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21 Safest Cars in India with Global NCAP Ratings 2025
Accidents are an all-too-common occurrence, especially for drivers due to the immense traffic on Indian roads and the failure to adhere to rules; these mishaps often end in fatalities or life-altering injuries.
While driving safely and following all traffic rules is integral in avoiding such incidents, the car you drive also determines the result when such accidents are unavoidable.
Therefore, prioritising the selection of the safest cars in India is crucial for your well-being.
When buying a car in India, securing car insurance is also crucial as it is mandatory by the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988. It provides financial protection against accidents, theft, and damages, safeguarding your investment. Having car insurance saves you from hefty traffic fines, license suspension, and even legal trouble.
But how do you quantify safety in cars?
Well, it can be done quickly thanks to a specific rating system known as NCAP or New Car Assessment Program.
List of Safest Cars in India in 2025 with Global NCAP Safety Ratings
Disclaimer: All the above ex-showroom prices are for Delhi, India.
Read More:
Understanding NCAP and its Importance
The New Car Assessment Program, or NCAP, was born in the USA in 1978. Before getting into the specifics of grading a vehicle on its safety, you must know how such tests are performed.
The Global NCAP test looks to simulate the head-on collision between two cars. The vehicle to be tested maintains a speed of 64 km per hour and is driven into a deformable wall, which is similar in weight to the tested model.
However, Indian authorities follow a slightly different regulation when it comes to automobile crash testing.
Rather than maintaining a 64kmph speed, the front offset test in India is restricted to a speed of just 56kmph, which means some cars may get ranked high in safety as per the Indian Government’s safety testing but still fail to grade high in the NCAP test.
What are the Different Scores Under NCAP?
NCAP scale is divided into star ratings, i.e., the safest vehicles are awarded 5 stars, while unsafe vehicles are generally scored lower. Two specific categories are considered when rating a car’s safety:
- Adult Occupant Protection
- Child Occupant Protection
After knowing all such factors, it is important to gauge which type of car is the safest car in India presently. This would allow you to optimise protection when buying such a vehicle.
With that in mind, here are the 21 safest cars in India.
Top 21 Safest Cars in India in 2025
1. Tata Safari | Global NCAP Rating 5 Stars
Tata vehicles have always impressed when it comes to the safety department, and the Safari facelifts tops the list. This car scored a solid 5-star adult and child protection rating in the global NCAP crash test.
Key Specifications:
- Ex-showroom pricing: ₹16.19 - ₹25.49 lakh*
- Seating capacity: 7
- Mileage: 14.5 to 16.3 kmpl
- Fuel type: Diesel
- Body type: SUV
- Engine displacement: 1956 cc
- Transmission: Manual/Automatic
- Ground clearance: 200 mm
- Airbags: 7
Safety features:
The Tata Safari boasts a comprehensive safety package, offering electronic stability control (ESC), hill assist, a 360-degree camera, a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS), etc.
2. Tata Harrier | Global NCAP Rating 5 Stars
Automatic transmission, 445L boot space and ARAI mileage of 16.8 kmpl are just some of the attractive features of this SUV, whose primary draw is the 5-star NCAP rating.
Key Specifications:
- Ex-showroom pricing: ₹15.49 - ₹26.44 lakh*
- Seating capacity: 5
- Mileage: 16.8 kmpl
- Fuel type: Diesel
- Body type: SUV
- Engine displacement: 1956 cc
- Transmission: Automatic
- Airbags: 7
Safety features:
The new Tata Harrier features anti-lock braking system, central locking, power door locks, child safety locks, electronic brakeforce distribution, seat belt warning, door ajar warning and tyre pressure monitor.
Other features include engine immobiliser, electronic stability control, rear camera, anti-theft device, anti-pinch power windows, speed alert, speed sensing auto door lock, and knee airbags.
Advanced Safety Features:
ISOFIX child seat mounts, hill assist, hill descent control, impact sensing, auto door unlock.
3. Volkswagen Virtus | Global NCAP Rating 4 Stars
The 3rd safest car in this list, the Volkswagen Virtus, can generate a maximum power of 147.51bhp. The engine can also exert a torque of up to 250Nm.
Key Specifications:
- Ex-showroom pricing: ₹16.19 - ₹25.49 lakh*
- Seating capacity: 5
- Mileage: 18.12 - 20.8 kmpl
- Fuel type: Petrol
- Body type: Sedan
- Engine displacement: 999 cc - 1498 cc
- Transmission: Manual/Automatic
- Airbags: 6
Safety features:
On the safety front, the VW Virtus gets electronic stability control (ESC), advanced features like ISOFIX child seat mounts, hill hold assist, and speed sensing auto door lock.
