NCAP crash test: The best safest cars
Everyone wants to have a safe car, because if an accident happens, as little as possible should happen to the passengers. Whether it's a family car or a small car, safety should always come first. We have therefore summarized the best safest cars by vehicle type for you and also the safest seats in the car.
What is the Euro NCAP crash test and who evaluates the cars?
For our evaluation, we looked at the latest NCAP crash test ratings. NCAP refers to the European New Car Assessment Programme. A consortium of European transport ministries, automobile clubs, insurance associations and research institutes assesses the safety of passenger cars. Euro NCAP has been in existence since 1997 and has since emerged as an essential benchmark for assessing vehicle safety.
Because cars are getting better and better technically, the requirements have also increased over time. Different accident scenarios are simulated and each case examines how well the occupants were protected. Scenarios include frontal, side, and rear impacts.
What are the NCAP test criteria?
Euro NCAP uses various crash tests to evaluate Europe's most popular vehicles using a five-star system. After all, a reliable car should also meet the highest safety standards. The safety of the vehicles is tested by Euro NCAP in the following four categories:
- Protection of adult occupants
- Protection of children
- Vulnerable road users (pedestrians and cyclists)
- Security through assistants
Before we present the list of the safest cars according to Euro NCAP, it is important to consider that the evaluation criteria have been tightened in 2023. This applies above all to the protection of pedestrians and cyclists. Here, 70 percent of the possible points must now be achieved in order to have a chance of 5 stars. In addition, the assistance systems have been tightened. If these do not make a significant contribution to preventing accidents, then a 5-star rating is unrealistic.
It is also important to note that some vehicles only achieve the very good ratings with optional safety packages. In such a case, we have noted a reference to the security package in the ranking. To increase your security on your own, you can retrofit some systems such as a head-up display. Incidentally, the safety systems are put to the test as part of the homologation process to ensure that they meet local safety standards.
Safe cars are also important as a pregnant woman, there are even special pregnancy belts.
Euro NCAP tightening possible in 2026
A further tightening of the evaluation criteria could come as early as 2026. This is about the fact that important functions must be operated via physical switches and buttons in the future in order to receive the maximum score.
It's about making cars safer and the shift of important elements to touchscreens and screens has led to a significant increase in the risk of distraction. The tightening is not yet certain, but when it comes, at least these five functions should be accessible via physical controls: turn signals, windshield wipers, horn, hazard warning lights and SOS emergency call.
In addition, it would be desirable to switch functions such as air conditioning, seat adjustment and other basic functions back to classic buttons.
The best safest cars by vehicle type
| Electric cars |
| Hybrid car |
| Small car |
| Compact car |
| Family Cars |
| Mini SUVs |
| Compact SUVs |
| Large SUVs |
Electric cars
Electric cars are undisputedly the most up-to-date technology available on the car market today. Batteries are nothing new, but batteries that can travel several hundred kilometers per charge are. Of course, car manufacturers do not do things by halves here and often install safety technology in their all-electric vehicles that is on a par with the state of development.
Mini Cooper E
The electric Mini Cooper was freshly tested in 2025 and received all five stars. If you want safety and at the same time want to get from A to B in an environmentally conscious way, the Mini Cooper E is a good choice. With a range of up to 400 kilometres suitable for everyday use, you can make good progress in the city and the surrounding area. Safety for adults is very good at 89%. Children also have nothing to fear, all child seats could be installed without any problems and 87% could be achieved.
Unprotected road users also have a good chance, but there is a minus point in the prevention of dooring by cyclists. In the assistance systems, there is only a little deduction for the speed assistant and for the monitoring of passenger status. But it was also enough for 79%.
Audi A6 e-tron
The Audi A6 e-tron impresses not only with its long range, good handling and great equipment, but also in terms of safety. It achieved a whopping 92% in the latest NCAP crash test in 2025 in adult protection. There were only marginal deductions for side impacts. Children are also well protected, for which there was 91% – Isofix cannot be used on the middle, rear seat, which is the only trigger.
The A6 e-tron is also well positioned to protect cyclists and pedestrians. The most vulnerable areas are the pelvis and thighs. As far as the assistance systems are concerned, there is hardly anything to complain about, which is why 80% was awarded. All in all, the Audi has the complete number of stars of 5.
