Toyota HiLux BEV becomes Australia's first electric ute with five stars
ANCAP has handed the electric HiLux a maximum five-star rating, while two new BMWs settled for four stars and Subaru's fresh EV pair both scored top marks.
Shane Riley
Key takeaways
- 2026 Toyota HiLux BEV is Australia's first five-star electric ute
- Subaru Trailseeker and Uncharted EVs also earned five stars
- BMW 1 Series and 2 Series Gran Coupe scored four
The 2026 Toyota HiLux BEV has become the first electric ute in Australia to earn a five-star ANCAP safety rating. ANCAP confirmed the result on 3 June 2026, alongside five-star scores for Subaru's new Trailseeker and Uncharted EVs and four-star ratings for the BMW 1 Series and 2 Series Gran Coupe.
That makes the electric HiLux a standout in a class where rivals like the KGM Musso EV and LDV eT60 remain unrated. Priced from $76,490 before on-road costs, it's the most expensive HiLux in showrooms, but the rating matters because the BEV is aimed squarely at fleet buyers who often demand five stars.
Why the Toyota HiLux BEV needed extra testing
Diesel HiLux variants already secured five stars back in December 2025. The arrival of the battery-electric version prompted ANCAP to run additional frontal offset and oblique pole crash tests, checking battery integrity and the safety of the high-voltage electrical system in severe impacts.
The verdict: the electric HiLux delivers crash protection on par with its diesel siblings. Every HiLux now holds the top rating except the Rugged X, which needs separate testing for its off-road bull bar.
Toyota HiLux BEV ANCAP scores
| Category | Score |
| Adult occupant protection | 84% |
| Child occupant protection | 89% |
| Vulnerable road user protection | 82% |
| Safety assist | 82% |
Subaru's electric SUVs join the five-star club
Subaru came away with two five-star results. The Trailseeker, an electric SUV sitting above the Outback, scored 89% for adult occupant protection. The smaller Uncharted, due here mid-year, landed 88%. Both ratings drew on testing of related Toyota EVs, including the bZ4X and C-HR+.
Where the BMWs fell short
The petrol BMW 1 Series and 2 Series Gran Coupe both managed only four stars. Each recorded 78% for adult occupant protection, just under the 80% threshold for five. ANCAP flagged elevated chest injury risk in frontal crash tests and potential upper-leg injury from the dashboard structures.
These scores were assessed under ANCAP's outgoing 2023-2025 protocols. A tougher 2026 regime arrives later this year, with results unlikely before the third quarter.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the 2026 Toyota HiLux BEV cost?
The electric HiLux is priced from $76,490 before on-road costs, making it the most expensive HiLux in the Australian range.
Is the Toyota HiLux BEV the first five-star electric ute in Australia?
Yes. It's the first and currently only electric ute to achieve a five-star ANCAP safety rating, with rivals like the KGM Musso EV and LDV eT60 still unrated.
Why did the BMW 1 Series and 2 Series Gran Coupe only get four stars?
Both scored 78% for adult occupant protection, below the 80% needed for five stars, due to elevated chest and upper-leg injury risks in frontal crash testing.
Shane Riley
Co-founder & Director
Shane Riley is Co-founder and Director of The Beep based in Melbourne, Australia. He has 20+ years across OEM, leasing and fleet, with experience in vehicle strategy, sales and operations.
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