Safest SUVs in India 2024: Top Models with High Safety Ratings

The sheer presence of an SUV on the road exudes a sense of power and luxury that is unmatched by any other vehicle. From conquering rugged terrains to cruising on the smoothest of roads, SUVs are the perfect companions for any adventure, big or small. With their elevated driving positions, spacious interiors, and bold designs, SUVs not only provide unparalleled comfort but also evoke a sense of grandeur that sets them apart from the rest of the crowd. 

While performance, style, and comfort are important factors, when it comes to driving, safety is paramount. With that in mind, we've curated a list of the best safety-rated SUVs in India for 2024. Our goal is to help you make an informed decision about your next car purchase by highlighting the SUVs with the highest safety ratings, including the safest compact SUVs and the SUVs with the best overall safety ratings. So sit back, relax, and let's dive into the world of the safest SUVs in India.

1. Skoda Kushaq

The Skoda Kushaq is a sleek and stylish compact SUV that has carved a niche for itself in the Indian automotive market. It is a perfect blend of comfort, style, and power. The Kushaq comes in a wide range of colours, giving customers the freedom to choose the one that suits their style and personality.

Under the hood, the Kushaq is powered by a 1.0-litre TSI engine that produces a maximum power of 114 bhp and a peak torque of 178 Nm. This engine is mated to a manual transmission, ensuring a smooth and effortless ride.

The Kushaq also comes packed with an array of safety features, including 2 driver-side airbags, child seat anchor points, seat belt warnings, an anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), electronic stability program (ESP), and traction control system (TCS).

Ex-showroom Price (Delhi): ₹11.59-₹19.69 lakh

Used Car Price: ₹12.09 lakh

Key Specifications of Skoda Kushaq:

Key Features of Skoda Kushaq:

What's Good:

• Well-built and spacious cabin with high-quality materials and comfortable seats
• Smooth and responsive turbocharged petrol engine with the option of a DSG automatic transmission

What's Not Good:

• Limited rear-seat legroom compared to some competitors
• Narrow boot space may be a concern for some buyers

Check out our collection of used Skoda Kushaq cars in India.

2. Volkswagen Taigun

The Volkswagen Taigun is a compact SUV that is designed to deliver a powerful and efficient driving experience. The car is powered by a 1.0L TSI petrol engine that produces a maximum power of 114 bhp and a peak torque of 178 Nm. This is paired with a manual transmission that ensures smooth gear changes and efficient power delivery. 

The car has a seating capacity of five and offers a comfortable ride with ample legroom and headroom. In terms of safety, the Taigun boasts of a global NCAP safety rating, which ensures that passengers are protected in the event of a collision. The SUV offers a mileage of 17 km/l, making it an efficient option for daily commuting and long drives.

Ex-showroom price (Delhi): ₹11.70 lakh onwards

Used Car Price: ₹15.47 lakh

Key Specifications of Volkswagen Taigun:

Key Features of Volkswagen Taigun:

What's Good:

• Well-designed and comfortable cabin with ample space for passengers and luggage
• Refined and efficient turbocharged petrol engine with the option of a DSG automatic transmission

What's Not Good:

• Some interior fit and finish issues, particularly with hard plastic surfaces in the lower trims
• Limited rear-seat legroom may be a concern for taller passengers

Check out our collection of used Volkswagen Taigun cars in India.

3. Mahindra Scorpio-N

The Mahindra Scorpio-N is the latest generation of Mahindra's wildly popular SUV, and it's easy to see why. With petrol and diesel engine variants available, each with the option for an automatic transmission, this car is a true powerhouse on the road. For those who crave adventure, the diesel engine also offers an optional 4-Wheel Drive system on select variants, complete with terrain response modes and low ratio. 

The Scorpio-N is also packed with luxurious features, including an electric sunroof, dual-zone climate control, driver drowsiness alert, touchscreen infotainment, and a JBL audio system with a subwoofer. With so many impressive features and options, it's no surprise that the Mahindra Scorpio-N is among the top Mahindra cars in India.

