15 Safest Cars in India with Global NCAP Rating: Complete 2025 Guide
Buying a car in 2025 is more than just about fuel efficiency and design. It's also about how well it keeps you and your loved ones safe in real-world crashes. The most recent Global NCAP Rating and Bharat NCAP crash test results show that these are the 15 safest cars in India.
Both Global NCAP (New Car Assessment Programme) and Bharat NCAP play vital roles in testing and certifying vehicles for occupant safety. Their star ratings have become as influential for car buyers as mileage figures once were. For today’s Indian families, checking car safety ratings India is as essential as picking the right EMI plan.

Table of Contents
Understanding Global NCAP Ratings
What is Global NCAP?
The Global NCAP Rating is an internationally recognised crash test programme that evaluates adult and child occupant protection. Cars are awarded stars based on their performance in controlled front and side impact tests.
What is Bharat NCAP?
Bharat NCAP, implemented in 2023, is India's proprietary crash-testing standard designed to accommodate local road conditions. For Indian consumers, it adds another level of credibility. Together, these two benchmarks have shifted consumer behaviour—safety is no longer optional; it’s expected.
15 Safest Cars in India (2025) with Global NCAP Rating
| Car Model | Global NCAP Adult Rating | Global NCAP Child Rating | Key Safety Features |
| Tata Safari / Harrier | 5 Star | 5 Star | 6 airbags, ESC, ADAS, ISOFIX |
| Tata Nexon (2024) | 5 Star | 5 Star | 6 airbags, reinforced pillars, ISOFIX |
| Maruti Suzuki Dzire | 5 Star (Bharat NCAP) | 5 Star | Dual airbags, ABS with EBD, child safety focus |
| Mahindra XUV700 | 5 Star | 5 Star | 7 airbags, ADAS Level 2, ESC |
| Hyundai Verna (2024) | 5 Star | 5 Star | 6 airbags, lane keep assist, ISOFIX |
| Volkswagen Virtus | 5 Star | 5 Star | ESC, traction control, 6 airbags |
| Skoda Slavia | 5 Star | 5 Star | ESC, 6 airbags, ISOFIX |
| Volkswagen Taigun | 5 Star | 5 Star | ESC, hill-hold assist, stability control |
| Mahindra Scorpio-N | 5 Star | 3 Star | ESC, hill descent, 6 airbags |
| Tata Altroz | 5 Star | 3 Star | Dual airbags, ABS, ISOFIX |
| Tata Punch | 5 Star | 4 Star | Dual airbags, high-strength body, ABS |
| Mahindra XUV300 | 5 Star | 4 Star | 7 airbags, ESC, front parking sensors |
| Tata Tigor EV | 4 Star | 4 Star | Dual airbags, ESC, reinforced EV chassis |
| Honda City (4th Gen) | 4 Star | 4 Star | ACE body structure, airbags, ABS |
| Nissan Magnite (2025) | 5 Star | 4 Star | ESC, traction control, hill start assist |
This table showcases the safest cars in India across hatchbacks, sedans, SUVs and even an EV. It enables buyers to easily compare car safety ratings in India alongside essential car safety features in India.
Key Safety Features to Look For
Take into account these essential car safety features when assessing the safest cars in India:
- Airbags: Curtain, side and dual airbags provide complete protection.
- ABS with EBD: Maintains vehicle stability during abrupt braking.
- ISOFIX anchorages: Securely mounts child safety seats.
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC): Prevents skids and improves handling.
- ADAS: Features like lane keep assist and auto braking reduce accident risks.
- Seatbelt reminders: Ensures every passenger is buckled up.
Why Safety Ratings Matter for Insurance
Car safety isn’t just about protecting lives—it also influences the cost of your insurance. In India, insurance companies take into account a vehicle's safety ratings and crash-test results when determining premiums. Safer cars, backed by a strong Global NCAP Rating, are less likely to be involved in severe accidents or costly repairs. This often means lower claims and, over time, more favourable pricing for policyholders.
A well-rated car also allows insurers to design better coverage options because the risk is reduced. For instance, cars in India with modern safety equipment like multiple airbags, ESC and ISOFIX make accidents less damaging, which facilitates insurers to provide greater coverage at more affordable prices.
Shriram Car Insurance takes this connection a step further by providing policies that change based on how safe your automobile is. Our Comprehensive Car Insurance covers everything, including third-party liabilities, ensuring you meet all legal requirements with a single policy. To make sure your policy is just as reliable as the vehicle you drive, we also provide add-on covers like Zero Depreciation Cover, Roadside Assistance Cover and Return To Invoice Cover. Explore our policies today.
Conclusion
Buying one of the safest cars in India can provide you with joy in the present and security in the future. Relying on Global NCAP Rating and Bharat NCAP data guarantees that you are purchasing on-road protection, regardless of whether you opt for a compact hatchback, a premium sedan or a tech-loaded SUV.
FAQs
1. What is the difference between Global NCAP and Bharat NCAP?
Global NCAP is an international crash test programme, while Bharat NCAP is India’s version adapted for local conditions.
2. How are crash test ratings calculated?
They measure adult and child occupant protection in standardised crash scenarios and assign a star rating.
3. Do safety ratings affect Car Insurance premiums?
Yes. Safer cars often face fewer claims, which can lower insurance costs as per IRDAI guidelines.
4. Which is the safest car under ₹10 lakh?
The Tata Punch and Maruti Suzuki Dzire are currently among the top choices under ₹10 lakh.
5. Are electric cars safer than petrol/diesel cars?
EVs are not inherently safer, but models like the Tata Tigor EV are proving that electric cars can achieve strong safety results.








