Tesla Model Y L earns 5-star ANCAP rating — Strongest scores in adult safety and safety tech

The Tesla Model Y L, the six-seat, three-row variant of Tesla's bestselling electric SUV, has earned a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. The results were published in May 2026 and cover vehicles built from February 2026, which went on sale in Australia and New Zealand from March 2026. This is a separate rating from the five-seat, two-row Model Y variants, which carry their own ANCAP assessments.

The standout number here is the safety assist score of 92%, one of the highest figures in this category among recently tested vehicles. Combined with 91% in adult protection, the Model Y L comes through as a very well-rounded performer, though there is one important note that families with young children will want to read carefully.

Tesla Model Y L ANCAP scores at a glance

Tesla Model Y L adult occupant protection

The Tesla Model Y L scored 91% for adult occupant protection in ANCAP testing. In the 50 km/h frontal offset (MPDB) test, the passenger compartment remained stable, with good protection for the head, neck, and legs of both front occupants. Driver chest protection was rated adequate. The vehicle also received a 2.91-point compatibility deduction out of 8 due to the risk its front structure may pose to occupants of other vehicles.

In the 50 km/h full-width frontal test, chest protection for both the driver and rear passenger was rated adequate, while all other body regions scored good. The 60 km/h side impact test delivered maximum points with good protection across all assessed areas. In the 32 km/h oblique pole test, driver chest protection was rated marginal, while all other areas scored good. Far-side impact performance was strong, and whiplash protection earned full marks.

For post-crash safety, Tesla provides a rescue sheet, fits multi-collision braking, and confirmed that the doors and windows remain operational if the vehicle enters water. However, the Model Y L does not feature Advanced eCall, resulting in a one-point deduction in the rescue and extrication category.

Tesla Model Y L child occupant protection

The child occupant score of 84% comes with an important safety note that ANCAP has highlighted directly in the rating. Testing showed that many child restraints could not be correctly installed in the second row seating positions because the twin strap top tether webbing could not be properly supported by the seat backs. In the third row, rearward-facing and forward-facing convertible child restraints could not be easily installed using the ISOFix anchorages. ANCAP has specifically called this out, advising that care should be taken when selecting and installing child restraints in these positions.

The actual crash tests, conducted on a five-seat, two-row Model Y with European restraints, showed good protection for both the 6-year-old and 10-year-old dummies in both the frontal offset and side impact tests, earning maximum points in both. Tesla also provided technical data to ANCAP demonstrating similar expected performance for the Model Y L with correctly installed child restraints.

The child presence detection system is a direct system that can detect a child left in the car after stopping and can activate air-conditioning automatically. However, it is only fitted for the first and second row, not the third row, which means it does not meet ANCAP's full requirements and was not rewarded.

Tesla Model Y L Vulnerable road user protection

The Tesla Model Y L is equipped with an active bonnet that lifts during a pedestrian impact to create extra clearance above hard components. In pedestrian tests, the raised bonnet delivered mostly good to adequate protection, while the windscreen returned adequate results across most areas, with weaker protection around the pillars and lower edge. Lower-body protection was mixed, particularly for the femur area, which scored 2.60 out of 4.5.

Tesla's Collision Avoidance Assist operates between 1 and 150 km/h and can detect pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists. The system scored full marks for forward pedestrian AEB (7/7), cyclist AEB (9/9), motorcyclist AEB (6/6), and motorcycle lane support (3/3). Backover AEB was rated adequate with 1 out of 2 points. The Model Y L also features a cyclist dooring alert system that can prevent a door from opening if a bicycle is approaching from behind.

Tesla Model Y L safety assist

The Tesla Model Y L scored 92% for safety assist, backed by a comprehensive suite of standard safety technologies. Its AEB car-to-car system performed well across all scenarios, including junction, crossing, and head-on tests, earning full marks in the head-on evaluation. Lane support also received the maximum 3 out of 3 points.

The SUV comes with speed limit recognition using camera and map data, along with intelligent adaptive cruise control. Its direct driver monitoring system can detect both distraction and fatigue, scoring 1.17 out of 2 points. Seatbelt reminders with occupancy detection are standard for all seats. The only notable omission is AEB restraint activation, which resulted in a small deduction in this category.

Stay updated with all the latest happenings & developments in the automotive world by joining our official AUTOVERSE WhatsApp community. Also, don’t forget to check out our YouTube channel, AUTOVERSE by Cars24, for key details & visuals.