Safest Cars in India with Global NCAP Rating

Over the past few years, the quest for safer vehicles has become paramount for both discerning Indian consumers and conscientious automakers. This shift is not based on mere whim but in response to growing awareness about the importance of safety on roads. Under the #SaferCarsForIndia campaign, Global NCAP rigorously crash-tests vehicles on sale in India. The outcome is a set of safety ratings that enable consumers to make informed choices when it comes to purchasing a new vehicle – because when it comes to safeguarding lives on the road, there is no room for compromise. With that being said, here are the top 15 safest cars in India you should definitely consider before buying a new car in 2023.

Safest Cars In India

*Cars tested under the new test protocol with a maximum of 34 points for AOP (Adult Occupant Protection)

1. Tata Harrier/ Safari

Starting Price: ₹15.49 lakh

GNCAP Safety Crash Ratings: 5 Star

Bodyshell Integrity: Stable

The new Tata Harrier and Safari made headlines not just with their updated packages but by also scoring the highest ratings in the GNCAP crash tests. With an adult occupant protection score of 33.05, the Harrier and Safari became the safest cars in India and are offered with a long list of features including ADAS, six airbags as standard, and more.

Key features:

What’s Good:

• Premium and feature-rich cabin
• Attractive and bold exterior styling
• Performance and handling dynamics

What’s Not Good:

• No petrol engine, no AWD
• Laggy infotainment screen
• Not so great fit-finish levels

Check out our collection of Used Tata Harrier Cars in India

2. Volkswagen Virtus/Skoda Slavia

Starting Price: ₹11.47 lakh/ ₹10.89 lakh

GNCAP Safety Crash Ratings: 5 Stars

Bodyshell Integrity: Stable

The new VW Virtus and Skoda Slavia are currently positioned as one of the most powerful and fun-to-drive sedans under ₹20 lakh in India and are underpinned by the latest MQB A0 IN platform. Both cars scored a GNCAP rating of 5 stars and are currently regarded as one of the safest cars in India.  

Key Features:

What’s Good:

• Lucrative performance and sorted dynamics
• Elegant styling and solid build quality
• Practical, feature-rich and comfortable cabin

What’s Not Good:

• No diesel engine options
• Interiors may not feel as solid as previous VW cars
• Not so great after-sales support

Check out our collection of Used Volkswagen Virtus Cars in India

3. Skoda Kushaq/ Volkswagen Taigun

Starting Price: ₹10.89 lakh/  ₹11.62 lakh

GNCAP Safety Crash Ratings: 5 Stars

Bodyshell Integrity: Stable

Launched to challenge rivals like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder and the Maruti Grand Vitara in India, the new Kushaq and Tiagun are a great choice for those looking for a well-built and safe SUV in 2023. With two turbo petrol engine options, both SUVs not only deliver strong performance, but are also loved for their looks and features. Having said this, the Kushaq and the Taigun scored a GNCAP rating of five stars and were among the first cars to be tested under the updated GNCAP testing standards.

Key Features:

What’s Good:

• Strong build quality and fit-finish levels
• Powerful engine options
• Premium and feature-rich cabin

What’s Not Good:

• No diesel engine options
• Average after-sales support

Check Out Our Collection Of Used Skoda Kushaq Cars In India

4. Mahindra Scorpio N

Starting Price: ₹13.27 lakh

GNCAP Safety Crash Ratings: 5 Stars

Bodyshell Integrity: Stable

The Mahindra Scorpio N made its debut last year and is appreciated for its bold looks and capable powertrain options. Unlike the previous iteration of the SUV, the new Scorpio N scored a 5-star GNCAP safety rating with the body shell being rated as stable.

Mahindra Scorpio N Key features:

What’s Good:

• Commanding road presence and muscular styling
• Practical and feature-rich cabin
• Robust ladder-on-frame construction

What’s Not Good:

• Poor distribution of features
• Not so great fuel economy
• 6-seater configuration available only in top-spec variant

Check out our collection of Used Mahindra Cars in India

5. Hyundai Verna

Starting Price: ₹10.96 lakh

GNCAP Safety Crash Ratings: 5 Stars

Bodyshell Integrity: Unstable

With the launch of the new Hyundai Verna, buyers now have a sedan that not only impresses in terms of overall performance but is was already loved for its comfortable interiors and a long features list. The Verna recently became the first and only Hyundai car in India to score a perfect 5-star rating in the GNCAP crash tests. The Hyundai Verna is currently one of the strongest rivals to cars like the VW Virtus and the Skoda Slavia.

Hyundai Verna Key features:  

What’s Good:

• Well-rounded product
• Premium and spacious cabin
• Dependable after-sales support and up to seven years extended warranty

What’s Not Good:

• No diesel or hybrid powertrain options
• Everyone may not like the new design language
• Missing features like 360-degree camera, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, auto wipers, etc.