Zeekr X
You probably didn't have this model on your radar – but you should definitely not neglect the Chinese electric cars. It has been shown time and again that they can now meet European safety standards well. This is also the case with the Zeekr X – it has received a 5-star rating and convinces in all four categories with very good performance.
91% for adult protection, 90% protection for children – there is really no need to say anything else here. Child seats can be easily installed, but the middle seat of the second row is not suitable for child seats. Assistance systems are also all very good, a trigger was given when approaching another vehicle head-on, because no emergency braking was triggered here.
Compare offers
You can see the top 3 as well as other safe electric cars in the following list, including individual rating categories.
| Make & Model | Star Rating |
Adult occupants |
Children | Pedestrian | Assistance Systems |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mini Cooper E | 5/5 | 89% | 87% | 77% | 79% |
| Audi A6 e-tron | 5/5 | 92% | 91% | 75% | 80% |
| Zeekr X | 5/5 | 91% | 90% | 84% | 83% |
| Audi Q6 e-tron | 5/5 | 91% | 92% | 81% | 80% |
| Nio EL6 | 5/5 | 93% | 85% | 78% | 76% |
| Cupra Tavascan | 5/5 | 89% | 86% | 80% | 79% |
| Volvo EX30 | 5/5 | 88% | 85% | 79% | 80% |
| XPeng G6 | 5/5 | 88% | 85% | 81% | 75% |
| Maxus MIFA7 | 5/5 | 92% | 87% | 81% | 75% |
Hybrid cars
Better safe than sorry. In relation to the driving safety of cars, this phrase takes on a whole new meaning. Since hybrid technology is also a modern development, the safest of the safe models have also been equipped with particularly safe and modern assistance systems. Purely electric short-distance journeys and successful safety features – that sounds like a good deal!
Mercedes-Benz CLA Plug-in Hybrid
One of these hybrid safety high-flyers is the Mercedes CLA Plug-in Hybrid. The sedan deservedly takes first place in the ranking of the safest hybrid vehicles. It is helped by outstanding ratings in the categories of occupant, child and pedestrian safety: a particularly high level of safety is guaranteed by the optionally available side airbags for the rear seats.
The active safety assistants – with lane departure warning and emergency braking assist as standard – cut a fine figure in the crash test. However, the consistently glossy smoothly polished image is clouded by the only mediocre functionality of the emergency lane departure warning system. Well, if you always have an eye on the road and would like to enjoy 73 kilometres of purely electric range, the CLA Plug-in Hybrid is still the right place for you.
Lexus NX
The Lexus NX also achieves a place in our top 3 because it cares above all about the safety of its occupants. Adults are 91% protected, children reach 87%. But other road users don't have to be afraid of the Lexus NX either. The car has an automatic emergency braking system for pedestrians and cyclists.
Typical compact SUVs, child passengers are expected in the back seat. This is also where the Isofix mounts and i-Size precautions are located. In the passenger seat, on the other hand, both are missing, so only adults can ride here.
Nissan Qashqai
Third place on the podium of the safest hybrid cars goes to the Nissan Qashqai. Just like in second place, this is also a compact SUV. While this model transports occupants extremely safely, it becomes a little more dangerous for other road users: the car only protects them 70%. That's not that much when you consider the 83% of the Lexus NX.
Children should also ride in the back. Neither on the passenger seat nor in the middle of the rear are there Isofix brackets or i-Size precautions. Since the latest generation, the Qashqai has only been available as a mild hybrid or as a plug-in hybrid - good for the environment and for the wallet heading towards the gas station.
