Safest cars in India 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.

Here are some of the top safest cars in India: 

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)

GNCAP Safety Crash Ratings: 5 Star

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. 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. 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.

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.

3. Volkswagen Virtus/Skoda Slavia

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

GNCAP Safety Crash Ratings: 5 Star

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. 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. 

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. 

4. Skoda Kushaq/Volkswagen Taigun

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

GNCAP Safety Crash Ratings: 5 Star

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. 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.

5. Mahindra Scorpio N 

Starting Price: ₹16.9 lakh

GNCAP Safety Crash Ratings: 5 Star

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. 

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.

6. Hyundai Verna

Starting Price: ₹10.9 lakh

GNCAP Safety Crash Ratings: 5 Star

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. 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. 

7. Tata Punch

Starting Price: ₹6.1 lakh

GNCAP Safety Crash Ratings: 5 Star

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. 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. 

8. Mahindra XUV300

Starting Price: ₹7.9 lakh

GNCAP Safety Crash Ratings: 5 Star

The Mahindra XUV 300 gets 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, making it Mahindra’s second entry to the list of safe cars in India. 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 is the presence of Roll-over Mitigation, which constantly monitors the vehicle behaviour and intervenes to mitigate a roll over.

9. Tata Altroz

Starting Price: ₹6.9 lakh

GNCAP Safety Crash Ratings: 5 Star

The Tata Altroz stands out as the safest hatchback in India for 2024, 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 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. 

10. Mahindra XUV700

Starting Price: ₹16.8 lakh

GNCAP Safety Crash Ratings: 5 Star

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. 

11. Honda Jazz

Starting Price: Discontinued

GNCAP Safety Crash Ratings: 4 Star

Honda discontinued the Jazz due to the introduction of the latest BS6 Phase 2 norms. However, during its active sales period, the Honda Jazz had a dedicated consumer base due to its strong performance and safety metrics. The Jazz achieved a strong four-star safety rating with features such as EBD, ABS, and other standard safety features. The Jazz is still a hot favourite in the used car market and it is the only Honda on the list of the top safest cars in India.

12. Toyota Urban Cruiser 

Starting Price: Discontinued

GNCAP Safety Crash Ratings: 4 Star

Toyota discontinued the Urban Cruiser in 2022, as the next generation model of the SUV was later introduced. During its active period, the model proved to be a significant success in the Indian market, and it remains popular in the used car market. Some of its key safety features were dual airbags and ABS. The Urban Cruiser earned a four star crash test rating, from a score of 13.5 for adult occupant and 36.6 for child occupant safety.

13. Mahindra Marazzo

Starting Price: ₹14.1 lakh

GNCAP Safety Crash Ratings: 4 Star

Mahindra Marazzo, the 7-seater MUV entry, not only allows you to carry your world with you, but also ensures your safety with multiple safety features. Some of its prominent features include dual frontal airbags, ABS, EBD, ISOFIX Child Seat Anchors, rear defogger and front & rear fog lamps, among others. 

In terms of features, Mahindra Marazzo’s top model is often compared to the much-loved Toyota Innova Crysta, but its safety ratings give it an edge. Within the Mahindra family, the Marazzo finds itself on the list as "India's safest MPV." A global NCAP rating of four stars – 12.8 out of 17 for adult safety and 22.2 out of 49 for child safety. 

14. Mahindra Thar 

Starting Price: ₹10.9 lakh

GNCAP Safety Crash Ratings: 4 Star

Mahindra refers to the Thar as "India's safest off-roader." One of the most popular off-roaders in the country, the Mahindra Thar has an almost cult-like following. Adding to its tough-guy image, the Thar has also earned a four-star rating with 12.5 on 17 for adult safety and 41.1 on 49 for child safety. 

Apart from standard safety features, like ABS, brake assist and dual airbags, the Thar’s body is also UN 95 regulation compliant, improving side impact protection along with a roll cage, which protects the occupants if the car rolls over.

15. Tata Tiago/Tigor 

Starting Price: ₹5.6 lakh (Tata Tiago) / ₹6.3 lakh (Tata Tigor)

GNCAP Safety Crash Ratings: 4 Star

The last entry is also a shared position on this list, between the Tata Tiago and Tigor. Positioned at competitive price points, both cars possess impressive safety features. Tata offers features like ABS, TPMS, EBD, and more, which helped the Tiago and Tigor garner 12.5 on 17 for adult safety and 41.1 on 49 for child safety. While the test was performed on the Tata Tigor, the front and passenger compartments are the same for both cars. 

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.

FAQs

Q. What is the safest car in India?

The Tata Harrier and Tata Safari have the highest scores by GNCAP, making them the safest cars in India. 

Q. Which cars have a 5-star safety rating?

Tata Harrier, Tata Safari, Tata Nexon, Volkswagen Virtus, Skoda Slavia, Skoda Kushaq, and Volkswagen Taigun all have five-star ratings on both adult and child occupant safety parameters.

Q. Which cars have a 1-star safety rating?

Some of the cars that have one-star ratings include the Maruti Suzuki Eeco, Maruti Suzuki Ignis, Maruti Suzuki Wagon R, Maruti Suzuki Swift, etc.

Q. Which are the least safe cars in India?

The India-manufactured Citroen e-C3 has received a zero-star rating for safety.

Q. Which is India's safest car under 10 lakh?

Tata Altroz, Nexon, Punch, and the Mahindra XUV300 have starting prices below ₹10 lakhs and have five-star safety ratings for adult occupancy.