Imagine navigating India’s busy roads without any safety. In these dynamic settings(from the packed city streets to the sprinting highways), a car’s ability to protect its passengers becomes necessary
According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, India saw over 1,50,000 road accidents in 2022 alone. It highlights the importance of choosing a vehicle with top safety features.
This guide explores the best safety cars in India for 2025, focusing on models that excelled in Global NCAP (New Car Assessment Programme) ratings.
Understanding Global NCAP Ratings
Global NCAP’s “Safer Cars for India” initiative has significantly raised awareness of vehicle safety standards in India.
Ratings assess Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) and Child Occupant Protection (COP) on a scale up to 5 stars, with tests focusing on crashworthiness, structural integrity, and safety technology.
Related: How Safety Ratings Influence Car Buying Decisions
For Indian consumers, cars with high NCAP ratings are an assurance of safety on roads that can be unpredictable. The NCAP protocols include:
- Front Offset Crash Test: Replicates real-world scenarios where two cars collide at 64 km/h.
- Adult and Child Dummies: Assess injury risk, covering head, chest, legs, and knees.
- Safety Features Evaluation: Scores are enhanced by features like ABS, airbags, electronic stability control, and ISOFIX mounts for child seats.
Quick Overview of the Top 10 Safest Cars in India for 2024
Here, lies a list of 5 star NCAP cars in India:
| Car Name | Price Range | Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) | Child Occupant Protection (COP) | Overall Safety Rating |
| Tata Harrier | ₹15.49 – ₹24.49 lakh | 33.05/34 | 45/49 | 5 Stars |
| Tata Safari | ₹16.19 – ₹25.49 lakh | 33.05/34 | 45/49 | 5 Stars |
| Volkswagen Virtus | ₹11.48 – ₹19.29 lakh | 29.71/34 | 42/49 | 5 Stars |
| Skoda Slavia | ₹10.89 – ₹19.12 lakh | 29.71/34 | 42/49 | 5 Stars |
| Skoda Kushaq | ₹10.89 – ₹20 lakh | 29.64/34 | 42/49 | 5 Stars |
| Volkswagen Taigun | ₹11.62 – ₹19.76 lakh | 29.64/34 | 42/49 | 5 Stars |
| Hyundai Verna | ₹10.96 – ₹17.38 lakh | 28.18/34 | 42/49 | 5 Stars |
| Mahindra Scorpio-N | ₹12.73 – ₹24.03 lakh | 29.25/34 | 28.93/49 | 5 Stars |
| Tata Punch | ₹5.82 – ₹9.48 lakh | 16.45/17 | 40.89/49 | 5 Stars |
| Mahindra XUV700 | ₹13.99 – ₹26.04 lakh | 16.03/17 | 41.66/49 | 5 Stars |
In-Depth Reviews: India’s Top Safest Cars in India 2024
Each vehicle has been selected for its high safety ratings and features that are particularly relevant to the Indian driving environment.
1. Tata Harrier
- Price Range: ₹15.49 – ₹24.49 lakh
- Bharat NCAP Safety Ratings: 5 stars
| Safety Category | Rating |
| Adult Occupant Protection | 33.05/34 |
| Child Occupant Protection | 45/49 |
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- Six airbags for comprehensive coverage
- Electronic Stability Program (ESP) to improve stability on wet or uneven roads
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) to prevent accidents due to tire deflation
- Hill Hold Assist for controlled driving on steep inclines
- Engine & Design Insights: Powered by a 2.0L Kryotec diesel engine (170 PS, 350 Nm), the Harrier’s build quality draws from Land Rover’s D8 platform, renowned for durability. This SUV combines a rugged design with a spacious interior and features like a panoramic sunroof and 8.8-inch infotainment system offer a premium experience.
- Why It Stands Out: The Tata Harrier’s robust design and versatile features make it one of the best safety cars in India for long-distance driving and high speed on highways, which are key considerations for Indian families.