4. Skoda Slavia | Global NCAP Rating 5 Stars
Skoda Slavia is not only one of the safest cars in India but also one of the most favourite Sedans. The car’s mileage is 19.47 kmpl, and comes with a powerful engine of up to 147.52 bhp.
Key Specifications:
- Ex-showroom pricing: ₹10.89 - ₹19.12 lakh*
- Seating capacity: 5
- Mileage: 18.07 - 19.47 kmpl
- Fuel type: Petrol
- Body type: Sedan
- Engine displacement: 1498 cc
- Transmission: Manual/Automatic
- Ground clearance: 179 mm
- Airbags: 6
Safety features:
The Skoda Slavia prioritises passenger safety with a suite of features, including a max of 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, ISOFIX child seat anchorages, hill-hold assist, speed sensing auto door lock, etc.
5. Volkswagen Taigun | Global NCAP Rating 5 Stars
If you are looking to invest specifically in a Volkswagen vehicle, the Taigun tops the Global NCAP rating after their Virtus segment. It scored 29.64 out of 34 and 42 out of 49 in the adult and child occupancy ratings of NCAP.
Key Specifications:
- Ex-showroom pricing: ₹11.62 - ₹19.76 lakh*
- Seating capacity: 5
- Mileage: 17.88 - 20.08 kmpl
- Fuel type: Petrol
- Body type: SUV
- Engine displacement: 999 cc - 1498 cc
- Transmission: Automatic
- Ground clearance: 188 mm
- Airbags: 6
Safety features:
The Volkswagen Taigun guarantees passenger safety with six airbags, standard seatbelt reminders for all occupants, electronic stability control (ESC), TPMS, and a rear-view camera among other.
6. Skoda Kushaq | Global NCAP Rating 5 Stars
Another 5-star vehicle from Skoda, Skoda Kushaq, sports a powerful 1.5 TSI petrol engine. It is a 5-seater 4-cylinder car and has a length of 4225 mm.
Key Specifications:
- Ex-showroom pricing: ₹10.89 - ₹20.01 lakh*
- Seating capacity: 5
- Mileage: 14.5 to 16.3 kmpl
- Fuel type: Petrol
- Body type: SUV
- Engine displacement: 1498 cc
- Transmission: Manual/Automatic
- Ground clearance: 188 mm
- Airbags: 6
Safety features:
The Skoda Kushaq features dual front airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), ABS with EBD, seatbelt reminder, tyre pressure monitor, ISOFIX child seat mounts, a rear-view camera, etc.
7. Mahindra Scorpio N | Global NCAP Rating 5 Stars
If you are in the market for the safest cars in India, especially an SUV, the Mahindra Scorpio N is a perfect choice. Safety features include up to six airbags, a tyre pressure monitoring system, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, etc.
Key Specifications:
- Ex-showroom pricing: ₹13.26 - ₹24.54 lakh*
- Seating capacity: 6,7
- Mileage: 16.5 kmpl for diesel, 15 kmpl for petrol
- Fuel type: Diesel/Petrol
- Body type: SUV
- Engine displacement: Diesel engine 2198 cc, petrol engine 1997 cc
- Transmission: Automatic
- Ground clearance: 187 mm
Safety features:
The Mahindra Scorpio N prioritises safety with features including ABS with EBD, TPMS, and electronic stability control (ESC), ISOFIX child seat mounts and hill assist control.
8. Hyundai Verna | Global NCAP Rating 5 Stars
Hyundai Verna is available in 14 variants - the base model is EX, and the top model is SX Opt Turbo DCT DT. The engine can produce around 157.57 bhp of power and up to 253 Nm of torque.
Key Specifications:
- Ex-showroom pricing: ₹10.90 - ₹17.38 lakh
- Seating capacity: 5
- Mileage: 20.6 kmpl
- Fuel type: Petrol
- Body type: Sedan
- Engine displacement: 1482 cc
- Transmission: Automatic
- Ground clearance: 200 mm
- Airbags: 6
Safety features:
The Hyundai Verna comes standard ISOFIX child seat anchorages, and ABS with EBD. In higher trims, it adds ESC, front parking sensors, all-wheel disc brakes, TPMS, and advanced ADAS.
The features also include forward-collision warning, blind-spot alert, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.
9. Tata Punch | Global NCAP Rating 5 Stars
The Tata Punch correctly justifies its name. This car packs a great deal of punchy features. With spacious interiors, decent mileage, a 5-star Global NCAP rating, and high ground clearance, this car is perfect for daily commuting and small families. It is a result of safety mixed with style.
