Top 10 safest cars in India 2026: Global NCAP Safety Rating

A safe car can potentially prevent accidents or reduce the severity of injuries in the event of a crash. Safety is hence a crucial consideration when purchasing a new car. Many modern safety technologies aim to prevent accidents before they happen by assisting the driver. Advanced safety features like an anti-lock braking system (ABS), automatic emergency braking (AEB), traction control, blind spot detection, airbags, etc. can reduce the risk of accidents and severe injuries. Cars with robust safety features often result in lower car insurance premiums. Let us look at some of the best safety-rated cars in India.

What are Global NCAP ratings and how do they work?

Global NCAP ratings evaluate a car’s safety performance during crash tests. These tests measure how well a vehicle protects adults and children in frontal and side-impact collisions. Cars are awarded 0 to 5 stars, depending on structural strength, airbag efficiency, child-seat compatibility, and overall crash protection. Higher ratings indicate that the vehicle provides better occupant safety during accidents. Global NCAP follows strict international protocols, ensuring uniform and reliable safety assessments. These ratings help buyers understand how safe a car truly is beyond brand claims, making them a crucial part of choosing the safest cars in India.

Understanding Global NCAP & Bharat NCAP safety ratings

Global NCAP is an independent international organisation that assesses vehicle safety through standardised crash tests. Bharat NCAP, India’s own safety assessment program, follows a similar star-based system but uses testing conditions more aligned with Indian driving environments. While Global NCAP focuses primarily on adult and child occupant protection in select crash tests, Bharat NCAP expands the evaluation with additional parameters like pedestrian safety and ESC compliance. Together, these ratings help Indian car buyers make informed decisions by identifying India's safest cars with strong safety performance, advanced structural integrity, and reliable crash protection.

Top 10 safest cars in India & Global NCAP safety rating

Maruti Suzuki New Dzire

The safety features of the Maruti Suzuki New Dzire include six airbags, ESP, hill hold assist, ABS with EBD, ISOFIX child-seat mounts, reverse parking sensors, and a rearview camera. It has also secured a 5-star Global NCAP safety rating. If you own a Maruti Suzuki Dzire or any other Maruti car, Maruti Insurance ensures comprehensive coverage, including third-party liabilities, accidental damages, and repair costs at authorized service centers.

Tata Safari

The safety features of Tata Safari include ABS, EBD, ESP, hill hold, tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), traction control, rear parking sensors, and more.

Tata Harrier

The safety features of Tata Harrier include six airbags as standard, a 360-degree high-resolution camera, an anti-brake system (ABS), front and rear parking sensors, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS). ADAS includes adaptive cruise control with stop and go function, forward collision warning, auto emergency braking, and more.

Tata Nexon

The safety features of Tata Nexon include hill hold, rollover mitigation, ISOFIX mount, traction control, rear parking sensors and camera, TPMS, airbags, ABS with EBD, and more.

Hyundai Verna

Hyundai Verna is one of the best safety cars in India. The safety features include six airbags, ESC, hill hold assist, ISOFIX child-seat mounts, tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), all-wheel disc brakes, and well-tuned ADAS features for Indian roads.

Volkswagen Virtus

Volkswagen Virtus is one of the safest cars in India. The safety features include six airbags, ESP, hill hold control, reverse camera with parking sensors, tyre pressure loss warning, and more.

Škoda Slavia

The safety features of the Škoda Slavia include six airbags, ESC, hill hold control, ABS with EBD, multi-collision braking, traction control, ISOFIX child-seat mounts, and reverse parking sensors with a rearview camera. It has also secured a 5-star Global NCAP safety rating.

Mahindra Scorpio N

Mahindra Scorpio N offers various safety features that include ESP, hill hold, TPMS, airbags, ABS, disc brakes, ISOFIX, and more.

Volkswagen Taigun

Volkswagen Taigun is one of the safest SUVs in India. The safety features include six airbags, ESC, hill hold control, tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), multi-collision braking, ABS with EBD, reverse camera with parking sensors, and a 5-star Global NCAP safety rating.

Skoda Kushaq

Skoda Kushaq is one of the best cars in safety ratings in India. The safety features include ISOFIX mounts, ABS, six airbags, EBD, hill hold control, rear parking sensors, multi-collision braking, and more.

Global NCAP vs Bharat NCAP: What’s the difference?

Conclusion

No matter how safe your car is, it’s always a smart move to give it an extra layer of protection. That’s where Zurich Kotak General Insurance comes in. With our comprehensive car insurance plans, you can enjoy your drive knowing we’ve got your back. Ready to explore? Let’s get your car the care it deserves today.

Frequently asked questions

1. Which is the number 1 safest car in India?

The Tata Safari and Tata Harrier are among the top contenders, both achieving 5-star Global NCAP ratings for adult and child safety. Their strong build quality, advanced safety features, and exceptional crash performance consistently place them at the top of India’s safest car rankings.

2. Which car has a 5-star rating in India?

Several models have earned a 5-star Global NCAP rating, including the Tata Nexon, Tata Safari, Tata Harrier, Hyundai Verna, Volkswagen Virtus, Skoda Slavia, and Skoda Kushaq. These vehicles excel in structural integrity, crash protection, and child safety compliance, making them some of the safest picks in India.

3. Which is the top 10 safest car in the world?

International models like the Volvo XC90, Mercedes-Benz EQS, Subaru Outback, Tesla Model Y, and Lexus NX often feature in global safety rankings. These vehicles score exceptionally high in crash tests, ADAS performance, and structural safety, placing them among the world’s top 10 safest cars.

4. Do SUVs provide better safety than hatchbacks or sedans?

SUVs usually offer better road presence, higher seating, and stronger body structure, enhancing perceived safety. However, actual safety depends on crash ratings, build quality, and safety features. Several hatchbacks and sedans with 5-star NCAP ratings can be just as safe, or safer, than larger SUVs.

5. Is a 5-star Global NCAP rating essential for city driving in India?

While not mandatory, a 5-star rating ensures stronger protection in crashes at both low and high speeds. City driving involves frequent braking, close vehicle proximity, and unpredictable hazards. Choosing a high-rated car improves overall safety, especially for families and daily commuters.