Safest Cars in India
Crash-test results last checked 10 October 2026 · prices are starting ex-showroom
Many cars on sale in India now have five-star Bharat NCAP results for both adult and child protection — from the Tata Punch at about ₹6.1 lakh to the Toyota Innova Hycross. There is no single "safest car": the right choice depends on your budget, which variant was actually tested, how the car scored for children as well as adults, and whether it suits the way you drive.
Our main list only includes cars with a current, checked Bharat NCAP result of five stars for adults and five stars for children. Global NCAP results are shown separately, because the two programmes are different tests. We do not invent our own safety score.
Keep in mind: A crash-test rating tells you how the tested car protected dummies in specific crashes. It does not cover every crash, every variant or how well the car avoids a crash in the first place.
Quick shortlist
All five stars for adults and children in Bharat NCAP. Grouped by need, not ranked.
- Tata Punch— Most affordable five-star carfrom ₹6.13 lakh
- Tata Altroz— Five-star hatchbackfrom ₹6.89 lakh
- Maruti Suzuki Dzire— Five-star compact sedanfrom ₹6.84 lakh
- Hyundai Venue— Five-star compact SUV under ₹10 lakhfrom ₹7.95 lakh
- Kia Seltos— Five-star midsize SUVfrom ₹11.25 lakh
- Tata Nexon EV— Five-star electric carfrom ₹12.49 lakh
- Mahindra XUV 7XO— Five-star car for larger familiesfrom ₹13.99 lakh
Top-rated cars in Bharat NCAP
Every current car we have checked with five stars for adults and five stars for children. Sorted by starting price (lowest first) — not by safety. Adult scores are out of 32, child scores out of 49.
| Car | Adult | Child | From | Adult score | Child score | Tested | Variants tested |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tata Punch | 5★ | 5★ | ₹6.13 lakh | 30.58/32 | 45/49 | Jan 2026 | Pure+ CNG AMT, Accomplished CNG MT |
| Maruti Suzuki Dzire | 5★ | 5★ | ₹6.84 lakh | 29.46/32 | 41.57/49 | Jun 2025 | LXI 1.2 5MT |
| Tata Altroz | 5★ | 5★ | ₹6.89 lakh | 29.65/32 | 44.9/49 | Sep 2025 | Pure CNG MT, Creative S CNG MT, Accomplished S DCT |
| Skoda Kylaq | 5★ | 5★ | ₹7.59 lakh | 30.88/32 | 45/49 | Jan 2025 | Prestige MT |
| Hyundai Venue | 5★ | 5★ | ₹7.95 lakh | 31.15/32 | 44.46/49 | Mar 2026 | HX2 diesel MT, HX10 diesel AT |
| Mahindra XUV 3XO | 5★ | 5★ | ₹7.99 lakh | 29.36/32 | 43/49 | Oct 2024 | AX7L, MX2 |
| Tata Nexon | 5★ | 5★ | ₹8 lakh | 29.41/32 | 43.83/49 | Oct 2024 | Fearless diesel AMTBharat NCAP lists the rating for the petrol and diesel range. |
| Maruti Suzuki Brezza | 5★ | 5★ | ₹8.3 lakh | 30.41/32 | 43/49 | Jul 2026 | ZXI+ 1.5 6AT |
| Tata Curvv | 5★ | 5★ | ₹10 lakh | 29.5/32 | 43.66/49 | Oct 2024 | Accomplished+ A diesel MTThe Curvv.EV has its own separate result. |
| Kia Seltos | 5★ | 5★ | ₹11.25 lakh | 31.7/32 | 45/49 | Mar 2026 | HTE(O), GTX 1.5 CRDi 6AT |
| Tata Nexon EV | 5★ | 5★ | ₹12.49 lakh | 29.86/32 | 44.95/49 | Jun 2024 | Empowered+ LR, 45 kWh (extended 2025) |
| Mahindra Thar ROXX | 5★ | 5★ | ₹12.52 lakh | 31.09/32 | 45/49 | Nov 2024 | MX3, AX5L |
| Tata Safari | 5★ | 5★ | ₹13.29 lakh | 30.08/32 | 44.54/49 | Dec 2023 | ADV+ dieselTested on the diesel; the 1.5 turbo-petrol added in 2026 was not the tested car. |
| Mahindra XUV 7XO | 5★ | 5★ | ₹13.99 lakh | 30.76/32 | 44.97/49 | Sep 2026 | AX7 diesel AT 7-seat FWD, AX7L diesel AT 7-seat AWDOnly two diesel automatic versions were crash-tested. Press reports of the Bharat NCAP certificate state the rating applies to the petrol and diesel range; Autovisor has not read the official applicability list directly. The XUV700 result is not reused. |
| Tata Harrier | 5★ | 5★ | ₹15.49 lakh | 30.08/32 | 44.54/49 | Dec 2023 | ADV+ diesel |
| Toyota Innova Hycross | 5★ | 5★ | ₹19.53 lakh | 30.47/32 | 45/49 | Jun 2025 | 8S, VX 8S hybrid, ZX 7S hybrid |
The Tata Harrier and Safari share one Bharat NCAP result. Tap a test date to open the official result.