You can see which 10 hybrids perform best in the Euro NCAP crash test here:
| Make & Model | Star Rating |
Adult occupants |
Children | Pedestrian | Assistance Systems |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes CLA Plug-in Hybrid |
5/5 | 96% | 91% | 91% | 75% |
| Lexus NX | 5/5 | 91% | 87% | 83% | 91% |
| Nissan Qashqai | 5/5 | 93% | 87% | 85% | 77% |
| Toyota Corolla Touring Sports Hybrid |
5/5 | 95% | 84% | 86% | 77% |
| Toyota RAV4 Hybrid | 5/5 | 93% | 87% | 85% | 77% |
| Mercedes GLC Plug-in Hybrid |
5/5 | 95% | 89% | 82% | 71% |
| Lexus UX Hybrid | 5/5 | 96% | 85% | 82% | 77% |
| Mazda 3 Hybrid | 5/5 | 98% | 87% | 81% | 73% |
| Toyota Prius | 5/5 | 92% | 82% | 77% | 85% |
| Renault Clio Hybrid | 5/5 | 96% | 89% | 72% | 75% |
Small car
Always on the little ones! Or is it? With the small cars presented here, you are always on the safe side. Because even the little ones have a lot to offer and nowadays are more and more bristling with the insecure image that they had to endure for a long time. Thanks to new technologies, you can now travel at least as safely in a small car as in a luxury ship.
Smart #3
With the smart #3, driving pleasure is guaranteed, you get extensive basic equipment and a good range. The small SUV performed very well in the NCAP in 2023 and received the maximum rating of five stars. The automatic emergency braking system helps a lot with pedestrian protection. The lane departure warning system is very good and does not interfere too much with the steering.
There are a few deductions for voice control and for the speed limit display. There have always been different results that were displayed when using voice control, which is why the smart has to make do with – still very good – 85% of the assistance systems.
BYD Dolphin
The BYD Dolphin was tested in 2023 and received the maximum rating of five stars - because Chinese electric cars would be unsafe. This prejudice has probably not been tenable for a long time. Both adults and children sit safely in the Dolphin, pedestrians and cyclists also have a good chance in the event of a collision.
At 79%, the assistance systems were shown to be the worst criterion. This is mainly due to the lack of occupant recognition on the driver's seat.
Subaru Crosstrek
The small off-road vehicle Subaru Crosstrek has been awarded in 2024. Above all, the child safety is really impressive at 90%. But 83% in the safety of adult occupants is also good, here there are only problems in the event of a side impact, which led to the point deduction.
The assistance systems get the fewest points with 72%, which is mainly due to the autonomous emergency braking system, which did not perform well in some test scenarios. Overall, however, it was still enough for the Crosstrek for 5 out of 5 stars.
Here are the safest small cars in the list:
| Make & Model | Star Rating |
Adult occupants |
Children | Pedestrian | Assistance Systems |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smart #3 | 5/5 | 90% | 86% | 84% | 85% |
| BYD Dolphin | 5/5 | 89% | 87% | 85% | 79% |
| Subaru Crosstrek | 5/5 | 86% | 81% | 78% | 85% |
| Cupra Born | 5/5 | 93% | 89% | 73% | 80% |
| GWM Ora 03 | 5/5 | 92% | 83% | 74% | 93% |
| VW Polo | 5/5 | 94% | 80% | 70% | 70% |
| Seat Ibiza | 5/5 | 83% | 82% | 66% | 70% |
| Toyota Aygo X | 4/5 | 78% | 78% | 74% | 81% |
| Peugeot 308 | 4/5 | 76% | 84% | 68% | 65% |
Compact car
The compact car segment enjoys relatively constant popularity. With today's SUV boom, you have to ask yourself – rightly – what the causes are. Quite simply: compact cars are the incarnation of reason! As city cars, they are not too big and still have enough trunk space for weekend shopping.
With their average weight, they do not drink excessively and consume appropriate amounts of fuel. And they are also chic, because the timeless hatchback design is pleasing to the eye. If you now also come up with adequate security features, you can be sure of the hearts of your customers.
Mercedes A-Class
The compact car that best meets the safety needs of the masses is not a compact, but a compact one: namely the Mercedes A-Class. They are available as hatchbacks and sedan variants, both of which are made for use as city cars despite their different body shapes. However, short dimensions do not mean that comfort and safety have to be sacrificed – on the contrary, the needs of the passengers are very important in the A-Class.
96, 91, 92, 75 – dream scores in the four test categories of the Euro NCAP crash test. Emergency brake assist as well as airbags contribute to this verdict. Not only pedestrians are spoiled by the safety measures of the Mercedes A-Class, occupants can also rightly feel safe. Technical treat: The intelligent personal assistant, called MBUX, reacts to commands and takes care of the radio frequency or the internal temperature as desired.