Key Specifications:
- Ex-showroom pricing: ₹6.13- ₹15.50 lakh
- Seating capacity: 5
- Mileage: 18.8 kmpl
- Fuel type: Petrol
- Body type: SUV
- Engine displacement: 1199cc
- Transmission: Automatic
- Ground clearance: 187mm
Safety Features:
The car has multiple safety features including dual airbags, ISOFIX child seat mounts, ABS with EBD, Rear parking sensors, TPMS, Reverse parking camera, Brake sway control, and many more.
10. Tata Altroz | Global NCAP Rating 4 Stars
This hatchback is another 5-star rated car, which can produce a peak power of 88.77bhp. Also, its engine can exert an optimal torque of 200Nm. It is a diesel-fuelled model with a manual transmission option only.
Key Specifications:
- Ex-showroom pricing: ₹6.60 - ₹10.74 lakh*
- Seating capacity: 5
- Mileage: 18.05 - 23.64 kmpl
- Fuel type: Petrol/Diesel
- Body type: Hatchback
- Engine displacement: 1198 cc - 1497 cc
- Transmission: Manual/Automatic
- Ground clearance: 165mm
Safety features:
The Altroz boasts features like, EBD, adjustable seats, engine check warning, driver and passenger airbags, centrally mounted fuel tanks, anti-lock braking system, etc.
11. Tata Nexon | Global NCAP Rating 4 Stars
Tata Nexon is not only one of the safest cars in India but also one of the most favourite SUVs. At 21.5kmpl, the car’s mileage is impressive, considering the size and weight class of the vehicle.
The maximum power specification for this vehicle is 108.5bhp and a torque rating of 260Nm.
Key Specifications:
- Ex-showroom pricing: ₹8.10 - ₹15.50 lakh*
- Seating capacity: 5
- Mileage: 21.5kmpl
- Fuel type: Diesel/Petrol
- Body type: SUV
- Engine displacement: 1199 cc - 1497 cc
- Transmission: Automatic
- Ground clearance: 208 mm
Safety features:
The Tata Nexon offers features, including power door locks, traction control, anti-theft alarm, brake assist, electronic stability control, speed-sensing auto door lock, driver and passenger airbags.
12. Mahindra XUV700 | Global NCAP Rating 5 Stars
The Mahindra XUV700 is the second car to receive a Global NCAP rating of 5 stars. It scored a handsome 16.03 out of 17 in the Adult Occupant Category (AOP). The SUV is especially secure for protecting the driver’s and passenger’s head, neck, chest, and knees. The SUV is also filled with many advanced features like ADAS, autonomous emergency braking, and many more.
Key Specifications:
- Ex-showroom pricing: ₹13.99 - ₹26.04 lakh
- Seating capacity: 5,6,7
- Mileage: 16.57 kmpl
- Fuel type: Diesel/Petrol
- Body type: SUV
- Engine displacement: 2198 cc
- Transmission: Automatic
- Ground clearance: 200 mm
Safety Features:
The car consists of advanced safety features like seven airbags, driver drowsiness detection, ADAS, Forward Collision Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Smart Pilot Assist, and many more.
13. Toyota Urban Cruiser | Global NCAP Rating 4 Stars
The Toyota Urban Cruiser was a sub-4m SUV from Toyota. It was highly appreciated for its old-school charms and low running costs. However, Toyota discontinued the sale of the Urban Cruiser. The SUV had scored a 4-star rating on the Global NCAP Safety test.
Key Specifications:
- Ex-showroom pricing: ₹9.03 - ₹11.73 Lakh
- Seating capacity: 5
- Mileage: 18.76 kmpl
- Fuel type: Petrol
- Body type: SUV
- Engine displacement: 1462cc
- Transmission: Automatic
- Ground clearance: 198mm
Safety Features:
The SUV's safety features include dual airbags, ABS with EBD, Hill Hold Control, an Anti-pinch driver side window, and a rear parking camera with a display in audio.
14. Mahindra Thar | Global NCAP Rating 4 Stars
The Mahindra Thar has become a status symbol for off-road lovers. This SUV has great power, traction, and many advanced features, making it a perfect choice for buyers looking for raw power mixed with a touch of modernism.
The car boasts an immersive infotainment system, power steering, climate control, ABS, accessory power outlet, and many more. It is available in both petrol and diesel options.
Key Specifications:
- Ex-showroom pricing: ₹11.35 - ₹17.60 Lakh
- Seating capacity: 4
- Mileage: 9kmpl
- Fuel type: Diesel/Petrol
- Body type: SUV
- Engine displacement: 2184 cc
- Transmission: Automatic
- Ground clearance: 226 mm
Safety Features:
Safety features include dual airbags, hill hold control, rear parking assist, ISOFIX child seat mounts, ABS and ESP, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, stability control, etc.