Check Out Our Collection Of Used Hyundai Verna Cars In India

6. Tata Punch

Starting Price: ₹5.99 lakh

GNCAP Safety Crash Ratings: 5 Stars

Bodyshell Integrity: Stable

The Tata Punch, like most other Tata cars in the country, scored an impressive 5-star rating in the GNCAP crash tests and is currently positioned as one of the most capable and well-built micro-SUVs in India. The car shares its underpinnings with the Tata Altroz and is offered with a petrol and CNG powertrain option. 

Key Features:

What’s Good:

• Strong road presence and high ground clearance
• Comfortable and spacious cabin
• Capable powertrain options

What’s Not Good:

• No turbo petrol engine for enthusiasts
• Average fit and finish
• After-sales support is a concern

Check out our collection of Used Tata Punch Cars in India

7. Mahindra XUV300

Starting Price: ₹7.99 lakh

GNCAP Safety Crash Ratings: 5 Stars

Bodyshell Integrity: Stable

The Mahindra XUV300 is currently one of the most affordable Mahindra SUVs in India and became one of the first made-in-India cars to score a 5-star rating in the GNCAP crash tests. Offered with petrol and diesel engine options, the XUV300 is one of the strongest rivals to the Tata Nexon and the Maruti Brezza in India.

Key Features:

What’s Good:

• Solid build quality
• Powerful turbo petrol engines for the enthusiasts
• Fuel efficient diesel engine

What’s Not Good:

• Dated looks and basic interiors
• Poor boot space
• After-sales support is not the best

Check out our collection of Used Mahindra XUV300 Cars in India

8. Tata Altroz

Starting Price: ₹6.60 lakh

GNCAP Safety Crash Ratings: 5 Star

Bodyshell Integrity: Stable

Decent exterior styling, premium and well put together interiors, and practical engine options help the Tata Altroz take on rivals like the Hyundai i20 and Maruti Baleno. Unlike most of its rivals, the Tata Altroz also impressed with its safety levels and scored a GNCAP safety rating of 5/5 stars with the bodyshell being rated as stable.

Key Features:

What’s Good:

• Aggressive and dominating road presence
• Elegant dashboard layout
• Multiple engine options including diesel

What’s Not Good:

• Fit and finish levels are average
• Low ground clearance
• Refinements level could have been better

Check out our collection of Used Tata Altroz Cars in India

9. Tata Nexon

Starting Price: ₹8.1 lakh

GNCAP Safety Crash Ratings: 5 Stars

Bodyshell Integrity: Stable

The Tata Nexon continues to dominate the segment and is often regarded as one of the most successful Tata products in India. For those looking for a fresh product, the Nexon recently underwent a major facelift with new features and a fresher identity. Tata Nexon safety rating has a GNCAP rating of  5-star and is currently one of the safest SUVs in India and takes on rivals like the Brezza, Venue, Sonet, and XUV300 in the market.

Key Features:

What’s Good:

• Powerful and fuel-efficient powertrain options
• Comfortable and feature-rich cabin
• Build quality and 5-Star GNCAP safety rating

What’s Not Good:

• AMT is slow and jerky
• Fit-finish levels could be better
• Confusing variant line-up and missing features

Check out our collection of Used Tata Nexon Cars in India

10. Mahindra XUV700

Starting Price: ₹16.51 lakh

GNCAP Safety Crash Ratings: 5 Stars

Bodyshell Integrity: Stable

The Mahindra XUV700 made its debut in 2021 and has been a hot seller for the brand ever since. Capable powertrain options, feature-rich cabin, multiple advanced safety features ADAS, and stellar looks are a few of the highlights of this SUV. The XUV700 also became the first SUV in its class to be offered with ADAS safety tech and scored a GNCAP rating of five stars. 

Key features:

What’s good:

• Feature-rich and premium cabin
• Strong road presence
• Power-packed performance

What’s Not Good:

• Cramped third-row seating and limited boot space
• After-sales support is a hit or miss
• Poor fuel economy

Check out our collection of Used Mahindra Cars in India

11. Honda Jazz

Used Car Starting Price: ₹1.84 lakh

GNCAP Safety Crash Ratings: 4 Stars

Bodyshell Integrity: Stable

Positioned between the Honda City and the Honda Amaze, the Honda Jazz was loved for its practicality and sophistication. The car locked horns with the Hyundai i20 and the Maruti Baleno in the Indian market while also giving a tough challenge to the likes of the VW Polo and the Tata Altroz. With a GNCAP safety rating of four stars, the Jazz was the safest premium hatchback after the Altroz.