2. Tata Safari
- Price Range: ₹16.19 – ₹25.49 lakh
- Bharat NCAP Safety Ratings: 5 stars
| Safety Category | Rating |
| Adult Occupant Protection | 33.05/34 |
| Child Occupant Protection | 45/49 |
- Seven airbags, including a knee airbag for driver protection
- Traction Control and Hill Descent Control for stability on rugged terrains
- ISOFIX child seat mounts for secure child safety
- Engine & Design Insights: Sharing its structure with the Harrier, the Tata Safari is a three-row SUV powered by a 2.0L diesel engine, suitable for family trips. Features like an 8.8-inch touchscreen and connected car technology make it a well-rounded vehicle.
- Why It Stands Out: Safari’s additional third-row seating and advanced stability features make it a great choice for larger families looking for both comfort and safety on Indian roads.
3. Volkswagen Virtus
- Price Range: ₹10.89 – ₹19.12 lakh
- Safety Ratings: 5 stars
| Safety Category | Rating |
| Adult Occupant Protection | 29.71/34 |
| Child Occupant Protection | 42/49 |
- Key Safety Features:
- Six airbags for full-passenger protection
- Multi-collision brake, reducing the impact after a collision
- Hill Hold Assist for secure hill starts
- Tyre Pressure Deflation Warning
- Engine & Design Insights: Built on the MQB-A0-IN platform, this sedan offers engine options including a 1.0L TSI petrol (115 PS) and a 1.5L TSI (150 PS), balancing performance and fuel efficiency.
Also Read: 10 Reasons to Buy Volkswagen Virtus
- Why It Stands Out: The Virtus combines European engineering with robust safety, making it an attractive option for urban and highway driving with its secure braking system.
4. Skoda Slavia
- Price Range: ₹10.89 – ₹19.12 lakh
- G NCAP Safety Ratings: 5 stars
| Safety Category | Rating |
| Adult Occupant Protection | 29.71/34 |
| Child Occupant Protection | 42/49 |
- Key Safety Features:
- ABS with EBD for enhanced braking
- Multi-collision brake to limit post-collision impact
- Traction Control and ESC for stability
- Engine & Design Insights: Skoda’s Slavia shares its platform with Virtus, offering similar engine options and advanced features like a digital cockpit and premium audio.
- Why It Stands Out: Known for reliability, the Slavia’s enhanced stability controls make it ideal for drivers navigating India’s sometimes unpredictable road conditions.
5. Skoda Kushaq
- Price Range: ₹10.89 – ₹20 lakh
- Safety Ratings: 5 stars
| Safety Category | Rating |
| Adult Occupant Protection | 29.64/34 |
| Child Occupant Protection | 42/49 |
- Key Safety Features:
- Six airbags for complete occupant safety
- Rollover Protection for stability during sharp turns
- ESC and Hill Hold Control for added traction
- Engine & Design Insights: Available in 1.0L and 1.5L TSI engines, the Kushaq’s robust build makes it suited to India’s diverse driving environments.
Others Read: Skoda Kushaq Sportline Launched for ₹14.70 Lakh in India
- Why It Stands Out: Combining safety with Skoda’s European design, the Kushaq offers confidence and security for family-oriented drivers, particularly in crowded cities.
6. Volkswagen Taigun
- Price Range: ₹11.62 – ₹19.76 lakh
- Safety Ratings: 5 stars
| Safety Category | Rating |
| Adult Occupant Protection | 29.64/34 |
| Child Occupant Protection | 42/49 |
- Key Safety Features:
- Multi-collision brake for post-crash safety
- ISOFIX child seat mounts for secure child seating
- Engine & Design Insights: Built on the same platform as the Kushaq, the Taigun features German engineering known for dependability.
- Why It Stands Out: High safety standards and reliable performance make the Taigun a practical choice for families on urban or long-distance journeys.
