Top Cars with Advanced Safety Ratings That Won't Break the Bank

Introduction: Why Safety Shouldn’t Come at a Premium

In 2025, Australian car buyers are smarter and more safety-conscious than ever. Whether you're shopping for a first car, a family vehicle, or a second runabout, safety is at the top of the priority list. But do you really need to spend upwards of $50K to get the latest crash protection and driver-assist tech? Absolutely not.

This guide reveals the top budget cars in Australia with advanced safety ratings, packed with life-saving tech like AEB, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and more — all while keeping your costs in check. We'll explore new and used options, compare crash test scores, and highlight standout features.

Let’s get you the safest bang for your buck.

1. Understanding Safety Ratings in Australia

Before diving into our top picks, it's important to understand how safety is measured:

ANCAP Safety Ratings

The Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) is the gold standard in crash testing for cars sold in Australia. A 5-star rating means a vehicle provides excellent protection in crash tests and offers advanced safety tech.

Key Safety Technologies to Look For

• Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
• Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
• Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
• Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA)
• Driver Attention Monitoring

Now let’s see which affordable cars deliver on these features.

2. Best New Budget Cars with 5-Star Safety Ratings

These models are under $35,000 drive-away and boast 5-star ANCAP ratings with strong safety tech.

Toyota Corolla (2025)

• Body Style: Hatch/Sedan
• ANCAP Rating: 5 Stars (tested 2018, updated tech in 2023–25 models)
• Starting Price: From $29,000 drive-away
• Key Safety Features:
  • Toyota Safety Sense (AEB, ACC, LDW, BSM)
  • Reversing camera
  • Lane tracing assist

Why it's great: It’s not just safe — it’s fuel-efficient, reliable, and still fun to drive. The Corolla remains the benchmark.

Mazda 3 (2025)

• Body Style: Hatch/Sedan
• ANCAP Rating: 5 Stars (2019)
• Starting Price: From $30,000 drive-away
• Safety Features:
  • Smart Brake Support
  • Driver Monitoring
  • Front & rear parking sensors
  • Traffic sign recognition

Why it's great: The Mazda 3 feels premium, with an interior that rivals more expensive cars. Its safety tech is responsive and user-friendly.

Hyundai i30 (2025)

• Body Style: Hatch
• ANCAP Rating: 5 Stars (2017, updated trims add newer tech)
• Starting Price: From $28,000 drive-away
• Safety Features:
  • Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist
  • Lane Following Assist
  • High Beam Assist
  • Rear Occupant Alert

Why it's great: It’s well-rounded, good-looking, and packed with standard safety gear — especially in Active and Elite trims.

Kia Cerato (2025)

• Body Style: Hatch/Sedan
• ANCAP Rating: 5 Stars (2019)
• Starting Price: From $27,500 drive-away
• Safety Features:
  • AEB with pedestrian detection
  • Lane Keep Assist
  • Rear-view camera
  • Safe Exit Warning (GT trim)

Why it's great: The Cerato offers plenty of tech for the money and one of the best warranties in Australia (7 years/unlimited km).

MG4 EV (2025)

• Body Style: Hatch (Electric Vehicle)
• ANCAP Rating: 5 Stars (2023)
• Starting Price: From $39,990 (Yes, it’s EV!)
• Safety Features:
  • MG Pilot Suite (AEB, LKA, ACC, BSM)
  • 360-degree camera
  • Lane centring

Why it's great: This electric hatch is disrupting the market. You get modern safety plus zero emissions in a stylish, low-cost package.

3. Top Used Cars with Great Safety Ratings (Under $25K)

Buying used doesn’t mean sacrificing safety. These pre-owned stars still hold excellent ANCAP ratings and great feature sets.

Subaru Impreza (2018–2021)

• Body Style: Hatch/Sedan
• ANCAP Rating: 5 Stars
• Used Price Range: $18,000–$24,000
• Why it’s great: Subaru’s EyeSight system offers AEB, lane centring, and adaptive cruise control. The Impreza is also AWD as standard.

Honda Civic (2017–2021)

• Body Style: Sedan/Hatch
• ANCAP Rating: 5 Stars
• Used Price Range: $17,000–$24,000
• Why it’s great: Honda Sensing features high-quality driver-assist tools. It’s also a reliable and spacious daily car.

Toyota Yaris (2020–2022)

• Body Style: Hatch
• ANCAP Rating: 5 Stars (2020)
• Used Price Range: $20,000–$25,000
• Why it’s great: The Yaris is compact but crammed with safety. Hybrid options are also available at this price.

Hyundai Kona (2018–2021)

• Body Style: SUV
• ANCAP Rating: 5 Stars
• Used Price Range: $21,000–$26,000
• Why it’s great: A small SUV with solid crash protection and Hyundai SmartSense active safety features.

4. Best SUVs Under $40K with Top Safety

SUVs are popular among families, and safety is a must. These are among the most affordable 5-star ANCAP-rated SUVs:

Mazda CX-30

• Price: From $35,000
• Key Safety Features: AEB, Driver Attention Alert, BSM, Smart City Brake Support
• Why it’s great: Feels like a premium SUV in a compact package.

Toyota Yaris Cross

• Price: From $33,500
• Key Safety Features: Toyota Safety Sense, adaptive cruise, safe exit assist
• Why it’s great: Hybrid fuel savings and top-notch safety in a city SUV.

Mitsubishi ASX (GSR/Exceed)

• Price: From $32,000
• Key Safety Features: Forward Collision Mitigation, Lane Departure Warning
• Why it’s great: Value-packed small SUV with a strong reputation and solid warranty.

5. Best Safety Tech Features to Prioritise

When evaluating cars, these features offer the most real-world benefits:

6. Safety Doesn't Mean Boring: Performance & Comfort

Today’s affordable safe cars aren’t just protective — many are stylish, comfortable, and even sporty:

• Mazda 3: Offers sports handling with premium finishes
• Hyundai i30 N Line: Adds turbocharged fun to everyday safety
• Kia Cerato GT: A fast, well-equipped budget sports sedan

7. Safety Ratings vs. Real-World Reliability

ANCAP tests help compare crash safety and feature sets, but real-world reliability matters too. Cars from Toyota, Mazda, Honda, and Subaru have proven durability and hold their safety features well over time.

Pro tip: Stick with models less than 6 years old for the latest safety tech and fewer issues.

8. Tips for Buying Safe Cars on a Budget

• Use ANCAP’s official site to verify the exact model and variant ratings
• Avoid base models if they miss critical safety tech — look for mid-trim or above
• Inspect safety tech during a test drive — test the AEB and LKA systems
• Check service history and warranty coverage when buying used

9. Final Verdict: Safe Cars You Can Afford

You don’t need a luxury badge to enjoy top-tier protection. Whether you're going for a brand-new Mazda 3 or Corolla, or a smart used Subaru Impreza or Yaris, there are plenty of safe and affordable vehicles available in Australia in 2025.

Prioritise safety tech like AEB, lane assist, and BSM, and always check ANCAP ratings before signing on the dotted line.

Summary Table: Best Budget Cars with Safety Ratings

Conclusion

If you're on a budget and want the peace of mind that comes with high-end safety, you have more options in 2025 than ever before. With a mix of new and used cars, from hatchbacks to SUVs, you can drive with confidence without emptying your wallet.

Explore wisely, test thoroughly, and always put safety first — because when it comes to what matters most, no price is too high.