Toyota Corolla
The best-selling, the legend – no vehicle in the history of compact cars in the world has been sold as often as the Toyota Corolla. For a long time, the Corolla was the car that the voice of reason demanded. In the meantime, Toyota has tried to spice up the compact car image with the Auris, but now since 2018 it has been "Corolla, roll forward" again - and better than ever!
The Japanese looks fresh, playful and is – particularly relevant for this ranking – extremely well equipped with safety features. The Corolla is particularly well protected against side impacts, with the side airbags helping it significantly. An emergency brake assistant and a lane departure warning system are also on board. Exemplary!
Skoda Scala
Of course, all 10 places in the ranking are worth mentioning, but only the Skoda Scala makes it to the winner's podium. According to the crash test, only the Mazda 3 is better in terms of passenger protection, the Scala scores a whopping 97% and thanks, among other things, for the standard knee airbag on the driver's seat - because not every vehicle has it! Children and adults alike travel safely in the Czech sibling model of the VW Golf – which, by the way, "only" lands in 5th place.
When naming it, Skoda deliberately wanted to remind people of sounding names such as La Scala in Milan – Scala means "stairs" or "ladder" in Latin. This illustrates the ambitions of the Scala, because it literally wants to aim high! When others are at their wit's end, the Scala shoots around the corner and says: "Hey, you're safe with me!" And that's true, because the crash test scores of 97%, 87%, 81% and 76% in the categories of adult protection, child safety, pedestrian protection and safety assistants speak for themselves.
| Make & Model | Star Rating |
Adult occupants |
Children | Pedestrian | Assistance Systems |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes A-Class | 5/5 | 96% | 91% | 92% | 75% |
| Toyota Corolla | 5/5 | 95% | 84% | 86% | 77% |
| Skoda Scala | 5/5 | 97% | 87% | 81% | 76% |
| Mazda 3 | 5/5 | 98% | 87% | 81% | 73% |
| VW Golf | 5/5 | 95% | 89% | 76% | 78% |
| Seat Leon | 5/5 | 92% | 88% | 71% | 80% |
| Ford Focus | 5/5 | 96% | 87% | 72% | 75% |
| Honda Civic | 5/5 | 92% | 75% | 75% | 88% |
| DS 4 | 5/5 | 85% | 86% | 74% | 82% |
| BMW 1er | 5/5 | 83% | 87% | 76% | 72% |
Familienautos
Die typischen Familienautos auf dem Markt sind ganz klar Kombis und Vans. Steht man vor der Entscheidung, welches Familienauto man kaufen möchte, spielen natürlich mehrere Faktoren eine Rolle: Kofferraumvolumen, Platz im Fond, Verbrauch – und natürlich auch die Sicherheitsausstattung! Denn wer mit kleinen Kindern unterwegs ist, weiß, dass Mama und Papa gerne ein paar Sorgen abgenommen bekommen wollen, und da kommt ein Auto mit sicherem Auftreten gerade recht!
Audi A5
Of course, safety should be the top priority, especially in a family car – and you don't have to worry about that with the Audi A5. Both as an adult and as a child you are in safe hands. In the safety of adults, there are deductions in the event of side impact, but this is the problem area with most models. Child seats can be easily attached anywhere, except for the rear middle seat – but that's normal too.
In terms of assistance systems, there is also something to complain about in some scenarios with the emergency brake assistant, but overall the A5 gets full marks in the 2024 test.
VW Passat
93% in adult safety – that's a top value. Children are also safely stowed in the car with a whopping 87% and the percentages never go below 80%, which really doesn't happen often. So the VW Passat is a safe car all around. If you want to look at the lowest percentage, then we would be with the safety assistants.
The testers had to complain a little about the emergency brake assistant again, but overall you can really be safe on the road in the Passat.
Skoda Superb
Same company, same vehicle size, same platform – the Skoda Superb is basically a Passat, you can see that in the crash test, because the Skoda was given the same score in all four categories. So we don't have to repeat ourselves, but refer to the VW – the only difference: if you buy a Superb, you'll probably get off cheaper. Sure, it's definitely just like its VW brother.
