Suzuki eVitara Gets 4-Star ANCAP Rating
The Suzuki eVitara, the brand’s first global electric SUV, has secured a 4-star safety rating in crash tests conducted by ANCAP. This rating applies to all variants sold in Australia and New Zealand, where the SUV was launched in early 2026.
While it narrowly misses out on a 5-star score, I’d say the eVitara still presents a solid and well-rounded safety package, especially considering its global positioning and pricing strategy.
Quick Highlights:
- Suzuki eVitara earns a 4-star rating from ANCAP in Australia and New Zealand
- Secures a 5-star rating in Bharat NCAP crash tests in India
- Strong performance in child safety (87%) and vulnerable road user protection (79%)
- Misses 5 stars in ANCAP due to marginal chest protection and lack of centre airbag
Bharat NCAP vs ANCAP: Why the Ratings Differ
Interestingly, the same SUV has already achieved a 5-star rating from Bharat NCAP in India for both adult and child occupant protection.
This difference doesn’t necessarily indicate weaker safety. Instead, it reflects how testing protocols, scoring weightages, and equipment requirements vary across regions. From my perspective, this highlights how global cars often need to meet slightly different benchmarks depending on where they’re sold.
Detailed Safety Score Breakdown
As per ANCAP’s official results, the eVitara scored:
- Adult Occupant Protection: 77% (31/40)
- Child Occupant Protection: 87% (43/49)
- Vulnerable Road User Protection: 79% (50.34/63)
- Safety Assist Systems: 71% (12.78/18)
The SUV performed particularly well in child safety and pedestrian protection, which are becoming increasingly critical in modern crash assessments.
Crash Test Performance Analysis
In frontal crash tests, the passenger compartment remained stable, with good protection for most key body areas. However:
- Driver chest protection was rated marginal to weak in certain scenarios
- This factor had a noticeable impact on the overall rating
On the positive side:
- Side impact and pole tests delivered strong results, scoring maximum points
- Structural integrity and restraint systems performed reliably
However, the absence of a centre airbag and less-than-ideal far-side impact performance ultimately prevented a 5-star rating.
Safety Features & ADAS Suite
Suzuki has equipped the eVitara with a comprehensive safety and ADAS package as standard, which is a big plus in my view, especially for a global EV.
Key features include:
- Dual frontal, side, and curtain airbags
- Driver knee airbag
- Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with multiple scenarios
- Lane Keep Assist (LKA) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
- Emergency Lane Keeping (ELK)
- Speed Assist System with traffic sign recognition
ANCAP noted that the AEB system performed effectively, particularly for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists in real-world simulations.
Made-in-India EV with Global Reach
The eVitara is manufactured at Suzuki’s Gujarat plant, which serves as a global production hub. Vehicles built in India are exported to multiple international markets, including Australia and New Zealand.
Personally, this reinforces how India is becoming central to global EV manufacturing strategies, not just for cost advantages but also for quality and safety standards.
Final Take
Even though the eVitara falls short of a 5-star ANCAP rating, it still stands out as a safe, feature-rich electric SUV.
With a 5-star Bharat NCAP score and strong performance across most safety categories, it remains a compelling option in the EV space. The slight shortfall in ANCAP feels more like a technical miss than a fundamental flaw.
Frquently Asked Questions — FAQs
Q. What ANCAP rating did the Suzuki eVitara receive?
- The Suzuki eVitara received a 4-star safety rating from ANCAP for Australia and New Zealand markets.
Q. Does the eVitara have a 5-star safety rating anywhere?
- Yes, it has secured a 5-star rating from Bharat NCAP in India for both adult and child occupant protection.
Q. Why is there a difference between ANCAP and Bharat NCAP ratings?
- The difference is due to varying crash test protocols, scoring systems, and feature requirements across regions.
Q. What are the key safety features in the Suzuki eVitara?
- It includes multiple airbags, AEB, lane assist systems, emergency lane keeping, and speed assist with sign recognition.
Q. Is the Suzuki eVitara manufactured in India?
- Yes, the eVitara is produced at Suzuki’s Gujarat plant and exported globally.
Q. Is the eVitara a safe electric SUV overall?
- Yes, despite the 4-star ANCAP rating, its strong scores and 5-star Bharat NCAP result make it a safe and competitive EV option.