Best safety-rated cars by buyer need
Our picks combine the checked crash-test result with what the car is like to own. They are editorial choices, not a safety ranking.
Tata Punch
- Why consider it
- The cheapest car here with five stars for both adults and children, and a full 45/49 child score. The facelift was tested in 2026 as a CNG car, so the result covers the version on sale.
- What to check
- Bharat NCAP tested two CNG variants. Ask which airbags and ESC come on the exact petrol or CNG version you are buying.
- Consider an alternative if
- If you drive long distances on the highway with four adults, a bigger car such as the Skoda Kylaq or Tata Nexon will feel less stretched.
Tata Altroz
- Why consider it
- A five-star adult and child result for a premium hatchback, with petrol, CNG and diesel options. Three variants were tested, including the CNG and the DCT automatic.
- What to check
- The CNG tank takes some boot space. Drive the DCT in slow traffic before you choose it.
- Consider an alternative if
- If you want a softer, simpler hatchback, note that the Baleno's Bharat NCAP result is lower: 4 stars adult and 3 stars child.
Maruti Suzuki Dzire
- Why consider it
- Bharat NCAP tested the entry LXI manual — so the five-star result is not only for the top version. It is also very cheap to run, with factory CNG.
- What to check
- Its child score (41.57/49) is the lowest in our main list, though still five stars. Check child-seat fit in the rear.
- Consider an alternative if
- The Honda Amaze got 5 stars for adults but 4 for children in Bharat NCAP; choose it for its CVT and cabin, not for a better crash result.
Hyundai Venue
- Why consider it
- The new Venue scored the highest adult result among sub-4-metre SUVs here (31.15/32), and Bharat NCAP tested a lower HX2 diesel manual as well as an automatic.
- What to check
- Turbo-petrol and diesel versions cost noticeably more than the starting price. Compare ADAS and airbag lists by variant.
- Consider an alternative if
- The Skoda Kylaq and Mahindra XUV 3XO also have five-star results for adults and children at a similar price — test-drive at least two.
Kia Seltos
- Why consider it
- The new-generation Seltos (January 2026) has the highest adult score in our list (31.70/32) and full 45/49 child score, with both a lower HTE(O) and a top diesel automatic tested.
- What to check
- This result is for the 2026 Seltos only — a used, older Seltos is a different car. Prices rise steeply for the turbo and diesel.
- Consider an alternative if
- If you want more rugged ability for bad roads, the Mahindra Thar ROXX also scored five stars for adults and children.
Tata Nexon EV
- Why consider it
- Five stars for adults and children in Bharat NCAP, from the Empowered+ Long Range test that was later extended to the 45 kWh version.
- What to check
- Check that the battery version you are buying is covered by the published result, and plan for home charging.
- Consider an alternative if
- If you can't charge at home, the petrol or diesel Nexon also has a five-star result.
Mahindra XUV 7XO
- Why consider it
- A 7-seat SUV with five stars for adults and children (30.76/32 and 44.97/49). Bharat NCAP lists the rating as applying to the range.
- What to check
- Only two diesel automatic AX7 versions were physically tested. The starting price is for a much simpler petrol manual.
- Consider an alternative if
- If adults will use the third row often, the Toyota Innova Hycross MPV (also five stars for adults and children) has more room — at a much higher price.
Safest cars by budget
Five stars for adults and children in Bharat NCAP, grouped by starting ex-showroom price. The starting price, the tested variant and a variant with all the safety kit are often three different prices.
