A bicycle can lose balance while rolling over a stone, and a car can slip on a rain-slicked road. No matter how advanced a machine is, it’s always prone to accidents. Automobiles, some of the most advanced machines today, are part and parcel of our lives, and our love for them is understandable. But it’s also vital to remember that in the face of accidents, it’s our car’s capability that saves us, not our emotions. The stronger and better-equipped your car is, the safer you are inside it. Fortunately, today, the Indian car market has many strong and well-equipped cars. Some of them not only solidly shield you from injuries in case of accidents, but they also don’t let accidents occur in the first place. This article lists the safest cars in India today and explains how well they can safeguard you.
We have curated this list based on the scores of the cars which underwent the safety test of Global NCAP (Global New Car Assessment Programme) and Bharat NCAP. For a long time, GNCAP has been testing the crashworthiness of cars on essential parameters, and a couple of years ago, they made their tests stricter with a few more tests. Whereas, the Bharat NCAP is a newly established organisation, which tests the cars sold in India only.
Safest Maruti Suzuki Cars
As the largest car manufacturer in India, Maruti Suzuki has often been absent from most safest cars lists. Even though the brand has had the Maruti Vitara Brezza score 4-stars in the Global NCAP safety tests, Maruti’s other offerings have struggled. This has now changed with the new Dzire.
Maruti Suzuki Dzire
The Maruti Dzire’s recent performance in the Global NCAP safety test has come as a very pleasant surprise to many. Not only has Maruti secured a 5-star GNCAP safety rating for the Dzire, it has done so on one of Maruti’s best-selling cars. This makes it the safest compact sedan in the market, surpassing the Tata Tigor’s 4-star GNCAP safety rating. It is also one of the safest CNG cars you can buy today.
The new Maruti Dzire brings a host of new safety updates, in addition to the new exterior and interior design. Six airbags, ISOFIX child mount seats, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Hill Hold Assist and ABS with EBD are standard safety features on the Dzire, apart from the strengthened chassis that is the main contributor to the high safety rating.
Maruti Suzuki Dzire GNCAP scores – Adult safety: 31.24/34 | Child safety: 39.20/49
Safest Tata Cars
The name ‘Tata Motors’ is synonymous with formidable safety. While the Indian carmaker has always manufactured tough cars that offer solid safety, in recent years, indomitable passenger safety has become the most attractive USP of their cars. Today, most Tata cars are some of the safest cars in India for they boast attractive safety ratings and are richly packed with safety features in secure bodies.
Tata Safari
Tata Motors taking over Land Rover, has been a fruitful event for the Indian manufacturer and car buyers. For instance, the Tata Safari, the flagship of the Indian carmaker, is built on the OMEGARC platform, which has been derived from Land Rover’s D8 platform. This chassis, along with an ironclad body shell gives the Safari a phenomenal structural strength. With such toughness, the Safari can easily shield you and your family from life-threatening injuries in case of unfortunate accidents. In addition to that, the 7-seater Indian SUV is also equipped with camera- and radar-based Level-2 ADAS safety features to mitigate the possibility of accidents, making itself the top one among Tata’s safest cars.
In Global NCAP and Bharat NCAP, the Tata Safari bagged 5-star ratings in adult and child safety with the best scores. From the base variant only, the Safari offers 6 airbags, 3-point seatbelts for all seats, ISOFIX anchors, a tyre pressure monitoring system, an electronic stability program, hill hold control, traction control, rollover mitigation, corner stability control, after-impact braking, panic brake alert, and more. In higher variants, the Safari additionally offers hill descent control, a driver knee airbag, and camera- and radar-based ADAS features.
Tata Safari GNCAP scores – Adult safety: 33/34 | Child safety: 45/49
Tata Safari BNCAP scores – Adult safety: 30.08/32 | Child safety: 44.54/49
Tata Harrier
The five-seater derivative of the Tata Safari, Tata Harrier is an equally safe and strong offering. Like the Safari, the Harrier is constructed on the OMEGARC platform and comes with a good wealth of safety features which include 6 airbags, 3-point seatbelts for all seats, ISOFIX anchors, tyre pressure monitoring system, electronic stability program, hill hold control, traction control, rollover mitigation, corner stability control, after impact braking, panic brake alert, and more. Whereas, the higher variants of the Harrier also add hill descent control, a driver knee airbag, and camera and radar-based ADAS features.
In both GNCAP and BNCAP, the Harrier has been tested alongside the Safari and bagged the same 5-star rating with the same scores, emerging as one of the safest cars in India.
