Record-setting safety? 2023 Lexus RX and Hyundai Ioniq 6 are the new standard to beat in their respective categories

The Lexus RX luxury large SUV and Hyundai Ioniq 6 electric car have become the new record-setters in their respective ANCAP categories, despite the highest-ever requirements for a five-star rating.

The Lexus RX scored extremely highly across ANCAP's four categories, for a maximum rating that covers the entire range, including the 2.5-litre 350h hybrid, 2.4-litre turbo 350 combustion variant, and performance oriented 2.4-litre turbo-hybrid 500h.

The Lexus scored highest for its 'Safety Assist' score with ANCAP noting particularly good performance of its active safety equipment, notably the range and function of its auto emergency braking (AEB) suite.

Meanwhile the much-anticipated Hyundai Ioniq 6 secured a five-star rating for its entire three-variant range, which consists of the 168kW RWD Dynamiq, and 239kW dual-motor all-wheel-drive Techniq and Epiq grades.

The Ioniq 6 was notable for its 97 per cent adult occupant protection score, and its 90 per cent safety assist score. It scored nearly full marks in impact, pole, and rescue tests, and like the Lexus RX had notably high performance for its auto emergency braking and lane keep systems.

The latest round of scores come as the BMW i4 electric sedan was controversially awarded just four stars for lacklustre performance of its safety assist systems, despite the brand noting Australian-delivered models come with a higher standard of safety equipment than the cars tested in Europe.

ANCAP is also in the process of once again making its testing criteria more stringent, saying that it will introduce new criteria in 2023 that will include tests for submergence - that is the ability to escape the car while it is in a body of water, and a new test for systems that prevent children from being locked in the car. Tests for rear auto braking and motorcycle detection will also be added, alongside an increase in the requirements for head-on collisions.

The Hyundai Ioniq 6 will go on sale next week with very limited supply expected, while the Lexus RX is already on sale, with wait times currently hovering around two-to-four months for a 350h, or up to six months for the higher grades.