5-Star Rating Cars in India: Safest cars with Global NCAP Rating

Car safety is a major concern for many car buyers in India, and with good reason. As per a 2022 report by Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the number of road accidents in India increased by 11.9%, over the previous year. This highlights the need for every car owner to know which is the safest car in India. This article highlights the cars that have the best safety ratings by the Global New Car Assessment Programme (GNCAP).

What are Global NCAP Ratings, and how do they work?

Keeping passengers' safety in mind, the Global New Car Assessment Programme (GNCAP) was created to evaluate the crash-worthiness of new vehicles built by different auto manufacturers. Through crash testing vehicles in extremely precise methods for repeatability, Global NCAP rates new vehicles. Each vehicle is awarded points for adult and child occupant protection, and is then awarded out of 5 stars.

While the Indian Government has a standard crash test requirement, Global NCAP takes its tests and safety feature requirements a step further. The NCAP safety ratings are designed to help car buyers make a well-weighted and informed decision. However, these crash tests are conducted in controlled environments, and real world results will differ. Additionally, the child occupant protection is only applicable when the child is fastened to a certified child seat in the rear.

The 'Safer Cars for India' programme currently rates all Indian cars, but the global NCAP will soon transfer the rating system for Indian cars to the Bharat NCAP. Launched in 2023, the Bharat NCAP rating criteria draws upon global NCAP protocols.

Global NCAP vs Bharat NCAP: What's the Difference?

Global NCAP is an international, independent safety assessment initiative that evaluates vehicle safety across multiple regions using broadly recognized crash test protocols. In contrast, Bharat NCAP, launched by India’s Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, is a government-backed program tailored specifically for the Indian automotive market. 

Both use similar crash test methods and give cars a star rating, but the way they score is slightly different. GNCAP gives up to 34 points for adult safety, including extra points for seat-belt reminders. In BNCAP, the maximum is 32 points, and instead of bonus points, seat-belt reminders are mandatory for a car to get 3 stars or more.

List of 5-Star Rating Cars in India by GNCAP 

Note: Since July 2022, the GNCAP testing rules have changed. Cars are now scored out of 34, while some cars still carry scores out of 17 because they were tested earlier. However, the final star ratings are still used to compare the safety of different cars.

1. Tata Harrier/Tata Safari 

Starting Price: ₹15.4 lakh (Tata Harrier) / ₹16.1 lakh (Tata Safari)

Topping this list, the current safest car in India is the Tata Harrier. When it was launched in 2023, the Tata Harrier quickly became a standout with its impressive dimensions and a sporty, rugged exterior design. At the same time, the Tata Safari continues to set the benchmark for SUV performance, especially in terms of safety. The latest versions of both the Harrier and Safari now feature six airbags, and a knee airbag (in the top variant), enhancing their safety credentials. 

A second-hand Tata Harrier is a fantastic option for those looking for a reliable and affordable used car that still offers impressive safety .What truly distinguishes them, however, is their integration of level 2 ADAS, a suite of Advanced Driving Assistance Systems designed to mitigate accidents. 

In the Harrier and Safari, there are additional safety features such as parking sensors, the Electronic Stability Program (ESP), the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), and more. 

Tata Motors' focus on safety has earned these two models a top spot on our list of safest cars in India, with both receiving 33 on 34 for adult safety ratings and 45 on 49 for child safety ratings, giving both cars a perfect 5-star overall rating.

2. Nissan Magnite 

Starting Price: ₹6.14 lakh

The facelifted Nissan Magnite has emerged as one of the cheapest 5-star rated SUVs in India, earning 5 stars for adult occupant protection and 3 stars for child safety under Global NCAP’s latest protocols. Remarkably, it recorded one of the best pole impact performance seen in testing so far, even though this does not directly affect scoring.
 

Originally rated just 2 stars with its basic two-airbag setup, Nissan made rapid upgrades with the facelifted model, including the addition of six airbags, ESC, enhanced pedestrian protection, improved restraint systems, and 3-point seatbelts for all seats. These changes transformed its safety performance, with successive voluntary tests showing continuous improvement, culminating in the coveted 5-star rating. In the latest test, the Magnite delivered “good” protection for critical areas like the driver’s chest and knees, showing that strong results can be achieved when safety is prioritised.

