BYD Sealion 5 slapped with three-star safety rating
The BYD Sealion 5 has received a three-star safety rating from ANCAP, marking the first time a BYD vehicle has failed to achieve a five-star score. The rating follows the implementation of stricter 2026 safety protocols, highlighting a gap between the manufacturer's performance and new industry standards.
Why it matters
Safety ratings are a primary consumer metric for vehicle purchasing, and this result may impact the brand's reputation in the Australian market.
The BYD Sealion 5 has been given a three-star safety rating by independent vehicle safety body, the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP), making it the first model from the Chinese automaker to fall short of a five-star rating. A rival to mid-size plug-in hybrid SUVs like the Toyota RAV4 and Mitsubishi Outlander , the Sealion 5 was one of the first vehicles tested under more stringent new ANCAP assessment protocols introduced in 2026 , formulated in partnership with its European affiliate, Euro NCAP. The results mean the Sealion 5, launched in Australia in 2025, has been awarded the Chinese brand’s lowest ANCAP rating yet, and it's applicable to both the Essential and Premium model grades offered in local showrooms.
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