Before we discuss the top 10 safest cars in India for 2023, as determined by the latest Global NCAP ratings, let’s take a moment to appreciate the significance of these parameters. It’s like the Grammys of the automotive world, but instead of awarding the best music, they award the safest cars on the market.
The new rating system evaluates crash tests at different speeds, angles, and impact points, giving a more comprehensive evaluation of a car’s safety features. This means that the cars with the highest ratings are the ones that can withstand the toughest crash scenarios and protect passengers from harm.
According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, every year almost 1,50,000 people lose their lives due to fatal road accidents in India. There are many reasons for such high numbers — speeding, lane indiscipline, driving through red lights, driving while intoxicated, and driving while using a mobile device, are some of the major causes. The National Road Safety Week, which took place between January 11th and 17th this year, highlighted these problems and offered comprehensive solutions to put a stop to them. IAll of this also reflects that a car with good safety features can significantly lower the seriousness of the range and severity of the injuries, making a good NCAP rating a must for every car.
Also known as G-NCAP, the Global New Car Assessment Programme is a brainchild of the UK-based charity ‘Towards Zero Foundation’. It aims to make people aware of the advantages of safer cars, especially in developing markets like India. It does so through information based on scientifically-conducted crash tests of different cars.
Global NCAP ratings are based on two parameters – Adult Occupant Protection and Child Occupant Protection. Here are the details of the two primary categories:
This score is given by Global NCAP based on the impact of a frontal and lateral crash and whiplash tests. The test determines the structural strength of a vehicle along with the effect the impact would have on an adult driver and an adult co-driver.
As the name suggests, this score is calculated based on the impact a front collision and a side impact would have on a child secured using a child restraint system.
So, without further ado, let’s take a look at the top 10 safest cars in India for 2023. If you’re in the market for a new car, this list will provide you with the best options to keep you and your loved ones safe on the road. Get ready to rev up your engines and buckle up for a ride through the safest cars in India!
Skoda Kushaq and Volkswagen Taigun are the latest models to have bagged top honours from Global NCAP. It may be noted here that these vehicles have been tested as per the more stringent norms rolled out recently. Also, it’s important to mention here that the Kushaq and Taigun are cut from the same cloth and share the MQB-A0-IN platform, TSI engines, and a large portion of their equipment with each other. Hence, both the vehicles have scored a perfect 5-stars in both adult occupant and child protection categories. Apart from their top Global NCAP ratings, the two compact SUVs also impress with their handsome looks, premium interior, powerful-yet-efficient engines, and well-sorted dynamics.
Global NCAP Rating: 5 Stars
Ex-showroom price (Delhi): ₹11.59 – ₹19.69 Lakh (Kushaq), ₹11.56 – 18.96 ₹Lakh (Taigun)
| Maximum Power | 150PS |
| Maximum Torque | 250 Nm |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual/7-speed automatic |
| Engine | 1.5-litre turbocharged |
| Fuel Type | Petrol |
| Mileage | 17.95 km/l |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Six airbags |
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) |
| Electronic Differential Lock System (EDS) |
| Brake Disc Wiping |
| Roll Over Protection |
| Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) |
| Category | Star Rating |
| Adult Protection Rating | 5 Stars |
| Child Protection Rating | 5 Stars |
Check out our collection of Used Skoda Kushaq Cars in India
One of the most popular SUVs today, the Mahindra XUV700 has received a perfect 5-star score, thereby becoming the only SUV in its category to have received the top Global NCAP rating. The XUV700 impresses with its bold looks, feature-laden cabin, top safety equipment like Level 1 ADAS, powerful petrol and diesel engine options and an attractive price tag.