3. Tata Nexon 

Starting Price: ₹7.9 lakh

GNCAP Safety Crash Ratings: 5 Star

The Tata Nexon ranks a close second on our list of safest cars in India. It boasts identical 5-star ratings as the Harrier/Safari, albeit with slightly lower scores. This model made headlines as the first made-in-India car to achieve a five-star Global NCAP rating, The latest facelift of the Nexon continues this legacy, featuring nearly all the advanced safety elements of its higher-end siblings, except for the seventh airbag. 

The Nexon also has Electronic Stability Control (ESC), a feature that improves the Nexon’s stability by reducing loss of grip, and Hill Hold Assist. If you're in the market for a used Tata Nexon, this second-hand vehicle delivers both safety and practicality at a fraction of the price of new models.

The Nexon's upgrade from a 4-Star to a 5-Star rating can be credited to crucial safety enhancements, such as the standardization of ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), and the inclusion of seat belt reminders for both the driver and the passenger. Impressively, it scored 44.5 out of 49 in child occupant protection.

4. Maruti Suzuki Dzire

Starting Price: ₹6.8 lakh

The 2024 Maruti Suzuki Dzire prioritises safety with six standard airbags, three-point seatbelts for all occupants, and ISOFIX child seat anchors. Advanced safety features include Electronic Stability Program (ESP) for enhanced stability, Hill Hold Assist to prevent rollback on inclines, and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) for controlled braking. 

Parking assistance is provided by rear parking sensors, while a segment-first 360-degree camera offers comprehensive visibility. Furthermore, the Dzire incorporates pedestrian protection features, demonstrating a commitment to safety for all road users. Used Maruti Suzuki Dzire is a great choice for people looking for an affordable alternative for a great sedan.

5. Volkswagen Virtus/Skoda Slavia

Starting Price: ₹11.5 lakh (Volkswagen Virtus) / ₹11.6 lakh (Skoda Slavia)

Call them rivals or cousins, but as the Volkswagen Virtus and Skoda Slavia are built on the same platform, they share identical global NCAP ratings. Both the Virtus and Slavia are the first mid-size sedans in India to get five-star ratings under the new GNCAP protocols, making them the third safest cars in India at the moment. 

Their shared safety features include Hill Hold Control and six airbags and boast more than 40 additional active and passive safety features which fetched both models 29.7 on 34 for adult occupant safety and 42 on 49 for child occupant safety. Looking for a budget-friendly used car? A second-hand Volkswagen Virtus could be just what you need for reliable daily commutes and family trips.

Additionally, the XDS (Electronic Differential Lock) is a standout feature exclusive to these front-wheel-drive cars, enhancing control during high-speed cornering—a patented technology by VW. Meanwhile, the MCB (Multi-Collision Brake) reduces vehicle speed after an impact, mitigating the risk of subsequent collisions. 

Furthermore, all five seats in the Volkswagen Virtus and Skoda Slavia are equipped with three-point seat belts, a rarity that ensures enhanced safety for all passengers. 

6. Skoda Kushaq/Volkswagen Taigun

Starting Price: ₹11.9 lakh (Skoda Kushaq) / ₹11.6 lakh (Volkswagen Taigun)

Both the Skoda Kushaq and the Volkswagen Taigun have achieved the same GNCAP ratings – 29.6/34 for adult safety and 42/49 for child safety. 

While the Skoda Kushaq includes additional safety features like Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Hill Hold Control (HHC), and ISOFIX Child Seat Anchors, the VW Taigun contains multi-collision brakes and 40+ active and passive safety features. A used Skoda Kushaq offers excellent value for money, providing top-tier features and performance at a much lower price than a new model.

The list of features may be different, but both cars received the same global NCAP ratings. Skoda Kushaq and Volkswagen Taigun set many benchmarks in the segment with its European design, interiors, technology and much more. 

On the other hand, the Volkswagen Taigun is the first model in India to achieve 5 stars for both adult and child occupants' protection.

7. Mahindra Scorpio N 

Starting Price: ₹16.9 lakh

When a car manufacturer is known as the "sturdy, big guy" on the roads, one wonders about the added pressure to live up to this image and become India's safest car. The new Scorpio N is the first model from Mahindra on this list. 

Whether you're buying your first car or adding to your collection, a used Scorpio N is a smart choice for anyone looking for a reliable second-hand vehicle.

A standout feature of the Scorpio N is the Driver Drowsiness Detection, which helps detect driver fatigue and may prevent accidents. In addition, the Scorpio N retains top safety features from previous models such as ESC, Hill Hold Assist, Hill Descent Control, TPMS, and more. 

