AUSTRALIANS hunting for a second-hand car now have clearer guidance thanks to the release of the 2025 Used Car Safety Ratings from the Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC).
Based on data from 9.5 million vehicles and 2.6 million injured road users involved in police-reported crashes across Australia and New Zealand between 1987 and 2023, the latest results offer the most comprehensive real-world snapshot of used vehicle safety available.
The findings show safety has improved dramatically across the light-vehicle fleet, with overall protection more than 50 per cent better than it was at the start of the study period.
MUARC assessed 561 models built between 1982 and 2023, awarding each an Overall Safety Rating out of five stars.
This year, 130 models achieved five stars, while 72 were labelled a “Safer Pick” for top-tier performance across all measures.
A notable milestone is the inclusion of the program’s first fully electric vehicle. The Tesla Model 3 (2019-2023) debuted strongly with a five-star rating and “Safer Pick” status, showing EVs can match – and sometimes surpass – traditional vehicles in crash protection and safety for other road users.
The 2025 results also reveal sharp differences between vehicle categories. Medium and small SUVs again ranked highest for overall safety, followed by people movers and medium passenger cars. Commercial utes lagged significantly, with 70 per cent receiving just one or two stars. The data shows modern small cars now offer better driver protection on average than modern utes, challenging the long-held belief that bigger always means safer.
Researchers also warn that the trend toward heavier vehicles – particularly large SUVs and utes – is creating added risks for pedestrians, cyclists and occupants of smaller cars, despite the strong protection these vehicles offer their own drivers.
Importantly, MUARC says safe used cars remain well within reach for budget-conscious buyers. Almost all “Safer Pick” models can be found for under $25,000, and more than half cost less than $10,000, making high-performing vehicles accessible to young drivers and families.
The full 2025 Used Car Safety Ratings are now available, offering evidence-based guidance for navigating the expanding second-hand vehicle market.