Here you can see the safest family cars in comparison:
| Make & Model | Star Rating |
Adult occupants |
Children | Pedestrian | Assistance Systems |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audi A5 | 5/5 | 87% | 88% | 78% | 77% |
| VW Passat | 5/5 | 93% | 87% | 82% | 80% |
| Skoda Superb | 5/5 | 93% | 87% | 82% | 80% |
| VW ID.7 | 5/5 | 95% | 88% | 83% | 80% |
| Mercedes C-Class | 5/5 | 93% | 89% | 80% | 82% |
| Nio ET5 | 5/5 | 96% | 85% | 83% | 81% |
| Skoda Octavia | 5/5 | 92% | 88% | 73% | 79% |
| Volvo V60/ Volvo S60 |
5/5 | 96% | 84% | 74% | 76% |
| Ford Mondeo | 5/5 | 96% | 87% | 70% | 73% |
| Opel Insignia | 5/5 | 93% | 85% | 78% | 69% |
Mini SUVs
If you want to aim high, you have to start small. Mini SUVs are SUVs for those who care about an elevated view of the road, but who don't want to drive a star cruiser right away. This is probably also the reason why mini SUVs are so trendy at the moment, because they are usually based on the small cars of the car manufacturer model ranges, but have useful SUV features.
Mini Countryman
The Mini Countryman does a good job, because as a mini SUV it is well suited both in the city and for small families - and this is also shown by the NCAP result. 83% adult and 87% child safety speak for themselves. Pedestrians and cyclists are also fairly well protected in the event of a collision at 81%, but there is no protection to prevent cyclists from crashing into the car door.
Skoda Kamiq
Just behind in the ranking is the group brother Å koda Kamiq. An extensive package of safety assistants as well as great ratings in the categories of adult and child protection help the Czech to make a successful appearance in the crash test. After being properly maltreated at Euro NCAP, he went home completely dented, but with his head held high - because the facts speak for themselves: side airbags for additional occupant protection, a low risk of injury for pedestrians and children. A safe bet, Skoda!
Ford Puma
Although not quite as good as the T-Cross or the Kamiq, but still excellent, a big cat comes out on top – namely the Ford Puma! Whether it's a mini SUV or a crossover, however you categorize it, the Ford Puma is far tamer than you'd expect from its name and appearance. The extremely good ratings, especially for the protection of fellow passengers - whether adult (94%) or child (84%) - speak a clear language here.
In addition to the upscale safety equipment with side airbags at the front, Isofix seats on the outer rear seats and active lane departure warning, the Puma also shows real qualities as a practical vehicle: For example, a tub with a drain is hidden under the loading floor in the trunk.
The following are the safest mini SUVs in the ranking:
| Make & Model | Star Rating |
Adult occupants |
Children | Pedestrian | Assistance Systems |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mini Countryman | 5/5 | 83% | 87% | 81% | 79% |
| Skoda Kamiq | 5/5 | 96% | 85% | 80% | 76% |
| Ford Puma | 5/5 | 94% | 84% | 77% | 74% |
| Toyota Yaris Cross | 5/5 | 86% | 84% | 78% | 81% |
| VW Taigo | 5/5 | 94% | 84% | 71% | 70% |
| BMW X2 | 5/5 | 85% | 88% | 76% | 92% |
| Seat Arona | 5/5 | 95% | 80% | 77% | 60% |
| Toyota C-HR | 5/5 | 85% | 86% | 86% | 79% |
| BYD Atto3 | 5/5 | 91% | 89% | 69% | 74% |
| Hyundai Kona | 5/5 | 87% | 85% | 62% | 60% |
Compact SUVs
Driving SUVs – for some, this is frowned upon because SUVs are considered environmental polluters. Nowadays, however, the technology is already so advanced that the fuel consumption of compact SUVs often falls below 6 liters per 100 km, almost reaching the consumption level of compact cars. Less consumption, but all the safer: Due to their size and seat height, compact SUVs are also the ideal companions for all those who like to be particularly safe. The combination of clear exterior dimensions, comfortable entry and high practical benefits ensures that some compact SUVs are among the best cars for seniors.
MG HS
MG HS – never heard of it? Then it's time! In terms of safety, the compact SUV is far ahead. Adults don't have to worry (90%) and children are also safe in the second row (85%). The safety of cyclists and pedestrians is also well taken care of, and even the emergency brake assistant scores well in the assistance systems – it has often been criticized in other models.
Then we can only say – have a good trip!