This combination of old and new features helped it achieve a five-star safety rating with 29.2 out of 34 for adult safety and 28.9 out of 49 for child safety.

8. Hyundai Verna

Starting Price: ₹10.9 lakh

It has been a while since the trusted Hyundai Verna returned in a new avatar, and it has returned with a bang, thanks to being the most powerful and high torque car in the segment. Neither does it disappoint on the safety front. 

The Verna is the only Hyundai model, manufactured in India, to receive a 5 star safety rating from Global NCAP. A used Hyundai Verna is the perfect car for anyone seeking both reliability and safety without the high cost of buying new.

The mid-size sedan scored 28.1 on 34 for adult safety, and 42 on 49 for child safety. Though it may have missed out on ADAS, the presence of other features such as TPMS, ESC, Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), and front and rear parking sensors makes up for it. 

9. Tata Punch

Starting Price: ₹6.1 lakh

True to its name, the Tata Punch packs a punch with its impressive array of safety features. Equipped with TPMS, Hill Hold with Descent Assist, parking sensors, and multi-view rear cameras, the Punch boasts a 5-star rating for adult safety and a 4-star rating for child safety. 

Don't miss out on the chance to own a second-hand Tata Punch. This used car combines quality and affordability in a way that’s hard to beat.

Even though Global NCAP claimed that the Punch can benefit from additional features like protection for side head impact, it still managed to garner an impressive 16.4 on 17 for adult occupant safety and 40.8 on 49 for child occupant safety. 

It is also the first car in its segment to have the sway control function, which ensures Tata Punch remains stable under hard braking in an emergency. 

10. Mahindra XUV3X0

Starting Price: Discontinued

While the Mahindra XUV 3XO isn't directly tested by the GNCAP, it's pre-facelift version, the XUV 300, passed with flying colours in the GNCAP test. The Mahindra XUV 300 got a five-star rating, scoring 16.4 on 17 for adult occupant protection and 37.4 on 49 for child occupant protection – on the global NCAP ratings. Since the 3XO is based on the same platform and features even more upgraded safety features, the same safety quotient can be associated with it as well. In fact, the safety credentials of the 3XO were approved by the BNCAP crash test, where it scored a full 5 on 5 rating.  

A used Mahindra XUV 300 is an ideal option for those who want a quality second-hand car that still offers the performance and features of a newer model. However, when it was launched in 2020, this was the first Mahindra to win the Global NCAP's 'Safer Choice' award, which made it an instant consumer favourite in this segment. A standout feature on the XUV 300  was the presence of Roll-over Mitigation, which constantly monitors the vehicle behaviour and intervenes to mitigate a roll over.

11. Tata Altroz

Starting Price: ₹6.9 lakh

The Tata Altroz stands out as the safest hatchback in India for 2025, offering a compelling alternative to rivals like the Maruti Baleno and Hyundai i20. Boasting a stellar five-star rating for adult occupant protection, the Altroz embodies safety and style on the road. 

Earlier models raised concerns over the number of airbags. The second-hand Tata Altroz offers great fuel efficiency and comfort, making it an ideal choice for those in need of a used car that’s both practical and affordable.

The latest facelift, however, has addressed this issue with six airbags. This improvement reinforces the Altroz’s position as the safest hatchback in India. 

The Altroz also features ABS, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), and ISOFIX secure child seat installation. 

12. Mahindra XUV700

Starting Price: ₹16.8 lakh

With all the coveted safety features like ESP, Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS), seven airbags, and much more, the Mahindra XUV700 is the second Mahindra model to earn the Global NCAP’s ‘Safer Choice’ award. 

Furthermore, the XUV700 features ESP, Personalised Safety Alerts, Driver Drowsiness Detection, and ADAS and is the 10th model on our list of safest cars in India. For those in need of a reliable and affordable car, a second-hand Mahindra XUV700 is an excellent choice that offers quality and comfort at a reasonable price.

Conclusion

According to McKinsey's Automotive Consumer Survey, 78% (approximately) of Indian car buyers focus on safety rankings and car features before making the final decision.

In addition, the launch of Bharat NCAP showcases the motivation of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to ensure that Indian roads become safer. However, the onus lies not only on the ministry and manufacturers, but also on the buyers (and drivers) to ensure that not only are they driving safely, but they also make the right decision when purchasing a car.