Tesla’s Model Y is the first vehicle to pass the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s new advanced driver assistance system benchmark tests. The updated evaluations are part of NHTSA’s expanded New Car Assessment Program and focus on crash-avoidance technologies, as opposed to the traditional and more familiar crash-test protection ratings. The new tests are designed as pass/fail evaluations and cover features such as pedestrian automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot warning, and blind-spot intervention.Tesla Model Y vehicles built after November 12, 2025, successfully passed all four new ADAS categories, along with the program’s existing driver-assistance criteria, says NHTSA. “Today’s announcement marks a significant step forward in our efforts to provide consumers with the most comprehensive safety ratings ever,” NHTSA Administrator Jonathan Morrison said in a statement. “By successfully passing these new tests, the 2026 Tesla Model Y demonstrates the lifesaving potential of driver assistance technologies and sets a high bar for the industry.” The recognition comes as Tesla continues to push its Autopilot and Full Self-Driving systems. Tesla’s systems are considered Level 2 driver-assistance technologies, meaning drivers must pay attention to the road and be ready to take control at all times. Tesla Issues Recall On 2 Million Of Its Vehicles In The U.S. Due To Autopilot IssueAnd yet Tesla’s driver-assistance systems continue to undergo scrutiny. Federal regulators are still investigating how Tesla’s Full Self-Driving software performs in reduced-visibility conditions such as fog, glare, and dust. Critics point out that the new NHTSA benchmark focuses on foundational safety functions already common across much of the industry. Still, the updated program reflects growing emphasis on evaluating active safety technology as automakers increasingly market vehicles around automated driving features. Autoweek SOC EV Newsletter sign up