Tata Harrier GNCAP scores – Adult safety: 33/34 | Child safety: 45/49
Tata Harrier BNCAP scores – Adult safety: 30.08/32 | Child safety: 44.54/49
Tata Nexon
The Tata Nexon is the most special car on this list. By being the first car in India to score a full 5-stars in the GNCAP safety test, it single-handedly raised safety standards in the industry. For a long time, the Nexon led the pack of safest cars. However, the latest model has bagged lower scores than those of the Harrier and Safari in the Global NCAP safety test, while the rating is the same 5-star for both adult and child safety.
In terms of safety features, the Nexon offers 6 airbags, electronic stability control, ABS with EBD, ISOFIX child seat anchorage, rear parking sensors, and hill hold control in all variants. Moreover, the higher variants also offer a 360-degree camera with a blind view monitor, front parking sensors and a tyre pressure monitoring system.
Tata Nexon GNCAP scores – Adult safety: 32.2/34 | Child safety: 44.5/49
The electric-powered derivative of the Tata Nexon, the Tata Nexon EV has recently been tested by the BNCAP, and with illustrious scores, it is one of the safest electric cars in India today.
Tata Nexon EV BNCAP scores – Adult safety: 29.86/32 | Child safety: 44.95/49
Tata Punch
Today, Tata Punch is riding a huge wave of success as the best-selling Tata car and one of the best-selling cars. While all its traits come together wonderfully, its unparalleled safety is one of its chief highlights. Soon after arrival, the Punch cleared the GNCAP with flying colours and bagged a full 5-star rating for adult safety and a 4-star rating for child safety, establishing itself as one the safest cars. The Punch offers most of its safety features across all its variants, such as ABS with EBD, dual airbags, brake sway control, and more. Some features like rear camera and TPMS are offered in higher variants.
Tata Punch GNCAP scores – Adult safety: 16.45/17 | Child safety: 40.89/49
The electric-powered Tata Punch EV recently grabbed headlines after it scored the best scores in the BNCAP and became the safest electric car in India. As opposed to the usual relation between ICE and EV versions of a car, the Punch EV is not based on the ICE Tata Punch. While it shares almost all its design elements with it, the Punch EV is built on an entirely new and dedicated EV platform called ‘Acti.EV’, which stands for ‘Advanced Connected Tech-Intelligent Electric Vehicle’. Notably, this new platform will underpin Tata’s future EVs.
In terms of safety equipment, the Punch EV brings 6 airbags electronic stability program, ABS with EBD, hill hold assist, ISOFIX anchors, TPMS, and rear parking sensor as standard, while the higher variants also offer all four-wheel disc brakes, electronic parking brake with auto hold, hill-descent control, rain-sensing wipers, 360-degree camera, and blind spot view mirror.
Tata Punch EV BNCAP scores – Adult safety: 31.46/32 | Child safety: 45/49
Tata Altroz
When one thinks of safest cars, hatchbacks don’t usually come to mind. But it’s the cars like the Tata Altroz which defy such conventions. Following the trend that the Tata Nexon’s 5-star GNCAP rating set in 2018, the Tata Altroz became the second car in India to bag a full 5-star GNCAP in 2020. Today, the Altroz stands as the safest hatchback and thus a great car for someone looking for a solid urban hatchback for their family. The Altroz offers dual airbags, ABS with EBD, ESP, and ISOFIX child mounts as standards, while the higher variants additionally offer 6 airbags, a 360-degree camera, and a blind view monitor.
Tata Altroz GNCAP scores – Adult safety: 16.13/17 | Child safety: 29/49
Note: The Tata Altroz and Tata Punch are yet to be tested under the latest protocols of the Global-NCAP and Bharat NCAP.
Safest Volkswagen Cars
When it comes to safest cars, the second-largest car manufacturer in the world, Volkswagen, is held in high esteem for selling the best quality all around the world. The German carmaker has a few cars in its Indian portfolio and all of them boast appealing safety ratings.
Volkswagen Taigun
The Volkswagen Taigun has been the first car in India to be tested under the latest protocols of the Global NCAP and the German mid-size SUV aced the exam, scoring 5-star ratings for both adult and child safety. The Taigun is built on the MQB A0-IN platform which has been locally developed for Indian driving conditions. Not only does this chassis keep the cost in check, but also bases a formidable construction. In addition to the 5-star G-NCAP rating, the Volkswagen Taigun offers most of its safety features as standard across the variants, such as 6 airbags, ESC, traction control, TPMS, rear camera, and others. Now, the Taigun isn’t an off-roader, but it gets an electronic differential lock as standard, which facilitates great body control while taking corners. It also features MCB (Multi-Collision Brake) as standard, which slows it down after an impact, mitigating the risk of subsequent collisions.