7. Hyundai Verna
- Price Range: ₹10.96 – ₹17.38 lakh
- Safety Ratings: 5 stars
| Safety Category | Rating |
| Adult Occupant Protection | 28.18/34 |
| Child Occupant Protection | 42/49 |
- Key Safety Features:
- Six airbags for extensive passenger safety
- Hill Start Assist for secure starts on inclines
- Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) to maintain control on uneven surfaces
- ABS with EBD, balancing braking forces for optimal stability
- Engine & Design Insights: Hyundai Verna is available with both a 1.5L petrol and a 1.5L diesel engine. Known for its smooth handling, the Verna provides a high-performance experience with its efficient braking and safety systems.
- Why It Stands Out: Verna’s stability management and ABS with EBD offer excellent control on winding or congested roads, making it well-suited for urban Indian environments. Hyundai’s brand reliability and its practical safety features ensure a solid and secure ride for city drivers and commuters alike.
8. Mahindra Scorpio-N
- Price Range: ₹12.73 – ₹24.03 lakh
- Safety Ratings: 5 stars
| Safety Category | Rating |
| Adult Occupant Protection | 29.25/34 |
| Child Occupant Protection | 28.93/49 |
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- Driver Drowsiness Detection, alerting the driver to take breaks
- Hill Descent Control for added control on steep descents
- Hill Hold Assist to prevent rollback on inclines
- ISOFIX child seat mounts, ensuring secure child protection
- Engine & Design Insights: The Scorpio-N is a rugged SUV designed for Indian terrains, featuring a 2.2L mHawk diesel engine (up to 175 PS, 400 Nm) and a 2.0L mStallion turbo petrol engine (200 PS, 380 Nm). Known for its durability, the Scorpio-N balances powerful performance with essential safety as amongst the best safety cars in india.
- Why It Stands Out: As an SUV designed for both city and off-road conditions, the Scorpio-N’s Hill Descent Control and Driver Drowsiness Detection make it a top choice for adventurous families. The combination of a strong build and smart safety features makes it ideal for extended travel on diverse terrains in India.
9. Tata Punch
- Price Range: ₹5.82 – ₹9.48 lakh
- Bharat NCAP Safety Ratings: 5 stars
| Safety Category | Rating |
| Adult Occupant Protection | 16.45/17 |
| Child Occupant Protection | 40.89/49 |
- Key Safety Features:
- ABS with EBD, ensuring balanced braking under emergencies
- Reverse Parking Camera for safe manoeuvring in tight spaces
- Hill Hold Assist for stable control on slopes
- Engine & Design Insights: The Tata Punch features a 1.2L Revotron petrol engine, producing 86 PS and 113 Nm of torque. This micro-SUV’s compact design makes it perfect for urban driving.
- Why It Stands Out: The Punch’s excellent safety ratings make it a standout option in the budget-friendly micro-SUV category. Its compact design with features like ABS and a reverse parking camera, makes it secure for daily city chores.
10. Mahindra XUV700
- Price Range: ₹13.99 – ₹26.04 lakh
- Bharat NCAP Safety Ratings: 5 stars
| Safety Category | Rating |
| Adult Occupant Protection | 16.03/17 |
| Child Occupant Protection | 41.66/49 |
- Key Safety Features:
- Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) for driver safety monitoring
- Forward Collision Warning to alert drivers to potential impacts
- Driver Drowsiness Detection to promote alertness on long trips
- Lane Keep Assist, reducing unintentional lane departure
- Engine & Design Insights: The Mahindra XUV700 carries two engines: a 2.0L mStallion turbo petrol engine (200 PS, 380 Nm) and a 2.2L mHawk diesel engine (up to 185 PS, 450 Nm). It is one of the most feature-rich SUVs on the market.
Also Check Out: How To Calibrate Your ADAS System?
- Why It Stands Out: The XUV700 sets new standards with advanced safety features. ADAS and Lane Keep Assist make it appealing with Mahindra’s standard power and comfort.
Final Thoughts on Choosing the Safest Cars in india
Choosing the best safety cars in India is more than a quick look at the safety ratings. It involves understanding how each safety feature handles the unique challenges of our roads.
The right car should offer a balance of safety and performance that fits your daily needs. Let this guide be a trusted companion as you search for a vehicle that keeps your loved ones safe during every journey.
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