Under ₹10 lakh
- Tata Punch from ₹6.13 lakh
- Maruti Suzuki Dzire from ₹6.84 lakh
- Tata Altroz from ₹6.89 lakh
- Skoda Kylaq from ₹7.59 lakh
- Hyundai Venue from ₹7.95 lakh
- Mahindra XUV 3XO from ₹7.99 lakh
- Tata Nexon from ₹8 lakh
- Maruti Suzuki Brezza from ₹8.3 lakh
- Tata Curvv from ₹10 lakh
These are starting prices. The tested variant is often not the cheapest one, so check the airbags and ESC on the exact version you plan to buy.
All cars under ₹10 lakh, not only five-star ones →₹10–15 lakh
- Kia Seltos from ₹11.25 lakh
- Tata Nexon EV from ₹12.49 lakh
- Mahindra Thar ROXX from ₹12.52 lakh
- Tata Safari from ₹13.29 lakh
- Mahindra XUV 7XO from ₹13.99 lakh
Several of these start lower than their tested variant — the XUV 7XO and Safari were tested as top diesel versions.
All cars under ₹15 lakh, not only five-star ones →₹15–20 lakh
- Tata Harrier from ₹15.49 lakh
- Toyota Innova Hycross from ₹19.53 lakh
The Innova Hycross was tested in three versions, including the hybrid; the hybrid versions cost well above the starting price.
All cars under ₹20 lakh, not only five-star ones →Bharat NCAP cars below five stars for adults or children
Current results that matter if you are considering these cars.
- Maruti Suzuki Baleno — adult 4★ (26.52/32), child 3★ (34.81/49), Jun 2025. Tested: Two-airbag variants (24.04/32 adult), Six-airbag variants (26.52/32 adult)Adult score shown is the six-airbag variants; two-airbag variants scored 24.04/32 (also 4 stars).
- Honda Amaze — adult 5★ (28.33/32), child 4★ (40.81/49), Nov 2025. Tested: V CVT, VX CVT, ZX MT
Global NCAP results
These cars have a current Global NCAP result but no Bharat NCAP result yet. Global NCAP is a different programme, so these are not ranked against the Bharat NCAP table. Under its 2022 rules the adult score is out of 34 and the child score out of 49.
| Car | Adult | Child | From | Scores | Tested | Version tested |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volkswagen Virtus | 5★ | 5★ | ₹10.71 lakh | 29.71/34 · 42/49 | Apr 2023 | Current Virtus |
| Hyundai Verna | 5★ | 5★ | ₹10.98 lakh | 28.18/34 · 42/49 | Oct 2023 | Sixth-generation VernaTested before the March 2026 model-year update. |
| Volkswagen Taigun | 5★ | 5★ | ₹11.55 lakh | 29.64/34 · 42/49 | Oct 2022 | Current Taigun |
| Mahindra Scorpio-N | 5★ | 3★ | ₹13.85 lakh | 29.25/34 · 28.93/49 | Dec 2022 | Basic spec, two airbags |
| Maruti Suzuki Celerio | 3★ | 2★ | ₹4.7 lakh | 18.04/34 · 18.57/49 | Dec 2025 | Current six-airbag CelerioGlobal NCAP rated the bodyshell unstable. |
| Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 | 2★ | 0★ | ₹4.23 lakh | 21.67/34 · 3.52/49 | Apr 2023 | Dual front airbags |
| Maruti Suzuki Wagon R | 1★ | 0★ | ₹5.79 lakh | 19.69/34 · 3.4/49 | Apr 2023 | Entry spec |
Also tested by Global NCAP, but listed above under their Bharat NCAP result: Maruti Suzuki Dzire (adult 5★ / child 4★, Nov 2024), Tata Safari (adult 5★ / child 5★, Oct 2023).
What do Bharat NCAP safety ratings mean?
- Two separate programmes. Bharat NCAP is India's official programme (since late 2023). Global NCAP is independent and tested Indian cars earlier. The tests differ, so their scores can't be lined up against each other.
- Adults and children are scored separately. The adult score is out of 32 in Bharat NCAP; the child score is out of 49. We always show both and never add them together.
- Rules change over time. Global NCAP made its test tougher in 2022. An older result, or a result for a previous generation, does not describe the car on sale now.
- The tested variant matters. Only some versions are crashed. Each row shows which ones.
- Five stars is not a guarantee. It means the car did well in specific crashes at specific speeds — not that it protects you in every crash.
- No result is not a bad result. Some cars on sale have simply not been tested. We don't give unofficial ratings, so they are left out rather than ranked low.