15. Tata Tigor | Global NCAP Rating 4 Stars
The other car of Tata Motors in this category to receive a facelift is the Tata Tiago. It has scored a handsome score of 4 stars in the Global NCAP safety test. The car is also filled with many modern features including power steering, power windows, accessory power outlet, adjustable headrest, and an immersive infotainment system.
Key Specifications:
- Ex-showroom pricing: ₹6.30 - ₹9.55 lakh
- Seating capacity: 5
- Mileage: 19.6 kmpl/ 28.06 km/kg
- Fuel type: Petrol/CNG
- Body type: Sedan
- Engine displacement: 1199 cc
- Transmission: Automatic
- Ground clearance: 165mm - 170 mm
Safety Features:
The safety features include dual front airbags, corner stability control, ABS with EBD, Rear Parking Camera with Sensors, follow-me-home lamps, and speed-sensitive auto Door Locking system.
16. Tata Tiago | Global NCAP Rating 4 Stars
Tata took the market by surprise with its sub-compact sedan. The car sports a lot of modern features in a very affordable range. It comes with a 4-star Global NCAP rating which is quite impressive considering the size and the price. The car has two broad engine types - petrol and CNG.
Key Specifications:
- Ex-showroom pricing: ₹5.65 - ₹8.90 lakh
- Seating capacity: 5
- Mileage: 19kmpl/ 28km/kg
- Fuel type: Petrol/CNG
- Body type: Hatchback
- Engine displacement: 1199 cc
- Transmission: Automatic
- Ground clearance: 168 mm
Safety Features:
The list of safety features includes dual airbags, engine immobilizer, stability control, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TMPS), Speed Sensing Door Auto Lock, ISOFIX child seat mounts, rear parking camera, and many more.
17. Maruti Suzuki Brezza | Global NCAP Rating 4 Stars
The Maruti Suzuki Brezza was the perfect budget SUV for small families. This 5-seater boasted a variety of astonishing features like cruise control, navigation system, rear parking sensors, real-time vehicle tracking system, adjustable steering, power windows, and an impressive touch screen infotainment system. Unfortunately, this car has been discontinued.
Key Specifications:
- Ex-showroom pricing: ₹7.84 - ₹11.49 Lakh
- Seating capacity: 5
- Mileage: 18.76 kmpl
- Fuel type: Petrol
- Body type: SUV
- Engine displacement: 1462 cc
- Transmission: Automatic/Manual
- Ground clearance: 198 mm
Safety Features:
The safety features for Brezza include dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, Reverse Parking Camera with Sensors, ISOFIX mounts, Hill Hold Assist, High-Speed Warning, Seatbelt reminder, and rear wiper with washer.
18. Renault Kiger | Global NCAP Rating 4 Stars
The Renault Kiger is a compact SUV that is a part of the same platform as the Nissan Magnite. The car provided pretty impressive protection to the driver’s neck and head. However, it failed to perform the same in the case of chest and knee protection and also in the child occupant category.
Key Specifications:
- Ex-showroom pricing: ₹6.00 - ₹11.23 Lakh
- Seating capacity: 5
- Mileage: 18.24
- Fuel type: Petrol
- Body type: SUV
- Engine displacement: 999 cc
- Transmission: Automatic
- Ground clearance: 205 mm
Safety Features:
The safety features include four airbags, ABS with EBD, a Front Parking Sensor, a rear parking camera, traction control, anti-pinch driver windows, stability control, and many more.
19. Honda City 4th Generation | Global NCAP Rating 4 Stars
The Honda City is one of the most loved sedans in the country. The sedan is furbished with premium interiors and modern features. The car has impressive protection in case of adult occupant category as well as in the child occupant category with a 4-star rating in both categories.
Key Specifications:
- Ex-showroom pricing: ₹8.77 - ₹14.31 Lakh
- Seating capacity: 5
- Mileage: 17.4 kmpl
- Fuel type: Petrol
- Body type: Sedan
- Engine displacement: 1497 cc
- Transmission: Automatic
- Ground clearance: 165 mm
Safety Features:
The major safety features of the car include dual front airbags, six airbags in total, engine immobilizer and anti-theft system, rearview camera, ABS with EBD, door ajar warning, crash sensor, and many more.
20. Nissan Magnite | Global NCAP Rating 4 Stars
The Nissan Magnite is one of the best-selling SUVs from Nissan. The most common reason for the SUV being so popular is the very low service cost of the car. The car boasts a collection of modern features like automatic climate control, air quality control, rear AC vents, cruise control, and one-push ignition button.