Volkswagen Taigun GNCAP scores – Adult safety: 29.6/34 | Child safety: 42/49
Volkswagen Virtus
The beautiful successor of the Volkswagen Vento, Volkswagen Virtus is the first midsize sedan to be tested under GNCAP’s new testing protocols and the first sedan to feature among the safest cars. Furthermore, surprising as it sounds, it has scored slightly better than its SUV counterpart, the Volkswagen Taigun and acquired 5-star ratings for both adult safety and child safety. Sharing its safety features with the Taigun, the Virtus packs 6 airbags, ESC, traction control, TPMS, rear camera, electronic differential lock, and multi-collision braking. All these features come in all the variants of the Virtus.
Volkswagen Virtus GNCAP scores – Adult safety: 29.71/34 | Child safety: 42/49
Safest Skoda Cars
Skoda Auto has been running its business in India for a long time and is reputed for selling some solid cars with some solid safety ratings. Since most Skoda cars in India are direct siblings of their Volkswagen counterparts, they too hold the same positions with the same GNCAP scores among the safest cars in India.
Skoda Kushaq
Since the Skoda Kushaq is structurally identical to the Taigun, it has been conferred with the same 5-star safety rating in adult and child occupancy. Like the Volkswagen Taigun, Volkswagen Virtus, and Skoda Slavia, the Kushaq is based on the MQB A0-IN platform. While the 5-star G-NCAP rating illustrates the Kushaq’s structural strength, this Czech Creta-rival offers an appealing set of safety features as standard across the variant lineup, for example, 6 airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), multi-collision braking, electronic differential lock, ISOFIX child anchorages, hill hold control, traction control system, and a rear-view camera.
Skoda Kushaq GNCAP scores – Adult safety: 29.6/34 | Child safety: 42/49
Skoda Slavia
Alongside Volkswagen Virtus, the GNCAP also tested its direct sibling, Skoda Slavia and it achieved the same scores and the same rating, taking a respectable place among the safest cars. With a 5-star GNCAP rating for adult and child occupancy, the Skoda Slavia makes a compelling offering as a reassuringly safe family sedan. Furthermore, sharing its safety features with the Virtus, the Slavia sports 6 airbags, ESC, traction control, TPMS, rear camera, electronic differential lock, and multi-collision braking as standard in all the variants.
Skoda Slavia GNCAP scores – Adult safety: 29.71/34 | Child safety: 42/49
Safest Mahindra Cars
In the light of passenger safety, Mahindra cars often remain understated with Tata cars earning all the praise. All the same, like Tata cars, Mahindra cars are tough and offer sterling safety, and some of them proudly feature among the safest cars in India.
Mahindra Scorpio N
A more premium and capable version of the iconic Mahindra Scorpio, the Mahindra Scorpio N has been a ground-breaking success in India. Moreover, with a robust body, the Indian 7-seater SUV has scored a full 5-star rating for adult safety and a 3-star rating for child safety in the GNCAP safety test. In terms of safety equipment, the base variant of the Scorpio N offers ABS with EBD, dual airbags, hill hold, hill descent control, electronic stability control, and rear parking sensors. Whereas, the higher variants offer 6 airbags, TPMS, front parking sensors, driver drowsiness detection, and more.
Mahindra Scorpio N GNCAP scores – Adult safety: 29.2/34 | Child safety: 28.9/49
Mahindra XUV700
When it was launched in 2021, the Mahindra XUV700 became an overnight sensation across the Indian automobile industry, bringing ADAS features to the mainstream. Soon after the launch, the XUV700 proved its mettle and gained a 5-star rating for adult safety and a 4-star rating for child safety in the Global NCAP safety test, earning the honour as one of the safest cars. The safety equipment of the XUV700 includes essentials in the base variant such as ABS with EBD, dual airbags, and ISOFIX anchorages, while its higher variants pack up to 7 airbags, electronic stability controls, tyre pressure monitoring system, and Level-2 ADAS features.
Mahindra XUV700 GNCAP scores – Adult safety: 16/17 | Child safety: 41.6/49
Note: The Mahindra XUV700 and Mahindra XUV 3XO (facelifted Mahindra XUV300) are yet to be tested under the latest protocols of the Global-NCAP and Bharat NCAP.