Ex-showroom Price (Delhi): ₹11.99-₹23.90 lakh

Used Car Price: ₹16.45 lakh

Key Specifications of Mahindra Scorpio-N:

Key Features of Mahindra Scorpio-N:

What's Good:

• Robust and rugged exterior design with excellent ground clearance and off-road capabilities
• Spacious and versatile cabin with flexible seating options and ample storage space

What's Not Good:

• Ride quality can be bumpy and uncomfortable on rough roads
• The diesel engine can be noisy and unrefined under hard acceleration

Check out our collection of used Mahindra Scorpio cars in India.

4. Tata Punch

Tata Punch has a sleek, sturdy, and aerodynamic design, and has also been awarded an excellent 5-star G-NCAP rating, making it one of the safest cars in India. What's great about the Tata Punch is that it's compact yet powerful, and its taller seating position, premium interiors, and upmarket features add a touch of luxury to the driving experience. 

If you're looking for the best value-for-money option in the Tata Punch line-up, then the Tata Punch Accomplished will be the ideal fit for you. This variant packs in a host of features that will keep you entertained and comfortable on your journeys. The 7.0-inch Harman touchscreen infotainment system, rear-view camera, and cruise control are just a few of the many features that make the Accomplished variant stand out.

Ex-showroom Price (Delhi): ₹5.93-₹9.49 lakh

Used Car Price: ₹7.99 lakh

Key Specifications of Tata Punch:

Key Features of Tata Punch:

What's Good:

• Attractive and youthful exterior design with a high ground clearance
• Spacious and comfortable cabin with good visibility and practical storage spaces

What's Not Good:

• Limited engine options, with only a petrol engine available
• Rear-seat legroom can be tight for taller passengers

Check out our collection of used Tata Punch cars in India.

5. Mahindra XUV300

We have already seen the type of SUVs produced by Mahindra but things only get better with the XUV300. It has rugged looks and performs better than most of the SUVs in its price bracket. The XUV300 also offers a range of features like dual-zone automatic climate control, a sunroof, a touchscreen infotainment system, leatherette upholstery, a rearview camera, and front and rear parking sensors. Safety features like 7 airbags, ABS, EBD, ESP, hill start assist, and disc brakes on all four wheels are also available. 

Additionally, the XUV300 has been awarded a 5-star safety rating by Global NCAP, making it the safest SUV in its segment. The XUV300 has become a popular choice among Indian car buyers looking for a combination of style, performance, and safety.

Ex-showroom Price (Delhi): ₹8.41-₹14.07 lakh

Used Car Price: ₹8.82 lakh

Key Specifications of Mahindra XUV300:

Key Features of Mahindra XUV300:

What's Good:

• Spacious and well-built cabin with comfortable seats and good visibility
• Efficient and powerful diesel engine with the option of an automatic transmission

What's Not Good:

• Limited rear-seat legroom compared to some competitors
• Some interior quality issues, particularly with hard plastic surfaces in the lower trims

Check out our collection of used Mahindra XUV300 cars in India.

6. Tata Nexon

With its bold and muscular exterior, the Nexon is like a car lover's dream come true. While it can seat up to five passengers, the Nexon also boasts a range of premium features, ensuring maximum comfort and convenience for all. What's more, the Nexon has been awarded a 5-star safety rating by G-NCAP, offering peace of mind for passengers.

The  XZ Plus variant is available in both petrol and diesel with manual and automatic transmission options. In addition, it comes equipped with a range of features such as steering-mounted controls, automatic climate control, a touchscreen infotainment system, and a sunroof. All in all, the Tata Nexon XZ Plus variant is the perfect balance of style, comfort, and performance.