Key Specifications:
- Ex-showroom pricing: ₹6 - ₹11.27 lakh
- Seating capacity: 5
- Mileage: 17.4 kmpl
- Fuel type: Petrol
- Body type: SUV
- Engine displacement: 999 cc
- Transmission: Automatic
- Ground clearance: 205 mm
Safety Features:
The most eye-catching safety features of the Nissan Magnite include dual airbags, seat belt warning, ABS with EBD, anti-theft warning, traction control, TMPS, and door-ajar warning.
21. Maruti Suzuki Ertiga | Global NCAP Rating 3 Stars
The Maruti Suzuki Ertiga is one of the top choices when it comes to family cars. Packed with a plethora of modern features like a multi-touch infotainment system, paddle shifters, automatic climate control, rear AC vents, multi-function steering wheel, cruise control, and many more.
The car also has a decent score on the Global NCAP Rating safety test with 3 stars in both child and adult occupant categories.
Key Specifications:
- Ex-showroom pricing: ₹8.69 - ₹13.03 Lakh
- Seating capacity: 7
- Mileage: 20.3 kmpl
- Fuel type: Petrol
- Body type: MUV
- Engine displacement: 1462 cc
- Transmission: Automatic
- Ground clearance: 180 - 185 mm
Safety Features:
The collection of safety features of Ertiga includes 4 airbags, ISOFIX child seat anchors, anti-theft alarm, seat belt warning, speed alert, speed sensing door auto lock, and hill assist.
General Safety Characteristics to Consider When Purchasing a Car
Before you purchase a vehicle, consider whether it sports the following safety features:
- Dual airbags
- Corner traction control
- ABS with EBD
- Seatbelt pretensioners
- Impact sensing door locks
- Rear parking sensors
Several other specifications also ensure protection of the vehicle and its occupants.
Why are Safety Ratings Necessary for Cars?
As per the 'Road Accidents in India 2021', there were 4 lakh unfortunate incidences of road accidents during 2021, which claimed 1.5 lakh lives and caused injuries to 3.8 lakh people. (1)
Over-speeding was the primary cause of a majority of accidents. While you must follow traffic rules whenever you drive for your safety and those of others, rigorous NCAP testing also encourages manufacturers to follow stringent guidelines when mass-producing specific models.
Keeping this primary factor in mind, we have prepared a list of the top safest cars in India. These days, car manufacturers focus on incorporating features like traction control, anti-lock braking systems, child safety locks, etc., to ensure safety. Make sure to go through the specifications list before purchasing. These advanced features ensure optimal safety.
So go and have a safe ride!
FAQs about Safest Cars in India
Which cars have the best safety ratings?
After meeting most of the safety parameters, Tata Safari and Tata Harrier have the highest safety ratings, followed by Volkswagen Virtus, Skoda Slavia, Skoda Kushaq, and Volkswagen Taigun.
Which are the safest hatchbacks in India?
According to the assessment report revealed by the Global NCAP, Toyota Etios Liva and Volkswagen Polo got a 4-star rating in the adult protection category. Apart from that, popular models in the hatchback segment, Tata Tiago and its sedan version Tigor also obtained the highest rating.
Which car is the safest in India?
Tata Harrier is the safest car in India as per Global NCAP ratings.
Which SUV received a 5-star rating in the Global NCAP safety test?
Tata Safari, Tata Harrier, Tata Nexon, Volkswagen Taigun and Skoda Kushaq are the SUVs that got a 5-star rating in the Global NCAP safety test.
What cars have the strongest built quality?
Tata Altroz, Tata Nexon, and Volkswagen Polo are a few cars with strong built quality.
Which is the safest 7-seater car in India?
Mahindra Scorpio N and Tata Safari are the safest 7-seater cars in India.
Which SUV is the safest in India?
The Tata Harrier and the facelift version of the Tata Safari have received exceptional scores and achieved a 5-star rating in 2024, making them the safest SUVs in 2024.
How is the safety rating determined in the Global NCAP safety test?
Global NCAP conducts front offset crash tests at 64 km/h, which determines the protection offered to the child and adult occupants.
*The information provided in this article regarding the 21 safest cars in India, including their ex-showroom prices, has been sourced from official car company websites and reputable aggregators.
While we have made every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the data, we advise readers to verify the details with the respective car manufacturers or authorized dealer.
**The information and prices mentioned here are for a specific city and vehicle model. They may change as per time. Please check the details thoroughly before you buy a vehicle or a policy.
This information is added only for informative purposes, and Digit Insurance is not promoting or recommending any specific vehicle or brand in any way.