The Tesla Model Y, tested in 2022, has emerged as a frontrunner in vehicle safety, earning top ratings from multiple safety assessment programs worldwide. This comprehensive analysis explores why the Model Y is considered one of the safest cars on the road and its security features that set it apart.
Is the Tesla Model Y the Safest Car?
While it's challenging to definitively label any single vehicle as "the safest," the Tesla Model Y certainly ranks among the top contenders:- 5-Star ANCAP Rating: The Model Y achieved a 5-star safety rating from ANCAP, reflecting its exceptional performance in rigorous crash tests.
- Adult Occupant Protection: An impressive score of 97%, one of the highest ever recorded.
- Child Occupant Protection: A strong score of 89%, demonstrating excellent safety for younger passengers.
- Euro NCAP Performance: The Model Y received the highest Overall Score under Euro NCAP's stringent test protocol, further solidifying its status as a leader in safety.
These results place the Model Y at the forefront of vehicle safety, particularly in its class of electric SUVs.
Are Tesla Cars Safe?
Tesla vehicles, including the Model Y, have proven to be exceptionally safe in Australia:- ANCAP Recognition: The 5-star ANCAP rating confirms the Model Y's safety credentials for Australian roads.
- Vulnerable Road User Protection: Scoring 82% in this category demonstrates the vehicle's ability to protect pedestrians and cyclists, a crucial factor for urban and rural driving conditions.
- Advanced Safety Technologies: Features like Automatic Emergency Braking and Lane Support Systems are particularly beneficial on Australian roads, helping to prevent common accident scenarios.
How Secure is a Tesla Model Y?
The Model Y's security extends beyond crash protection to include advanced preventative features:- Structural Integrity: The rear underbody casting and fortified battery pack provide immense crash strength to the safety cell.
- Low Rollover Risk: NHTSA tests determined a rollover risk of just 7.9%, the lowest of any SUV recorded to date.
- Far-Side Airbag: This innovative feature deploys between front seats, offering additional protection during side impacts.
- Multi-Collision Braking: Automatically applies brakes after a collision to prevent secondary impacts.
- Collision Avoidance Driver Monitoring: Uses direct monitoring to detect driver distraction and adjusts safety systems accordingly.
- Tesla Vision: A camera-based system that achieved a leading score of 98% in Euro NCAP's Safety Assist category without relying on radar.
Detailed Assessment Scores
The Tesla Model Y's outstanding safety performance is reflected in its detailed assessment scores:
Adult Occupant Protection: 97%
The Model Y achieved an impressive score of 97% in this category:- Frontal Offset: 7.85 out of 8 points
- Full Width Frontal: 7.95 out of 8 points
- Side Impact: 8.00 out of 8 points
- Oblique Pole: 8.00 out of 8 points
- Whiplash Protection: 2.91 out of 3 points
- AEB (City): 4.00 out of 4 points
Child Occupant Protection: 89%
With a score of 89%, the Model Y excels in protecting child occupants:- Dynamic Front: 15.72 out of 16 points
- Dynamic Side: 8.00 out of 8 points
- Restraint Installation: 11.71 out of 12 points
- On-Board Safety Features: 7.00 out of 13 points
Vulnerable Road User Protection: 82%
The Model Y scored well in protecting vulnerable road users:- Head Impact: 19.24 out of 24 points
- Upper Leg Impact: 5.84 out of 6 points
- Lower Leg Impact: 6.00 out of 6 points
- AEB (Pedestrian): 8.16 out of 9 points
- AEB (Cyclist): 8.51 out of 9 points
Safety Assist: 98%
The Model Y achieved an outstanding score in Safety Assist features:- Speed Assistance System: 3.00 out of 3 points
- Seat Belt Reminders: 3.00 out of 3 points
- Lane Support System: 4.00 out of 4 points
- AEB (Interurban): 3.00 out of 3 points
- Driver Monitoring: 4.00 out of 4 points
Conclusion
The Tesla Model Y's exceptional safety ratings, advanced structural design, and cutting-edge safety technologies make it one of the most secure vehicles available today. Its performance in rigorous safety tests, coupled with innovative features like Tesla Vision and far-side airbags, demonstrates Tesla's commitment to pushing the boundaries of vehicle safety.
For families and safety-conscious drivers alike, the Model Y offers peace of mind through its comprehensive approach to occupant and road user protection. As vehicle safety standards continue to evolve, the Tesla Model Y stands as a benchmark for what's possible in automotive safety engineering—especially following its rigorous testing that solidified its status as one of the safest vehicles on the market today.