Euro NCAP Reveals the Safest Vehicles of 2025
The European New Car Assessment Program has officially released its highly anticipated list of the safest vehicles tested over the last twelve months. This annual announcement highlights the models that achieved the highest weighted scores across four critical areas of assessment including adult occupant protection and safety assist features. The organization described 2025 as its busiest year on record with a significant increase in the number of new models undergoing rigorous crash tests. Experts analyzed data from numerous vehicle segments to determine which cars offer the best protection for drivers and pedestrians alike.
Taking the top spot as the overall Best Performer for 2025 is the Mercedes-Benz CLA. This model also secured the victory in the Small Family Car category thanks to its outstanding engineering and advanced safety technologies. The vehicle achieved a near-perfect score in adult occupant protection and set a new benchmark for vulnerable road user safety. Its active bonnet system and refined autonomous emergency braking capabilities were key factors in this achievement.
Tesla continued its strong performance in safety rankings by securing wins in two major categories. The updated Tesla ‘Model 3’ was named the Best Large Family Car after demonstrating exceptional results in crash tests. Its sibling the Tesla ‘Model Y’ took home the award for Best Small SUV. Both vehicles scored particularly well in child occupant protection and the safety assist category.
The luxury and large vehicle segments saw new entrants claiming the top honors this year. The Polestar 3 was recognized as the Best Executive Car and impressed judges with its structural integrity. This result underscores the brand’s deep connection to safety heritage and its effective use of driver assistance systems. In the Large SUV category the Smart #5 emerged as the winner and proved that electric SUVs can deliver elite safety performance.
Small vehicles were not left out of the spotlight as the MINI Cooper E won the title for Best City and Supermini. This all-electric hatchback proved that compact dimensions do not necessarily compromise passenger safety. It received high marks for structural crash performance and offered robust protection despite its smaller size. The success of the MINI highlights how manufacturers are successfully integrating heavy battery packs into smaller frames without sacrificing safety.
A clear trend in this year’s rankings is the dominance of electric vehicles across almost every category. The results show that automakers are effectively navigating the transition to electrification while meeting increasingly stringent safety protocols. Dr. Michiel van Ratingen who serves as the Secretary General of Euro NCAP praised the industry for its continued commitment to safety updates. He noted that these awards help consumers identify the best choices in a rapidly changing automotive landscape.
The rigorous testing procedures involve a weighted calculation of scores from adult and child protection as well as vulnerable road user and safety assist technologies. Only vehicles that come with standard safety equipment and achieve a five-star rating are eligible for these prestigious accolades. As safety standards continue to evolve it is encouraging to see manufacturers rising to the challenge.
Let us know which of these top-rated vehicles you would feel safest driving by leaving your thoughts in the comments.