Key Honda Jazz Features:

What’s Good:

• Comfortable and spacious interiors
• Commendable after-sales support
• Refined petrol engine

What’s Not Good:

• Mediocre performance
• No turbo petrol or diesel engine option

Check out our collection of Used honda Jazz Cars in India

12. Toyota Urban Cruiser

Starting Price: NA

GNCAP Safety Crash Ratings: 4 Stars

Bodyshell Integrity: Stable

Introduced as a rebadged version of the Brezza in India, the Toyota Urban Cruiser was one of the first rebadged products in Toyota’s portfolio launched as part of the brand’s JV with Maruti Suzuki India. The Urban Cruiser gained popularity in the country with its no-nonsense package and supreme long-term reliability. With this being said, it is worth noting that the new Toyota Urban Cruiser scored a GNCAP safety rating of 4/5 stars.

Key Features:

What’s Good:

• Reliable and robust mechanical setup
• Well-tuned suspension setup
• Tried and tested petrol motor

What’s Not Good:

• No diesel or turbo petrol engine
• Missing features

Check out our collection of Used Toyota Urban Cruiser Cars in India

13. Mahindra Marazzo

Starting Price: ₹14.10 lakh

GNCAP Safety Crash Ratings: 4 Stars

Bodyshell Integrity: Stable

The Mahindra Marazzo made its debut as an affordable and practical MPV and was appreciated by the users for its phenomenal in-cabin comfort and reliable engine option. With a GNCAP safety rating of four stars, the Mahindra Marazzo is a great choice for those looking for a fuel-efficient and safe family mover.

Key Features:

What’s Good:

• Comfortable and practical cabin
• Refined diesel engine
• Comfortable ride quality

What’s Not Good:

• Not so impressive looks
• Fit-finish levels are not the best

Check Out Our Collection Of Used Mahindra Marazzo Cars In India

14. Mahindra Thar

Starting Price: ₹10.98 lakh

GNCAP Safety Crash Ratings: 4 Stars

Bodyshell Integrity: Stable

With a GNCAP rating of 4 stars, the Mahindra Thar is for those looking for a practical off-roader and competes against the Maruti Jimny and Force Gurkha. Under the hood, the Thar is offered with either a petrol or  diesel engine while two transmission options – 6-Speed MT and 6-Speed AT – are available with both engines.

Key Features:

What’s Good:

• Capable and rugged 4X4 hardware
• Smooth and powerful engine options
• Handsome styling and strong character

What’s Not Good:

• Bumpy ride quality and poor high speed dynamics
• Limited boot space
• Missing features, even on the top-spec variants

Check Out Our Collection Of Used Mahindra Thar Cars In India

15. Tata Tiago/ Tata Tigor

Starting Price: ₹5.60 lakh/ ₹6.30 lakh

GNCAP Safety Crash Ratings: 4 Stars

Bodyshell Integrity: Stable

The Tata Tiago is the cheapest Tata car in India in 2023 and is regarded as one of the safest hatchbacks in the country. The Tiago and Tigor scored a GNCAP rating of 4/5 stars and are offered with two engine options – 1.2L Revotron petrol and 1.2L CNG engine. While the Tiago takes on rivals like the Swift, the Tigor competes with other compact sedans like the Honda Amaze, Maruti Dzire and the Hyundai Aura in India.

Key Features:

What’s Good:

• Excellent build quality and GNCAP safety ratings
• Spacious and comfortable cabin
• Sorted dynamics and high-speed stability

What’s Not Good:

• Unreliable after-sales support
• Jerky AMT gearbox

Check Out Our Collection Of Used Tata Tiago Cars In India

Final Verdict

The quest for safer vehicles in India has seen a significant shift in recent years, as both consumers and automakers prioritise safety on the nation's roads. Thanks to Global NCAP's #SaferCarsForIndia campaign, prospective car buyers can now make informed choices based on rigorous crash test ratings. Safety is paramount, and we firmly believe there's no room for compromise. From the Tata Harrier and Safari to the Volkswagen Virtus and Skoda Slavia, these cars not only promise secure journeys but also come equipped with various features to cater to the modern driver. In a world where safety is paramount, these cars not only promise secure journeys but also offer a range of features to cater to modern drivers. So, as you embark on your car-buying journey in 2023, remember that safety is a non-negotiable priority.

FAQs

Q. What is the safest car in India?

The Tata Harrier and the Tata Safari are currently the safest cars in India.

Q. Which car has 1 safety rating?

Cars like the Maruti Swift and the WagonR scored a one-star safety rating.

Q. Which car is safest for accidents?

The Tata Harrier, Tata Safari, VW Virtus, Skoda Slavia, Mahindra Scorpio N, Tata Nexon, Tata Punch, etc. are a few of the cars which should keep occupants safe in the event of an accident.

Q. What cars have a 5-star safety rating?

The Tata Harrier, Tata Safari, Tata Nexon, Tata Altroz, Tata Punch, Hyundai Verna, VW Virtus, Skoda Slavia, VW Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, Mahindra XUV700, Mahindra XUV300, Mahindra Scorpio N, etc. have a five-star GNCAP rating.