BYD Sealion 5 Earns Respectable Three-Star Safety Rating

The Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) recently awarded the BYD Sealion 5 a three-star safety rating, marking the first time a model from the Chinese automaker has not achieved a five-star rating. The Sealion 5, positioned as a competitor to mid-size plug-in hybrid SUVs like the Toyota RAV4 and Mitsubishi Outlander, underwent testing under the new ANCAP assessment protocols introduced in 2026. These stricter protocols were formulated in collaboration with Euro NCAP, ANCAP’s European counterpart.

The Sealion 5, which was launched in Australia in 2025, received the lowest ANCAP rating ever given to a BYD vehicle, encompassing both the Essential and Premium model grades available in local showrooms. Notably, the Sealion 5 is the only BYD model in Australian showrooms tested by ANCAP that does not hold a full five-star rating, including the Atto 1 electric hatchback, which is currently the most affordable new vehicle in Australia.

The Sealion 5’s safety rating was impacted by its performance in the Crash Avoidance and Safe Driving sections of the ANCAP test, scoring 51% and 48% respectively. One of the key concerns highlighted in the ANCAP report was the Sealion 5’s emergency lane-keeping system’s failure to intervene in ‘road-edge’ scenarios.

Additionally, the Sealion 5 lacked child presence detection, a feature introduced in 2023 to alert drivers if an infant is left in the vehicle. It also did not have a seatbelt misuse alert, an emergency ‘e-call’ function, or ‘stature classification’ to optimize restraints based on occupant size.

Furthermore, the Sealion 5 did not include low-speed pedal-misapplication protection, which reduces engine power if the accelerator is pressed when an obstacle is detected ahead. Despite these shortcomings, BYD emphasized that the Sealion 5 complies with all Australian Design Rules and safety standards.

In contrast, another BYD model, the M9 PHEV people mover, received a five-star ANCAP rating, excelling in Post Crash safety and Crash Protection assessments. The M9 also performed well in Crash Avoidance and Safe Driving tests, showcasing balanced safety performance across all evaluation criteria.

As the automotive industry continues to prioritize safety, ANCAP’s stringent testing protocols aim to provide consumers with transparent information on a vehicle’s safety performance. BYD remains committed to upholding safety standards, with the Sealion 5 representing an opportunity for further enhancement in safety features.