Global NCAP Rating: 5-stars
Ex-showroom price(Delhi): ₹13.18 lakhs – ₹24. 58 lakhs
| Maximum Power | 200 PS/185 PS |
| Maximum Torque | 450 Nm/380 Nm |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic, 6-speed manual |
| Engine | 2.0-litre Turbocharged/2.2-litre Turbocharged |
| Fuel Type | Petrol/Diesel |
| Mileage | 13 kmpl/16.75 km/pl |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seating Capacity | 7 |
| Seven airbags |
| ABS |
| ESP |
| Driver drowsiness detection |
| Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) |
| Forward Collision Warning |
| Autonomous Emergency Brakes |
| Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Lane Keep Assist |
| Smart Pilot Assist |
| Auto high-beam assist and booster headlights |
| Personalised Safety Alerts |
| Category | Star Rating |
| Adult Protection Rating | 5 Stars |
| Child Protection Rating | 4 Stars |
Mahindra Scorpio N recently bagged a full 5-star Global NCAP rating as per the more stringent test standards launched a few months ago. With this, it’s not only one of the safest cars on sale in India but the first Indian ladder-frame model to bag top honours in NCAP crash tests. The Scorpio N even impresses with its powerful engines, upmarket interior, capable 4×4 hardware, and well-sorted dynamics. No wonder, then, that it’s one of the highest-selling large SUVs in the country at the moment.
Global NCAP Rating: 5-stars
Ex-showroom price (Delhi): ₹11.99 lakhs – ₹23.90 lakhs
| Maximum Power | 200 PS/185 PS |
| Maximum Torque | 450 Nm/380 Nm |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic, 6-speed manual |
| Engine | 2.0-litre Turbocharged/2.2-litre Turbocharged |
| Fuel Type | Petrol/Diesel |
| Mileage | 13 kmpl/16.75 km/pl |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seating Capacity | 7 |
| Dual front airbags |
| ABS with EBD |
| ISOFIX child seat mounts |
| Ventilated disc brakes (front and rear) |
| Rear parking sensors with camera |
| Electronic Stability Control |
| Hill Hold Control |
| Hill Descent Control |
| Category | Star Rating |
| Adult Protection Rating | 5 Stars |
| Child Protection Rating | 3 Stars |
Check out our collection of Used Mahindra Scorpio-N Cars in India
Even though the Tata Nexon was once promoted as the safest car in the country, it’s the Mahindra XUV300 which became the first model to get the full 5-star Global NCAP rating. Also, unlike the Tata Nexon, which has a 3-star child occupant protection score, the XUV300 has scored 4-star. Again, these safety ratings are as per the less stringent norms in use earlier, but they continue to be a reflection of the high safety quotient of this compact SUV. Some other virtues of the XUV300 include good road handling, powerful engines, and a comfortable ride.
Global NCAP Rating: 5-stars
Ex-showroom price (Delhi): ₹8.41 – ₹14.07 Lakh
| Maximum Power | 110 PS/117 PS |
| Maximum Torque | 200 Nm/300 Nm |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic, 6-speed manual |
| Engine | 1.2-litre Turbocharged/1.5-litre Turbocharged |
| Fuel Type | Petrol/Diesel |
| Mileage | 16.5 kmpl/20 kmpl |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Immobiliser |
| Impact-sensing door unlock |
| Speed-sensing door lock |
| Anti-theft alarm |
| Hill Start Assist |
| Panic Braking Signal |
| Rear defogger |
| Seat belt reminder |
| Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) |
| ISOFIX anchorage |
| Front and rear fog lamps |
| ABS and EBD with cornering function |
| Electronic Stability Program (ESP) |
| Front parking sensors |
| All four disc brakes |
| Six airbags |
| Category | Star Rating |
| Adult Protection Rating | 5 Stars |
| Child Protection Rating | 4 Stars |
Check out our collection of Used Mahindra XUV300 Cars in India
The latest model from Tata Motors to have received a full 5-star safety rating is the Tata Punch. However, it’s important to mention here that this score is as per the less stringent protocols that used to be observed earlier. Still, the SUV-style hatchback impresses with a 5-star adult occupant protection and a 4-star child occupant protection score. Other highlights of this Maruti Ignis-rival include macho looks, good ride-and-handling balance, and a sufficiently smooth 5-speed Automated Manual Transmission.