Crash-test ratings vs safety features
A crash test shows how well the car's body, airbags and seatbelts protected people in a crash. The equipment list — ESC, airbags, ISOFIX, ADAS — tells you what is fitted to your variant. Both matter: a car with a strong structure still needs ESC to help prevent a skid, and a long list of features does not make up for a weak body. ADAS can help avoid some crashes, but it is not part of the crash score.
How to choose a safer car
Which variant was tested?
Each result names the versions that were crashed. Ask the dealer whether your variant has the same airbags and structure.
Look at the child result too
Adult and child protection are scored separately. A car can be five stars for adults and four for children.
ISOFIX and child seats
If you carry young children, check ISOFIX points and fit your own child seat in the showroom.
ESC and six airbags
Electronic stability control helps prevent skids. More airbags do not on their own guarantee a higher crash rating.
ADAS is different
ADAS can help avoid some crashes but is not part of the crash test. Learn its limits before relying on it.
Test date and programme
Compare Bharat NCAP results with Bharat NCAP results. Older Global NCAP tests used different rules.
Compare safety-rated cars head-to-head
Browse all cars by budget
Safest cars: frequently asked questions
Which cars have five-star Bharat NCAP ratings for adults and children?＋
The table at the top of this page lists every current car we have checked that scored five stars for both adults and children in Bharat NCAP — including the Tata Punch, Altroz, Nexon and Safari, Maruti Suzuki Dzire and Brezza, Hyundai Venue, Kia Seltos, Skoda Kylaq, Mahindra XUV 3XO, Thar ROXX and XUV 7XO, and Toyota Innova Hycross.
What is the safest car in India?＋
No single car can honestly be called the safest. Many cars have five stars for adults and children in Bharat NCAP. The Kia Seltos has the highest adult score we list (31.70/32), but small score differences within five stars do not prove one car is safer in every crash.
Is Bharat NCAP the same as Global NCAP?＋
No. Bharat NCAP is India's government-run programme. Global NCAP is an independent charity that tested Indian cars before Bharat NCAP existed. Their tests and scoring differ, so we show them separately and never rank one against the other.
What do adult and child occupant scores mean?＋
The adult score (out of 32 in Bharat NCAP) measures how the front occupants were protected in frontal and side crashes. The child score (out of 49) measures protection for children in child seats and how well the car supports child seats.
Does a five-star rating apply to every variant?＋
Not automatically. Only certain variants are crashed. Some results are officially applied to the range; others cover only the tested versions. Each row on this page lists the tested variants.
Which five-star cars cost under ₹10 lakh?＋
Based on starting ex-showroom price: Tata Punch, Maruti Suzuki Dzire, Tata Altroz, Skoda Kylaq, Hyundai Venue, Mahindra XUV 3XO, Tata Nexon, Maruti Suzuki Brezza and Tata Curvv. The tested variant may cost more than the starting price.
Which SUVs have five-star safety ratings in India?＋
In Bharat NCAP: Punch, Kylaq, Venue, XUV 3XO, Nexon, Brezza, Curvv, Seltos, Nexon EV, Thar ROXX, Safari, XUV 7XO and Harrier all have five stars for adults and children. The Volkswagen Taigun has five stars for both in Global NCAP.
Are cars without a crash-test rating unsafe?＋
Not necessarily. It only means no applicable result has been published. Autovisor does not give unofficial star ratings, so we leave those cars out of the rankings instead of guessing.
Is a five-star car always safer than a four-star car?＋
Within the same programme and test rules, a five-star car did better in those specific crashes. It is not a guarantee for every crash, and results from different programmes or years can't be compared directly.
What safety equipment should I check?＋
Check the number of airbags on your variant, ESC, ISOFIX child-seat mounts, three-point seatbelts for every seat, and whether ADAS is offered. Equipment is separate from the crash-test score.
How often are crash-test results updated?＋
Bharat NCAP publishes new results throughout the year, and cars are re-tested after major changes. We checked every result on this page on the date shown at the top; we don't track results in real time.
Can older and newer NCAP results be compared?＋
Not directly. Global NCAP changed its rules in 2022, and Bharat NCAP started in late 2023. A result from an older test, or for a previous generation, does not describe the car on sale now.
All prices are starting ex-showroom prices; on-road prices are higher and vary by city. Prices change often, so confirm with a dealer before you buy.
- Bharat NCAP official results (bncap.in) — every Bharat NCAP rating on this page
- Global NCAP India results (globalncap.org) — every Global NCAP rating on this page
- Autovisor Model Pages — starting ex-showroom prices (checked with each page's own date)
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