ANCAP specialises in the crash testing of automobiles sold in Australia and the publishing of these results for the benefit of consumers.

has published crash test results (as of 2015) for over 515 passenger and light commercial vehicles sold in Australia and New Zealand.

Equivalent testing in other markets (such as Euro NCAP and ASEAN NCAP) are regarded by manufacturers as equal to ANCAP, attracting comments regarding the efficacy and usefulness of a tax payer funded safety rating system after the collapse of the Automotive industry in Australia, as each test can cost the equivalent of $750,000 AUD.

ANCAP has a focus on driver assistance systems, such as AEB, which are mandatory to achieve five stars.

[6] The results are grouped into 18 increasingly demanding classes:[7] Since 2020, it is mandatory to show a safety label with all display vehicles in Malaysia.

The printed information does not show the presence of anti-lock braking system, electronic stability control, tire-pressure monitoring system, hill-holder, intelligent speed assistance, crash eCall, presence eCall, drunk driving, fatigue, or distraction warning, anti-theft and lack of keyless technology as features.