Australia’s growing love affair with oversized bakkies (or Utes as they are known Down Under) has sparked a fresh safety review by ANCAP (Australasian New Car Assessment Program). This time, it is not just about surviving a crash, but avoiding one altogether.
Concerns over the size and weight of these utes, especially in suburban areas and near schools, led the authority to examine how well-advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) protect pedestrians, cyclists and smaller vehicles.
The study compared heavy hitters like the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, RAM 1500, Toyota Land Cruiser 79 Series, Toyota Tundra and the latest Ford F-150. Instead of focusing solely on crashworthiness, ANCAP assessed the sophistication of each model’s crash-avoidance tech. The Ford F-150 topped the list with its comprehensive ADAS suite, followed by the RAM 1500. Toyota’s offerings were middling, while the Silverado lagged behind.
ANCAP says these findings will shape a new framework for rating large pickups, with further crash tests planned from 2026. The message is clear: toughness alone will not cut it. Modern safety now hinges on intelligence like sensors, cameras and software that prevent collisions before they happen.
The Mahindra Scorpio N illustrates this shift. Praised by Global NCAP for structural strength, it earned five stars for occupant protection yet scored zero with ANCAP owing to limited ADAS. The contrast highlights how features like autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping and blind-spot monitoring have become essential, especially for vehicles that can cause severe harm in a crash.
As standards evolve, future pickups will need more than muscle to earn top marks. Safety is no longer just about surviving impact; it’s about avoiding it altogether.
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