Safest Hyundai Cars
It might be surprising to see Hyundai featured on this list, but in the recent past, the Korean carmaker has made some serious efforts to make its cars safer. Today, all Hyundai cars offer 6 airbags and many modern safety features as standard. With currently one of its offerings among the safest cars, Hyundai is showing big promises for the future.
Hyundai Verna
The latest Hyundai Verna is the first Hyundai car in India to score a 5-star rating in the Global NCAP safety test. With attractive 5-star ratings for adult and child safety, the popular Korean sedan stands as one of the safest cars in India. The Verna features 6 airbags, ESC, rear ISOFIX mounts and seat belt reminders for all seats across the variants. Furthermore, the higher variants of the Hyundai Verna offer many coveted safety features, such as all-wheel disc brakes and Level-2 ADAS safety suite. All the same, it’s worth noting that the high scores that the Verna bagged in the GNCAP tests are mostly because of the good wealth of safety features, whereas, its body has been found to be weaker than those of the other cars on this list. The GNCAP findings suggest its body is incapable of withstanding further loadings, the footwell area is unstable, protection for the chest and knee is marginal, and there are certain other points of inadequacies.
Hyundai Verna GNCAP scores – Adult safety: 28.18/34 | Child safety: 42/49
Safest Cars in India: Summary
To call a spade a spade, the Indian driving conditions are far from ideal. While there has been a lot of development over the years, a lot is still needed to be done. Moreover, we all have seen errant drivers who do not think twice before jeopardising their own and others’ lives. Due to all this, while considering a car, solid passenger safety should be your top priority. Choosing a safe car not only saves you and your family in case of an unfortunate accident but also shows your sense of responsibility for other travellers on the roads.
This article educates you about the safest cars in India. Among these cars, the Tata Safari and Tata Harrier are the cream of the crop, because along with ironclad bodies, they offer Level-2 ADAS safety suite, which reduces the risk of accidents to a great degree. Next, cars like the Tata Nexon, Tata Punch, Mahindra Scorpio N, and the German cars bring impeccable toughness. Lastly, while the Hyundai Verna has scored well in the Global NCAP safety test, it isn’t as robust as other cars on this list.
FAQs on Safest Cars in India 2024
Q. How is the safety rating of cars evaluated?
Though there are many safety tests conducted, the Global NCAP test or New Car Assessment Program is the widely accepted standard in determining the safety of new cars. Under this test the car is subjected to many crash test simulations which observe the ability of the car to protect its habitants which are human-like dummies. If the car manages to protect the dummies it is given a score, 5 being the highest and 1 being the lowest.
Q. Why is the safety ability of cars important?
Circumstances on the road are ever changing and cars of today are just more than a means of transport as they carry people who are valuable resources. The ability of the car, in which an individual invests a lot of money, to protect them in unforeseen events is why the safety ability of cars is so important.
Q. What is a child safety rating in Global NCAP?
Like mentioned above, child safety rating is determined by the ability of the car to protect children seated on the rear in the event of a crash.
Q. How can safe cars make safe drivers?
They cannot, ultimately it is the skill and the responsibility of the driver to make sure that both occupants and the car remain safe, this can be done by following rules of the road and indulging in safe driving practices.
Q. Which are the safest cars in India?
The lot safest cars in India includes Tata Safari, Tata Harrier, Tata Nexon, Tata Punch, Tata Punch EV, Tata Nexon EV, Tata Altroz, Volkswagen Taigun, Volkswagen Virtus, Skoda Kushaq, Skoda Slavia, Mahindra XUV700, Mahindra Scorpio N, and Hyundai Verna.
Q. Among the safest cars in India, how many cars are from Tata?
The safest cars of India have seven cars from Tata: Tata Safari, Tata Harrier, Tata Nexon, Tata Punch, Tata Altroz, Tata Punch EV, and Tata Nexon EV.
Q. Among the safest cars in India, how many cars are from Indian carmakers?
Indian carmakers have nine cars among the safest cars in India, namely Tata Safari, Tata Harrier, Tata Nexon, Tata Punch, Tata Altroz, Tata Punch EV, and Tata Nexon EV, Mahindra Scorpio N, and Mahindra XUV700.
Q. Which are Mahindra’s safest cars?
The safest Mahindra cars are Mahindra Scorpio N and Mahindra XUV700.
Q. Is the Mahindra Bolero among the safest cars in India?
From the Mahindra Bolero portfolio, only Bolero Neo has been tested by the Global NCAP and the SUV scored only 1 star for both adult and child safety rating. Therefore, it certainly cannot be counted among the safest cars, which is the list of cars rated 5-stars by the G-NCAP.
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