VW Tiguan
If you are looking for a family car, you can't get past the VW Tiguan. Of course, the classic among compact family SUVs is not so popular for nothing - it is also so popular because you can transport your loved ones safely. Child safety was even rated the highest at 88%, pedestrians and cyclists also have good protection, whether head, pelvis, thighs or knees – the crash results were appropriate across the entire width of the vehicle.
Ford Capri
The Ford Capri has returned to the roads as a crossover and does a good job in terms of safety. In 2024, it received a full five stars and it is exemplary in child safety. There is a system to detect children in the vehicle in case it would be accidentally left behind, as well as a good airbag and all critical parts of the body are well protected in the event of an impact.
Here you can see the ten safest compact SUVs:
| Make & Model | Star Rating |
Adult occupants |
Children | Pedestrian | Assistance Systems |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MG HS | 5/5 | 90% | 85% | 83% | 74% |
| VW Tiguan | 5/5 | 82% | 88% | 84% | 78% |
| Ford Capri | 5/5 | 89% | 86% | 80% | 72% |
| VW T-Roc | 5/5 | 96% | 87% | 79% | 71% |
| Mercedes GLB | 5/5 | 92% | 88% | 78% | 74% |
| Volvo XC40 | 5/5 | 97% | 87% | 71% | 76% |
| Cupra Formentor | 5/5 | 93% | 88% | 68% | 80% |
| Renault Arkana | 5/5 | 96% | 83% | 75% | 74% |
| Toyota C-HR | 5/5 | 95% | 77% | 76% | 78% |
| Range Rover Evoque | 5/5 | 94% | 87% | 72% | 73% |
Large SUVs
Driving an SUV is a trend. If you have a little more money on the high side, have to transport a large family and at the same time go for the rustic off-road vehicle look, a large SUV is certainly a good choice. Especially the family, greedy for security, is likely to be interested in a safe, good-natured companion. But does big really always mean safe?
Hyundai Santa Fe
Only if you choose the Hyundai Santa Fe with safety package, the car will also be rated with 5 stars. Pedestrians and cyclists are mostly well protected on the head, only on the stiff windshield pillars and on the edges of the hood poor results were achieved in the test. Pelvic protection was also not uniform. The assistance systems are good overall, the lane departure warning system intervenes only gently and drowsiness detection is also on board and also works well.
Mazda CX-80
The Mazda CX-80 achieved really good results among the large SUVs. With 92% adult protection and 88% for children, you can get behind the wheel without hesitation. For other road users, good pelvic, thigh and head protection could be demonstrated on almost the entire vehicle. Only on the stiff windshield pillars were the crash results poor – that's a problem of the large SUVs.
However, it was still 84% of pedestrian protection and of course a 5-star rating overall.
Skoda Kodiaq
The Skoda Kodiaq is a popular vehicle when it comes to space, variability and reliability. That's why it is also often chosen as a family car when more space is needed. Safety is on the positive list in addition to comfort and good equipment. In the NCAP crash test, it achieved good results in all categories. A rating of 78% for the assistance systems is the worst rating. In some scenarios, the performance of the emergency brake assistant was not optimal.
But that doesn't change the fact that the Kodiaq really deserves the five stars.
| Make & Model | Star Rating |
Adult occupants |
Children | Pedestrian | Assistance Systems |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Santa Fe (with safety package) |
5/5 | 84% | 86% | 77% | 79% |
| Mazda CX-80 | 5/5 | 92% | 88% | 84% | 79% |
| Skoda Kodiaq | 5/5 | 89% | 83% | 82% | 78% |
| XPeng G9 | 5/5 | 85% | 85% | 78% | 78% |
| Seat Tarraco | 5/5 | 97% | 84% | 79% | 79% |
| Jaguar F-Pace | 5/5 | 93% | 85% | 80% | 72% |
| VW Touareg | 5/5 | 89% | 86% | 72% | 81% |
| Citroen C5 Aircross (with safety package) |
5/5 | 89% | 86% | 76% | 82% |
| Mercedes GLE | 5/5 | 90% | 83% | 78% | 72% |
| Honda CR-V | 5/5 | 93% | 83% | 70% | 76% |
| Audi Q7 | 5/5 | 92% | 86% | 71% | 72% |