Just a day after the new-generation Nissan Navara was formally unveiled on 19 November, ANCAP has released its safety verdict, and it’s a strong one. The dual-cab ute has secured a five-star ANCAP safety rating, putting it in line with its closest rivals as it prepares for its arrival in Australian showrooms in March 2026. The rating covers all dual-cab variants built from July 2025 onwards, and remains valid until December 2030.
This latest round of ANCAP results also included the BYD ATTO 1, Volvo EX90, Mini Aceman, MG QS and updated Tesla Model Y, all of which secured five-star safety ratings.
Based on Mitsubishi Triton data
Although the 2026 Nissan Navara itself was not individually crash-tested, ANCAP confirmed its score was based on extensive testing and crash data from the mechanically related Mitsubishi Triton. Its safety credentials are supported by technical evidence supplied by Nissan to ensure the vehicle performs to identical standards. This benchmarking process is permitted under ANCAP protocols when vehicles share common structure, restraint systems, and safety technology.
Breaking down the scores
Adult Occupant Protection — 86%
The Nissan Navara earned an 86% Adult Occupant Protection score, reflecting consistently strong performance across key crash tests, including frontal offset (5.63), full-width (6.02), side impact (6.00), and oblique pole (5.89). The inclusion of a centre airbag improves protection in far-side crashes, while whiplash protection was rated higher in front seats (2.59) than in rear seats (1.00). For buyers, this score confirms that the Nissan Navara provides a high level of protection for the driver and front passenger in both moderate and severe crash scenarios, making it a reassuring pick for workers who spend long hours on the road and families using the ute as a primary everyday vehicle.
Child Occupant Protection — 89%
With a strong 89% Child Occupant Protection score, the Navara demonstrated excellent safety for young passengers, achieving perfect results in dynamic crash tests, 16/16 (frontal) and 8/8 (side). It also performed well in child restraint installation and onboard safety features. However, there is one important limitation for families. A child seat cannot be fitted in the second-row centre position because there is no top tether anchorage. For buyers, this means the Nissan Navara is highly suitable for households with one or two child seats, but may not suit parents who need to install three child seats across the rear row. The strong overall score is an excellent indicator for families interested in touring as well as daily school runs.
Vulnerable Road User Protection — 74%
The Nissan Navara received a 74% Vulnerable Road User Protection score, indicating balanced performance in collisions with pedestrians and cyclists. Its active safety systems boost this further, with solid results for AEB pedestrian (5.40) and AEB cyclist (7.00), helping reduce the likelihood or severity of collisions in urban environments. Motorcycle safety support is present but less comprehensive, as shown by modest scores for AEB motorcycle (1.21) and LSS motorcycle (2.75). For buyers who frequently drive in busy city areas or share roads with cyclists, such as inner-suburb tradies and fleet drivers, this result shows that the Nissan Navara is a safer choice than traditional commercial utes, which often lag behind in protecting occupants and pedestrians outside the vehicle.
Safety Assist — 70%
The 70% Safety Assist score highlights Nissan Navara’s reliance on a broad suite of standard driver-assistance technology rather than optional extras. Every variant comes equipped with Autonomous Emergency Braking (Car-to-Car, Vulnerable Road User, Junction & Backover), Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Emergency Lane Keeping, Speed Sign Recognition and Driver Monitoring, with seat belt reminders fitted for all seats. For buyers, this means the Nissan Navara delivers modern, full-time crash avoidance technology straight out of the box, rather than forcing them to move up to premium grades to access life-saving features. It gives fleets confidence that every vehicle meets a strong safety standard, and provides private owners with long-term peace of mind.
Standard safety equipment
Every 2025 Nissan Navara dual-cab includes:
- Dual front airbags
- Side chest-protecting airbags
- Side head-protecting airbags
- Centre airbag (front seats)
- Driver knee airbag
- Full AEB suite with VRU and junction protection
- Lane Support System (LKA, LDW & ELK)
Who should consider the Nissan Navara?
The five-star ANCAP safety rating positions the 2025 Nissan Navara as a strong fit for a wide range of Australian buyers.
- Buyers who want a work-ready ute with strong safety credentials across every variant.
- Drivers who split their time between city roads, highways and weekend off-road trips.
- Families who value excellent child occupant protection and SUV-like safety in a dual-cab.
- Fleet operators seeking long-term ANCAP compliance and standardised crash-avoidance tech.
- Tradies and towing users who want safety and tech without sacrificing durability or toughness.
Final word
The 2025 Nissan Navara arrives with the safety credentials modern ute buyers expect, and in a market where safety can make or break a model’s success, the Navara’s five-star ANCAP score places it firmly among the strongest contenders in the dual-cab segment.
It may share test data with the Mitsubishi Triton, but the protections and technology delivered are very much Navara’s, and for many buyers, that’s the assurance that counts.
Comments
New Comment