Ex-showroom Price (Delhi): ₹7.60-₹14.08 lakh

Used Car Price: ₹11.54 lakh

Key Specifications of Tata Nexon:

Key Features of Tata Nexon:

What's Good:

• Attractive and modern exterior design with a solid build quality
• Spacious cabin with good rear-seat legroom and large boot space

What's Not Good:

• The ride quality can be bumpy on rough roads, especially for rear-seat passengers
• The infotainment system can be slow to respond at times

Check out our collection of used Tata Nexon cars in India.

7. Mahindra XUV700

The Mahindra XUV700 is undoubtedly one of the most sought-after cars in India. Available in the Adrenox and MX trims, each with its unique sub-divisions, this car offers drivers a driving experience that's both thrilling and reliable. Under the hood, you'll find a powerful 2.0L Turbo-petrol engine that generates an impressive 197 bhp of power and 380 Nm of torque, the same engine found in the iconic Thar. 

If diesel is more your style, you'll be happy to hear that the XUV700 also has a 2.2L diesel engine option that produces an impressive 182 bhp of power and 450 Nm of torque. And when it comes to transmission options, you can choose between a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic gearbox, with the added option of an All-Wheel-Drive system.

Ex-showroom Price (Delhi): ₹13.45-₹25.47 lakh

Used Car Price: ₹13.75 lakh

Key Specifications of Mahindra XUV700:

Key Features of Mahindra XUV700:

What's Good:

• Spacious and luxurious cabin with ample headroom, legroom, and high-quality materials
• Powerful engine options with the option of a manual or automatic transmission

What's Not Good:

• The top-spec variants can be expensive, making them less accessible for some buyers
• The third-row seats are cramped and not suitable for long journeys

Check out our collection of used Mahindra XUV700 cars in India.

8. Toyota Urban Cruiser

Derived from the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, the Toyota Urban Cruiser is a compact SUV that boasts a bold and striking presence. Its front grille flaunts a chrome accent that perfectly complements its LED projection headlights and a sleekly sculpted hood.

Under the hood, the Toyota Urban Cruiser is powered by a single 1.5-litre K15 petrol engine that produces an impressive output of 102 horsepower and a maximum torque of 138 Nm. Paired with either a 5-Speed Manual or a 4-Speed AT transmission, this vehicle offers a smooth and enjoyable ride.

Ex-showroom Price (Delhi): ₹8.62-₹11.4 lakh

Used Car Price: ₹10.34 lakh

Key Specifications of Toyota Urban Cruiser:

Key Features of Toyota Urban Cruiser:

What's Good:

• Attractive exterior design with a spacious and comfortable cabin
• Efficient engine options with good fuel economy and low emissions

What's Not Good:

• Limited luggage space compared to some competitors
• The interior styling can be dull and lacking in flair

Check out our collection of used Toyota Urban Cruiser cars in India.

9. Mahindra Thar

The second-generation Mahindra Thar is a highly sought-after off-road vehicle in India that offers an exceptional driving experience. In addition to its stunning design, the Thar is known for its outstanding performance. 

It is equipped with either a 2.0L turbocharged petrol engine that delivers 150 bhp of power and 300 Nm of torque or a 2.2L diesel engine that produces 130 bhp of power and 300 Nm of torque. The Thar comes with a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard, and it is also available with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Ex-showroom Price (Delhi): ₹13.59-₹16.29 lakh

Used Car Price: ₹14.86 lakh

Key Specifications of Mahindra Thar:

Key Features of Mahindra Thar:

What's Good:

• Off-road capability with high ground clearance, 4x4 drivetrain, and low-range gearbox
• Unique and retro-inspired exterior design with a convertible top option

What's Not Good:

• The ride can be bumpy and uncomfortable, especially on rough terrain
• The cabin can be noisy and lacking in sound insulation, especially at higher speeds.

Check out our collection of used Mahindra Thar cars in India.

10. Maruti Brezza

The Maruti Brezza, with its imposing presence on the road, is a stylish compact SUV that has made a significant impact on the Indian market. For eco-conscious drivers, the Maruti Brezza is available in a CNG variant. The Brezza comes with the option to choose from a 1.5L K15C Smart Hybrid or a 1.5L Bi-Fuel CNG engine.

