Australia’s Vehicle Emissions Star Rating (VESR) now includes test results from the Australian Automobile Association’s (AAA) Real-World Testing Program. This initiative enhances transparency and accuracy in vehicle emissions and fuel consumption information by testing under local driving conditions.
Overview of the AAA Real-World Testing Program
The AAA Real-World Testing Program is Australia’s first independent initiative to evaluate vehicle emissions and fuel consumption under local driving conditions. Results are reported and available to consumers for free. In addition to traditional lab-based testing already available, this program captures and publishes data that better reflects how vehicles perform on Australian roads. These tests account for real traffic patterns, weather, terrain, and driving behaviour to provide efficiency results under typical Australian driving conditions.
Launched with a $14 million commitment from the Federal Government in the 2022 Budget, the program spans four years (2023–2027) and aims to test up to 200 vehicles, including cars, utes, and vans.
The program will soon expand to include testing of battery electric vehicles (BEVS), providing independent, real-world data on energy consumption and electric driving range. This information will support consumers looking for greater confidence when investing in new technologies.
Objectives and benefits
The primary goals of the program include:
- Empowering consumer choice with accurate, real-world fuel efficiency data
- Encouraging automotive innovation focused on real-world performance
- Helping fleet managers meet environmental and fuel efficiency targets
By offering this data publicly, the program promotes more informed vehicle purchasing decisions, helping to lower running costs and deliver improved environmental outcomes.
An independent program
The Real-World Testing Program is funded by the Australian Government and managed by the Australian Automobile Association (AAA). With over 9.5 million members, the AAA brings considerable public trust and reach to this initiative. The AAA is national body representing Australia's major motoring clubs, including NRMA, RACV, RACQ, RAA, RAC, RACT, and AANT.
Testing is conducted on public roads using standardised, repeatable protocols developed in collaboration with industry and government stakeholders. These procedures ensure consistency across different vehicle models and conditions.
Vehicle brands are notified prior to the publication of any vehicle testing results. All the latest results are publicly accessible on the AAA’s Real-World results webpage. Relevant vehicles are also linked in the VESR tool for easy reference.
Outlook
The inclusion of AAA’s Real-World Testing Program data into VESR provides an additional proactive step toward lower emissions, smarter consumer choices, and more responsible vehicle manufacturing.
For more information about the Real-World Testing Program, visit the AAA website.
Vehicles currently assessed
Access the VESR profiles for vehicles that have been assessed under the AAA Real-World Testing Program by using the AAA Testing Filter on the Browse and compare vehicles page.
Note:
The information provided is correct as at the time of publication. The AAA does not warrant the currency or accuracy of the information thereafter. AAA will not be responsible for any claims, damages, costs or losses following any reliance placed on any information provided via the Mediums. It is your responsibility to ensure that any information provided via the Mediums are relevant and appropriate to you.
The AAA provides no warranty and carries no responsibility in relation to this.
Mandated lab results' refer to the laboratory testing a vehicle undergoes before release on the Australian market. Fuel consumption and carbon dioxide (CO2) emission figures quoted are measured in accordance with the Australian Government’s regulated standard, Australian Design Rule 81/02, and published on the Australian Government’s Green Vehicle Guide.