Drivers in New South Wales are being encouraged to check safety ratings before buying a new vehicle.
The 2025 Used Car Safety Ratings (USCR) has been released by Monash University’s Accident Research Centre and its partners including Transport for NSW.
The study analysed police reported crash data from more than 9.5 million vehicles and 2.6 million injured road users across Australia and New Zealand.
The findings rate 561 vehicle models built between 1982 and 2023, showing how real cars perform in real world crashes, including those on NSW roads.
“A driver in the lowest-rated vehicle is more than 15 times more likely to die or be seriously injured in the same crash as someone in the safest car,” said Emma Shearer, Transport for NSW’s Director for Testing, Tech and Human Factors.
“That’s why it’s vital that every driver – especially young and first-time buyers – checks the safety rating before they get behind the wheel.”
Across all vehicles built from 2000 to 2023 130 models received five-star ratings, and 72 were named Safer Picks – an award given to vehicles that provide top-level protection for both drivers and other road users.
Every Safer Pick except one, can also be found second hand for under $25,000 and more than half for $10,000 or less.
Director of the Monash University Accident Research Centre, Professor Stuart Newstead added that results show that safe choices are available at every price point.
