Large Pickups Get A Safety Benchmark: ADAS Results
pxl 20250611 024800429a
ANCAP has taken a long, hard look at the electronics that try to stop big pickups from turning every suburban street into a demolition derby. The first Large Utilities ADAS Safety Comparison examined the crash avoidance systems fitted to several heavyweight contenders: an updated Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, RAM 1500, Toyota LandCruiser 79 Series and Toyota Tundra. The aim was simple – see how well these larger vehicles protect other road users by not crashing in the first place.
The Test And Why It Matters
Bigger vehicles do more damage when things go wrong, so avoiding a crash is the best form of protection. ANCAP applied international best practice in evaluating active safety systems, setting standards that sit well above current regulation. The goal was to create a benchmark that nudges manufacturers toward better crash avoidance performance, and to answer growing public concern about large pickups in built-up areas, near schools and on suburban streets.
The Results
The updated Ford F-150 came out on top, with the most comprehensive suite of active safety features and an overall score of 81% – earning a Platinum grading. Next was the RAM 1500, which delivered a strong showing and scored 70% for a Gold grading. The two Toyotas provided decent, if not dazzling, results: the LandCruiser 79 Series scored 55% (Silver) and the Tundra 50% (Silver). The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offered more limited crash avoidance capability and scored 27%, resulting in a Bronze grading. Performance varied across the fleet, but the overall message is clear: there is a solid foundation to build on, and scope to reach passenger car levels of crash avoidance.
Market Trends And Data
Large utes are no longer niche. More than 22,500 large utes were sold in Australia in 2024, and sales of the major pickup models have surged by roughly 270% since 2019. Market share for the large ute segment rose from about 5.9% to 9.4% over the same period. If you exclude the long-standing LandCruiser 79 Series, the newer large ute market share has climbed from around 1.4% to 4.4% since 2019. International research also flags higher pedestrian risk from pickups – fatal pedestrian crashes involving pickups are far more likely during turns than those involving cars, and vehicles with bonnet heights above one metre pose a greater risk of fatal outcomes for pedestrians.
What Happens Next
These initial comparisons will inform the development of a formal framework and roadmap for future testing. Additional safety information covering a broader range of large pickup models and variants is expected from 2026. Future phases may expand into physical crash protection testing, aiming to present a complete picture of both crash avoidance and crash protection for these vehicles.
A Brief History And Perspective
For decades, utes and light commercial vehicles have been part of independent safety assessment programs that have driven measurable improvements in crash performance and avoidance technology. As manufacturers bring ever larger models to market – machines built for towing and heavy work but increasingly used as everyday family transport – there is a clear public interest in how safe they are for everyone sharing the road. This comparison is a practical step toward giving fleet buyers and consumers objective information on the safety capabilities of large pickups and helping manufacturers to improve outcomes for all road users.
Zachary Skinner is the editor of TechDrivePlay.com, where tech, cars and adventure share the fast lane.
A former snowboarding pro and programmer, he brings both creative flair and technical know-how to his reviews. From high-performance cars to clever gadgets, he explores how innovation shapes the way we move, connect and live.