Global NCAP Rating: 5-stars
Ex-showroom price (Delhi): ₹6 lakhs – ₹9.54 lakhs
| Maximum Power | 87 PS/185 PS |
| Maximum Torque | 113 Nm/380 Nm |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual/5-speed AMT |
| Engine | 1.2-litre Naturally Aspirated |
| Fuel Type | Petrol |
| Mileage | 18.82 km/pl |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Dual front airbags |
| ABS and EBD with brake sway control |
| ISOFIX anchorages |
| Reverse parking camera |
| Front fog lamps with cornering function |
| Auto headlamps |
| Rain sensing wipers |
| Rear defogger |
| Category | Star Rating |
| Adult Protection Rating | 5 Stars |
| Child Protection Rating | 4 Stars |
Check out our collection of Used Tata Punch Cars in India
Tata Altroz was launched in India in January 2020 and is currently the safest hatchback on sale in the country. It’s worth mentioning here that this hatchback has scored a full 5-star rating in the adult occupant protection category and a decent 3-star score in the child occupant protection category. Some of the major highlights of this Maruti Baleno rival include trendy looks, a good ride, petrol and diesel engine options, along with a strong build.
Global NCAP rating: 5 stars
Ex-showroom price (Delhi): ₹6.25 lakhs – ₹10.25 lakhs
| Maximum Power | 87 PS/90 PS |
| Maximum Torque | 113 Nm/200 Nm |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Engine | 1.2-litre Turbocharged/2.2-litre Turbocharged |
| Fuel Type | Petrol/Diesel |
| Mileage | 16 kmpl/20 kmpl |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Dual Front Airbags |
| ABS with EBD |
| Corner Stability Control (CSC) |
| Reverse Parking Camera |
| ISOFIX Mounts |
| Voice Alerts |
| Parking Assistance |
| Height Adjustable Seat Belt |
| Fog Lamps |
| Category | Star Rating |
| Adult Protection Rating | 5 Stars |
| Child Protection Rating | 3 Stars |
Check out our collection of Used Tata Altroz Cars in India
Tata Nexon shot to fame with its much publicised ‘safest car in India’ claim. While it’s no longer the safest car available, it still boasts a 5-star Global NCAP rating in the adult occupant protection category. Please note here that this score is based on the less stringent standard in effect earlier. Some of the other highlights of this compact SUV include a spacious interior, good ride quality, and trendy looks.
NCAP rating: 5 stars
Ex-showroom price (Delhi): ₹7.70 – ₹14.18 Lakh
| Maximum Power | 110 PS/120 PS |
| Maximum Torque | 260 Nm/170 Nm |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual/6-speed AMT |
| Engine | 1.2-litre Turbocharged/1.5-litre Turbocharged |
| Fuel Type | Petrol/Diesel |
| Mileage | 13 kmpl/16.75 km/pl |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seating Capacity | 7 |
| Dual Front Airbags |
| ESP |
| Electronic Traction Control |
| Emergency Brake Assist |
| Hill Hold Assist |
| Brake Disc Wiping |
| ABS with EBD |
| ISOFIX Mounts |
| Reverse Parking Assist Camera |
| Category | Star Rating |
| Adult Protection Rating | 5 Stars |
| Child Protection Rating | 3 Stars |
Check out our collection of Used Tata Nexon Cars in India
The second-generation Mahindra Thar has been a runaway success. The high demand for this off-road SUV doesn’t come as a surprise if you consider it a remarkable improvement over the last model in pretty much all aspects. The latest version is safer, looks better, has more features, comes with more powerful engines, and is even more capable off the road. The 4-star Global NCAP rating makes it the safest hardcore SUV on sale in the country.
NCAP rating: 4 stars
Ex-showroom price (Delhi): ₹13.59 – ₹16.29 Lakh
| Maximum Power | 150 PS/130 PS |
| Maximum Torque | 300 Nm/300 Nm |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic, 6-speed manual |
| Engine | 2.0-litre Turbocharged/2.2-litre Turbocharged |
| Fuel Type | Petrol/Diesel |
| Mileage | 15 kmpl/18 km/pl |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seating Capacity | 7 |
| Dual Front Airbags |
| ESP |
| Electronic Traction Control |
| Emergency Brake Assist |
| Hill Hold Assist |
| Brake Disc Wiping |
| ABS with EBD |
| ISOFIX Mounts |
| Reverse Parking Assist Camera |
| Category | Star Rating |
| Adult Protection Rating | 4 Stars |
| Child Protection Rating | 4 Stars |
Check out our collection of Used Mahindra Thar Cars in India
While the Honda Jazz received a generation upgrade in many parts of the world a few years ago, India continues to have the last-gen model on sale. Despite its age, the Jazz manages to be the only B2-segment hatchback other than the Tata Altroz to make it to this list of safest cars in the country. The Jazz is a practical choice for anyone looking for a spacious and sufficiently loaded interior, a smooth engine with decent fuel efficiency, and the reliability that is synonymous with Honda.
