoughts: Don’t Compromise on Safety

Buying a new car in 2025 means more than just comparing engines and infotainment systems. Prioritising a model with advanced driver-assist systems and high crash-test ratings could save your life—or someone else’s. And with many cars now including such tech as standard, you don’t have to sacrifice your budget to stay safe.

From compact hatchbacks to premium electric SUVs, the market is rich with smart, safety-first options that Australians can confidently rely on.