ANCAP crash test scores for Honda CR-V, ZR-V & Civic in limbo

Timing for the release of ANCAP safety ratings for the latest Honda CR-V, ZR-V and Civic remains unclear as the safety organisation awaits additional information.

The Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) said it is working with Honda to undertake additional physical and virtual evaluations of local versions of the CR-V, ZR-V and Civic before it can release its own results.

These results would be based on existing Euro NCAP testing conducted between 2022 and 2024, which saw a five-star score applied to some versions of the CR-V last week under the latest 2023-25 criteria and a five-star score for the Civic in 2022 under the less stringent 2020-22 criteria.

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The ZR-V received a four-star Euro NCAP score in 2023 as it narrowly failed to meet the required five-star thresholds for adult occupant protection and safety assistance.

Some versions of the CR-V sold in Europe also received a four-star safety rating due to a safety assistance score below the 70 per cent requirement for a five-star result.

Euro NCAP notes four-star CR-V variants – not fitted with an optional 'Honda Sensing 360' safety package – lack corner radars that “significantly enhanced AEB [autonomous emergency braking] performance” for vehicle and pedestrian detection.

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Honda Australia has confirmed our CR-V lacks the two front corner radars for enhanced AEB detection available in Chinese-built European versions, as local CR-Vs are sourced from a different factory in Thailand.

The lack of this enhanced AEB detection could limit the CR-V's potential to receive a five-star safety rating in Australia.

These Euro NCAP scores only apply to hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions of the CR-V, ZR-V and Civic, as petrol-only models are not offered in Europe – except for the Civic Type R hot hatch.

“For ANCAP to… publish safety ratings relevant to AUS/NZ-specified models, we must ensure – through an evaluation of additional test results, crash simulations, technical drawings, data etc. – that the safety specification and safety performance of the vehicles tested by Euro NCAP are applicable to locally-supplied vehicles,” said an ANCAP spokesperson.

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“We’re currently working through this process with Honda.”

A Honda Australia spokesperson said safety was a top priority for the brand.

"We are working closely with ANCAP and are currently awaiting the most up to date information in relation to the recent testing of CR-V, Honda ZR-V and Civic.

"As soon as we have any further information in relation to this testing, we will share this with you."

The only Honda vehicle sold in Australia with a current ANCAP rating is the HR-V, which scored four stars in 2022.