Best Cars With Auto Emergency Braking and Safety Tech in Australia – 2025 Guide
Safety is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. Whether you’re a parent driving your family across town, a commuter navigating heavy traffic, or a road tripper heading off the beaten track, Auto Emergency Braking (AEB) and other advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) are becoming must-have features in your next car.
In this detailed guide, we break down the best cars available in Australia for 2025 that come loaded with advanced safety tech—including AEB, lane assist, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and more. We'll explore vehicles across various price brackets and body types, ensuring there's something for everyone who values peace of mind behind the wheel.
What Is Auto Emergency Braking (AEB) and Why Does It Matter?
Auto Emergency Braking (AEB) is a life-saving technology that uses cameras, radar, or both to detect potential collisions. When the system senses that a collision is imminent and the driver doesn’t act in time, it automatically applies the brakes to prevent or lessen the impact.
Benefits of AEB:
Reduces rear-end crashes
Helps protect pedestrians and cyclists
Lowers insurance premiums
Enhances overall driver confidence
Many insurers in Australia now offer discounts on premiums for vehicles fitted with AEB, recognising its proven effectiveness in reducing accidents.
Top Safety Features to Look For in 2025
When evaluating a car for safety, AEB is just the start. Here's a checklist of essential and advanced safety features to look for:
Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
Driver Attention Monitoring
Traffic Sign Recognition
360-degree Cameras & Rear View Cameras
Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection
Best Hatchbacks With AEB and Safety Tech
1. Toyota Corolla Hatch
Price: From $30,000 (approx.)
Safety Highlights: Toyota Safety Sense, AEB with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise, lane centering assist
ANCAP Rating: 5 stars
The Corolla continues to be a favourite for its balance of affordability, safety, and reliability. The AEB system is smart enough to detect cyclists and pedestrians, making it ideal for urban settings.
2. Mazda3 Hatch
Price: From $32,000
Safety Tech: Smart Brake Support, 360-view monitor, Driver Attention Alert
ANCAP Rating: 5 stars
The Mazda3 combines premium design with one of the most comprehensive safety packages in its class.
Top Sedans With Advanced Safety Features
3. Hyundai i30 Sedan (Elantra)
Price: From $31,000
Safety Features: AEB with pedestrian detection, lane-follow assist, safe exit warning
ANCAP Rating: 5 stars
The i30 Sedan is one of the few small sedans that doesn’t compromise on safety despite its price. Hyundai’s SmartSense suite is impressive across the range.
4. Honda Accord Hybrid
Price: From $58,000
Safety Suite: Honda Sensing with adaptive cruise, lane keeping, traffic sign recognition
ANCAP Rating: 5 stars
Ideal for long-distance cruisers who want top-notch safety and great fuel efficiency thanks to the hybrid drivetrain.
Safest SUVs With AEB and More
5. Subaru Forester
Price: From $42,000
Safety Tech: EyeSight driver assist tech, pre-collision braking, reverse AEB, lane sway warning
ANCAP Rating: 5 stars
Subaru’s EyeSight system is one of the most respected safety platforms in the industry, combining dual camera-based AEB with other features.
6. Kia Sportage
Price: From $39,000
Key Safety Features: Junction AEB, blind spot view monitor, rear occupant alert
ANCAP Rating: 5 stars
An affordable mid-size SUV that doesn't skimp on safety. Perfect for families who want a stylish yet secure daily driver.
7. Volvo XC60
Price: From $82,000
Safety Package: Pilot Assist, City Safety with AEB, lane centering, road edge detection
ANCAP Rating: 5 stars
If you're after luxury with maximum safety, the Volvo XC60 is hard to beat. Its safety software is among the most sophisticated on the market.
Top Family Cars for Safety in 2025
8. Toyota Kluger Hybrid
Price: From $60,000
Key Features: AEB (car, pedestrian, cyclist), lane trace assist, adaptive cruise
ANCAP Rating: 5 stars
A three-row SUV with a hybrid powertrain and a comprehensive suite of Toyota Safety Sense features. It's built with growing families in mind.
9. Ford Everest
Price: From $65,000
Safety Features: Autonomous emergency braking (junction assist), evasive steer assist, post-impact braking
ANCAP Rating: 5 stars
The Everest is one of the safest SUVs for large families, offering rugged capability paired with refined driver assistance tech.
Electric Vehicles With Outstanding Safety
10. Tesla Model Y
Price: From $69,000
Safety Suite: Tesla Autopilot, Emergency Lane Departure Avoidance, automatic braking
ANCAP Rating: 5 stars
Tesla’s tech-focused approach extends deeply into safety. The Model Y’s AEB system works even at high speeds and in low visibility.
11. Hyundai Ioniq 5
Price: From $70,000
Tech Stack: Highway Driving Assist 2, forward AEB with junction detection, Safe Exit Assist
ANCAP Rating: 5 stars
Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 is futuristic, fast, and exceptionally safe. A prime choice for tech-savvy EV drivers.
Best Budget Cars With AEB
12. MG3 Hybrid+ (New 2025 Version)
Price: From $24,000
Safety Equipment: AEB, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring
ANCAP Rating: Expected 4 or 5 stars
MG has made safety a priority in its new hybrid hatch, positioning it as one of the cheapest cars with AEB in Australia.
13. Suzuki Swift
Price: From $25,000
Key Safety Features: Dual Sensor Brake Support (AEB), weaving alert, adaptive cruise (in higher trims)
ANCAP Rating: 5 stars
Popular with young drivers, the Swift now comes with advanced safety, even in its base variants.
How ANCAP Safety Ratings Work
The Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) gives vehicles star ratings out of 5 based on performance in four major areas:
Adult Occupant Protection
Child Occupant Protection
Vulnerable Road User Protection
Safety Assist Technology
To achieve a 5-star rating, a car must score well in crash tests and be fitted with a robust suite of active safety features like AEB.
Tips for Buyers Looking for Safety in 2025
Look Beyond the Star Rating: Check what active tech is actually included—AEB, blind-spot assist, adaptive cruise.
Review Real-World Performance: Look up crash test videos and owner reviews.
Check What’s Standard vs Optional: Some brands hide critical safety tech in higher trims.
Think Long-Term: Safer cars often retain resale value and reduce accident-related costs.
Conclusion: Safety Is Smart Shopping
Modern cars in Australia are safer than ever, but not all safety tech is made equal. Whether you're buying your teen’s first car, upgrading to a family SUV, or going electric, Auto Emergency Braking and ADAS systems should be at the top of your checklist.
From budget-friendly hatches to luxurious SUVs, there's a safe option for every driver. The peace of mind that comes from knowing your car can react when you can’t? That’s priceless.
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