Asger Risom
Euro NCAP has named the safest cars currently on sale, assessing adult and child protection, pedestrian safety and driver-assist technologies. These models set the benchmark for road safety in 2025.
Euro NCAP has named the safest cars currently on sale, assessing adult and child protection, pedestrian safety and driver-assist technologies. These models set the benchmark for road safety in 2025.
How Euro NCAP Scores Are Calculated
Euro NCAP evaluates cars on adult and child occupant protection, pedestrian safety, and driver-assist technologies. Each area contributes to a total score out of 400 points.
Why These Cars Lead on Safety
Advanced driver-assist systems, strong crash structures, and features like pop-up bonnets and child detection technology help these models achieve their class-leading safety ratings.
Tesla Model 3 – The Safest New Car
Tesla’s Model 3 tops the list with outstanding scores in occupant and pedestrian protection. Its autonomous emergency braking system performed exceptionally well, and features like a pop-up bonnet and child presence detection contributed to its strong safety rating.
Mercedes E-Class – Executive Safety Leader
The Mercedes E-Class offers superb safety for both adults and children, with effective crash avoidance systems and cyclist detection alerts. It remains one of the safest combustion-powered cars on sale.
Zeekr X – Impressive Chinese Contender
Set to arrive in the UK in 2026, the Zeekr X earned maximum points in side impact tests and showed excellent performance in avoiding collisions with cyclists, thanks to its advanced emergency braking system.
Volkswagen ID.7 – High Adult Protection Scores
The VW ID.7 electric saloon gained full marks in frontal crash tests and features a pop-up bonnet to reduce pedestrian injuries. Its updated active safety systems are more user-friendly than previous VW models.
NIO ET5 – Chinese Electric Saloon
Matching the Polestar 3 and Smart #3 in overall score, the NIO ET5 stands out for adult protection and reliable driver assistance features, although cyclist detection could be improved.
Polestar 3 – Best for Child Protection
The Polestar 3 electric SUV scored the highest child occupant protection rating in nine years, with maximum points in child crash tests and excellent seat compatibility.
Smart #3 – Compact Yet Exceptionally Safe
This coupe-SUV impressed with strong crash test results and responsive autonomous braking, particularly when detecting cyclists and motorcyclists.
Audi Q6 e-tron – Well-Balanced Protection
Audi’s new electric SUV provides excellent safety for adults and children. It includes child presence detection and reliable emergency braking, though its pedestrian detection is average.
Zeekr 001 – Electric Estate With Strong Safety
Due in 2026, the Zeekr 001 performed strongly in frontal and side crash tests. It includes post-collision braking and features to help occupants escape if submerged.
Mazda CX-80 – Family SUV With Strong Safety Scores
Mazda’s CX-80 offers high adult and child protection, achieving full marks for child crash tests. Its autonomous braking works well, though it struggles to detect motorcycles in certain scenarios.
