The 2025 MG ZS has received its official ANCAP safety rating, providing crucial insights into its crash protection and driver assistance technologies. As one of Australia’s best-selling small SUVs, the ZS continues to evolve, now incorporating a hybrid powertrain while maintaining a strong focus on affordability and safety.
2025 MG ZS Safety Rating ANCAP
The MG ZS was tested under ANCAP’s 2024 criteria, earning a four-star safety rating. This rating applies exclusively to the hybrid variant and remains valid until December 2030.
ANCAP Safety Score Breakdown:
| Category | Score (%) | Points Awarded |
|---|---|---|
| Adult Occupant Protection | 75% | 30.30 / 40 |
| Child Occupant Protection | 84% | 41.19 / 49 |
| Vulnerable Road User Protection | 73% | 46.55 / 63 |
| Safety Assist Features | 79% | 14.25 / 18 |
While the ZS performs well in child occupant safety and pedestrian protection, it lags slightly in adult occupant protection due to the absence of a centre airbag and lower side-impact scores.
Key Safety Features
The MG ZS Hybrid is equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including:
- Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) – Detects vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists
- Lane Support System – Includes Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Warning, and Emergency Lane Keeping
- Adaptive Cruise Control – Maintains speed and distance from other vehicles
- Blind-Spot Monitoring & Rear Cross-Traffic Alert – Enhances visibility on highways and in parking situations
- Speed Assistance System (SAS) – Uses speed sign recognition to alert drivers of speed limits
- Six Airbags – Dual frontal, side chest-protecting, and head-protecting airbags (but no centre airbag)
- Surround-View Camera – Provides a 360-degree view for safer parking
Despite being well-equipped, the absence of a centre airbag impacted the Adult Occupant Protection score.
Crash Test Performance
Adult Occupant Protection – 75% (30.30/40 Points)
The MG ZS provided adequate protection for the driver and front passenger but fell short in side-impact and whiplash protection tests. The lack of a centre airbag also reduced its frontal collision protection score.
Child Occupant Protection – 84% (41.19/49 Points)
The MG ZS performed strongly in child occupant safety, with secure ISOFIX and top-tether anchor points in the rear seats. Crash test dummies recorded minimal risk of injury in both front and side-impact scenarios.
Vulnerable Road User Protection – 73% (46.55/63 Points)
AEB with pedestrian and cyclist detection helps mitigate collision risks in urban environments. However, lower bumper protection for pedestrians affected its overall score.
Safety Assist – 79% (14.25/18 Points)
With a suite of driver assistance features, the MG ZS offers solid active safety performance. It lacks advanced lane-centering and more refined highway assist systems found in premium models but provides excellent value in its price range.
How the MG ZS Compares to Competitors
| Model | ANCAP Rating | Adult Protection | Child Protection |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 MG ZS Hybrid | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4 Stars) | 75% | 84% |
| Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 Stars) | 85% | 88% |
| Hyundai Kona | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4 Stars) | 80% | 84% |
| GWM Haval Jolion Hybrid | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 Stars) | 90% | 84% |
The MG ZS is a strong contender in affordability but trails Toyota and Hyundai in crash safety performance. If budget-friendly hybrid SUVs with solid safety are a priority, the ZS remains competitive.
Verdict: Is the 2025 MG ZS Safe?
The 2025 MG ZS Hybrid offers a solid safety package with modern driver assistance features, high child occupant protection, and strong pedestrian safety. However, it falls short of top-tier five-star ratings due to the absence of a centre airbag and lower adult crash protection scores.
For buyers looking for an affordable hybrid SUV with good safety features, the MG ZS remains a strong contender in the Australian market. However, if achieving a five-star safety rating is a priority, alternatives like the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid or Hyundai Kona Hybrid may be worth considering.
Dylan Anderson
Aize Carter