Global NCAP rating: 4 stars
Ex-showroom price (Delhi): ₹8.01 – ₹10.32 Lakh
| Maximum Power | 90 PS |
| Maximum Torque | 110 Nm |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Engine | 1.2-litre Naturally Aspirated |
| Fuel Type | Petrol |
| Mileage | 17.1 kmpl |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Dual front airbags |
| ABS with EBD |
| Rear parking camera with sensor |
| Engine immobiliser anti-theft system |
| Impact mitigating headrests |
| Category | Star Rating |
| Adult Protection Rating | 4 Stars |
| Child Protection Rating | 3 Stars |
Check out our collection of Used Honda Jazz Cars in India
Launched in 2018, the Mahindra Marazzo hasn’t performed too well on the sales charts. However, it is the only MPV on our list of safest cars in India as per the Global NCAP rating. The Marazzo is, in fact, a well-priced offering that offers a spacious interior, a frugal-yet-powerful diesel engine, good ride quality, and sufficient ruggedness. All of this makes it a cheaper alternative to the highly successful Toyota Innova Crysta.
Global NCAP rating: 4 stars
Ex-showroom price (Delhi): ₹13.40 – ₹15.70 Lakh
| Maximum Power | 122 PS |
| Maximum Torque | 300 Nm |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| Engine | 1.5-litre Turbocharged |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Mileage | 17.3 km/pl |
| Body type | MPV |
| Seating Capacity | 7 |
| Dual Front Airbags |
| Disc Brakes on All Wheels |
| ABS with EBD |
| ISOFIX Mounts |
| Rear Parking Camera and Sensors |
| Cornering Lamps |
| Category | Star Rating |
| Adult Protection Rating | 4 Stars |
| Child Protection Rating | 2 Stars |
Also Read : Safest Cars In India Under Rs 10 Lakhs
Here are the top 5 safest SUVs in India based on the GNCAP rating.
Here are the top 5 hatchbacks in India based on the GNCAP rating.
Here are the top 5 sedans in India based on the GNCAP rating
While Global NCAP ratings are not the last word to define the safety quotient of any vehicle, these ratings are still necessary for a relative measure of safety provided to all cars tested by NCAP. These ratings tell us about the strength of the structure of a vehicle and the impact of a collision on an adult as well as a child occupant. Given below are a few reasons for the importance of safety ratings:
Mentioned below are some of the safety features that should be present in any vehicle you buy. As per the latest set of Government laws, all of these features are now available as standard fitment on all cars for sale in the country.
The carmakers in the country have been working hard to upgrade the safety quotient of their vehicles at regular intervals. Also, thanks to the latest set of government rules, all cars sold in the country are now available with dual front airbags, ABS, seatbelt warning, overspeeding warning, and rear parking sensors as standard fitment. Still, based on the Global NCAP rating, below are the safest car brands in India:
In conclusion, safety should always be one of your top priorities when purchasing a car, and the Global NCAP rating provides a reliable measure of just that. While India has a long way to go in terms of improving overall road safety, it is heartening to see automakers step up, kickstart an initiative, and produce safer vehicles for the Indian market.
The cars on this list are not only safe but also offer a range of features and styles to suit various preferences. From the sporty and dynamic Skoda Kushaq to the sleek and stylish Volkswagen Taigun, these cars are sure to keep you and your loved ones safe and protected on the road.
At the moment, Skoda Kushaq and Volkswagen Taigun are the highest NCAP-rating cars in India.
Skoda Kushaq, Volkswagen Taigun, Mahindra XUV700, Mahindra Scorpio N, and Mahindra XUV300 are the safest cars in India at the moment.
While NCAP is globally recognised, it can’t be taken as the last word in the measurement of safety as a lot of these tests are done under very specific and controlled conditions.
The car crash test as per Global NCAP is a voluntary assessment and there is no provision under Central Motor Vehicle Rule for compliance with these Global NCAP test protocols.