It has a seating capacity of five and comes with a five-speed manual transmission. The Brezza also offers a competitive mileage between 17.38 km/l for Petrol an 25.51 km/kg for CNG, making it an economical option for daily use. Other notable features of the Brezza CNG include wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, ABS and EBD, AC with automatic climate control, and automatic headlamps.

Ex-showroom Price (Delhi): ₹9.28 lakh onwards

Used Car Price: ₹6.25 lakh onwards

Key Specifications of Maruti Brezza:

Key Features of Maruti Brezza:

What's Good:

• Spacious cabin with ample headroom and legroom for passengers
• Smooth and efficient petrol engine with the option of an automatic transmission

What's Not Good:

• Rear seat comfort could be better, especially on long drives
• Interior fit and finish could be improved, with some hard plastic surfaces

Check out our collection of used Maruti Brezza cars in India.

11. Renault Kiger

The Renault Kiger is a true anomaly in the Indian SUV market, offering both affordability and impressive performance. This sleek SUV boasts a 1.0L naturally aspirated petrol engine that generates 71 bhp of power and 96 Nm of torque, as well as a 1.0L turbo-petrol engine that produces an impressive 98.6 bhp of power and up to 160 Nm of torque. 

Drivers can also choose between a 5-speed manual or CVT transmission. Despite its wallet-friendly price tag, the Kiger holds its own against mid-tier SUVs, proving that Renault doesn't do things the conventional way. 

Ex-showroom Price (Delhi): ₹6.50 lakh-₹11.23 lakh

Used Car Price: ₹6.72 lakh

Key Specifications of Renault Kiger:

Key Features of Renault Kiger:

What's Good:

• A stylish and sporty exterior design with attractive LED lighting elements
• Comfortable and spacious cabin with good storage space and a practical layout

What's Not Good:

• Engine noise and vibrations can be noticeable, especially under hard acceleration
• Ride quality can be bumpy on rough roads, particularly for rear-seat passengers.

Check out our collection of used Renault Kiger cars in India.

And that brings us to the end of our journey through the best safety-rated SUVs in India in 2024. Automakers are placing a renewed emphasis on safety, with many models coming equipped with advanced driver assistance systems, high-tech sensors, and other safety features that give drivers greater peace of mind on the road.

From the spacious and luxurious interiors of the Mahindra XUV700 to the rugged and adventurous spirit of the Mahindra Thar, there's an SUV for every taste, budget, and terrain. And with safety ratings continuing to improve across the board, there's never been a better time to invest in a new SUV.

So whether you're looking for a family-friendly SUV for everyday use or a rugged off-roader for your next adventure, these top-rated SUVs are worth considering.

FAQs

Q. How does the Mahindra XUV300's safety rating compare to other SUVs in its segment?

The Mahindra XUV300 has a 5-star safety rating, which is the highest safety rating awarded by Global NCAP. It is one of the safest SUVs in its segment.

Q. What are the unique safety features that come with the Tata Punch?

The Tata Punch comes with several safety features like Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Hill Hold Control (HHC), Roll-over Mitigation (ROM), and Brake Disc Wiping.

Q. Is the Skoda Kushaq a safe SUV to drive on Indian roads?

Yes, the Skoda Kushaq has received a 5-star safety rating from Global NCAP, making it one of the safest SUVs to drive on Indian roads.

Q. How does the Mahindra Scorpio-N fare in terms of safety as compared to the previous version of Scorpio?

The new Mahindra Scorpio-N comes with a 5-star safety rating, which is an upgrade from the previous version's 4-star safety rating. The Scorpio-N is safer and more advanced in terms of safety features.

Q. Does the Volkswagen Taigun come with any advanced safety features?

The Volkswagen Taigun comes with several advanced safety features like 6-airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Hill Hold Control (HHC), and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).