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Safest cars 2026: eight Euro NCAP top scorers by class

Updated 8 cars in this ranking

Five Euro NCAP stars no longer tell the whole story: dozens of new cars earn them every year, and the differences between them lie in the percentages behind the stars. Euro NCAP scores four areas: adult occupant protection, child occupant protection, protection of pedestrians and cyclists (vulnerable road users) and safety assist systems. The eight cars below were all tested from 2024 onwards under the current protocols, and all earned five stars. They include every 2024 and 2025 Best in Class winner that has a model page on 1cars.

Quick picks

  • Safest car overall: Mercedes-Benz CLA – Euro NCAP's best performer of 2025, 91 points.
  • Safest SUV: Tesla Model Y – 93 per cent for child occupants.
  • Safest executive car: Mercedes-Benz E-Class – best performer of 2024.
  • Safest affordable family SUV: Mazda CX-5 – 93 per cent for vulnerable road users, from €35,990.
  • Safest small car: Mini Cooper E – Best in Class city car 2025.

The table shows the overall score out of 100 and the four area percentages, as listed by ADAC, Germany's motoring club, or published by Euro NCAP.

ModelTestedTotalAdultChildVulnerable road usersSafety assist
Mercedes-Benz CLA12/202591/10094%89%93%85%
Tesla Model Y11/202590/10091%93%86%92%
Tesla Model 305/202589/10090%93%89%87%
Mercedes-Benz E-Class07/202489/10092%90%84%87%
Mazda CX-512/202589/10090%89%93%83%
Volkswagen Passat07/202487/10093%87%82%80%
Škoda Kodiaq07/202484/10089%83%82%78%
Mini Cooper E2025–89%85%77%79%

A crash rating is only one part of choosing a family car. For space and running costs, see the best small city cars or the Tesla Model Y buying guide.

  1. 1. Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class C174/C178

    Top scorer overall

    Production years
    2025–present
    Body type
    Sedan, Station wagon
    Fuel
    Hybrid, Electric
    Power output
    200–260 kW (272–354 PS)

    Euro NCAP named the third-generation CLA its best performer of 2025 and the best small family car. The December 2025 test gave it 91 out of 100 points. Adult protection reached 94 per cent and pedestrian and cyclist protection 93 per cent, both class-leading. Children scored 89 and safety assist 85 per cent. The electric CLA 200 has 165 kW (224 PS), a 58 kWh usable battery and 542 km of WLTP range, from €49,421 in Germany. Petrol versions with an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox are also offered. The drawback: the coupé-style saloon has a 405-litre boot.

    Pros

    • Best performer of 2025 (Euro NCAP)
    • 94 per cent adult and 93 per cent vulnerable road user scores
    • 542 km WLTP range (CLA 200 electric)

    Cons

    • 405-litre boot
    Full review: Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class C174/C178

  2. 2. Tesla Model Y I

    Best SUV

    Production years
    2020–present
    Body type
    SUV
    Fuel
    Electric
    Power output
    324 kW (441 PS)

    Euro NCAP made the facelifted Model Y its Best in Class small SUV of 2025, praising child protection and safety assist. ADAC lists 90 out of 100 points from the November 2025 test. Children scored 93 per cent and adults 91. The safety assist result of 92 per cent is the highest in this list, while vulnerable road users scored 86. The rear-wheel-drive version has 220 kW (299 PS), 525 km of WLTP range and an 836-litre boot, from €39,990 in Germany. The drawback: at 1,981 kg and 4,797 mm, it is large for a five-seater.

    Pros

    • 92 per cent for safety assist
    • 93 per cent for child occupants
    • 836-litre boot

    Cons

    • 1,981 kg and 4,797 mm long
    Full review: Tesla Model Y I

  3. 3. Tesla Model 3

    Best large family car

    Production years
    2016–present
    Body type
    Sedan
    Fuel
    Electric
    Power output
    170–393 kW (231–534 PS)

    The Model 3 was first rated by Euro NCAP in 2019, and the facelifted car was re-tested in May 2025. It became the Best in Class large family car of 2025, with 89 out of 100 points according to ADAC. Child protection matches the Model Y at 93 per cent. Pedestrians and cyclists score 89, adults 90 and the assist systems 87. The rear-wheel-drive version has 208 kW (283 PS), 572 km of WLTP range and a 594-litre boot, from €36,990 in Germany. The drawback: ADAC lists a towing limit of only 1,000 kg.

    Pros

    • Best in Class large family car 2025
    • 93 per cent for child occupants
    • From €36,990 in Germany

    Cons

    • 1,000 kg towing limit

    Spec sheet: Tesla Model 3 RWD (2023 refresh) 208 kW (283 PS)

    Full review: Tesla Model 3

  4. 4. Mercedes-Benz E-Class W214

    Best executive car

    Production years
    2023–present
    Body type
    Sedan, Station wagon
    Fuel
    Petrol, Diesel

    The W214 E-Class was the best performer of everything Euro NCAP tested in 2024. ADAC lists 89 points from the July 2024 test. Adults are protected to 92 per cent and children to 90. Vulnerable road users score 84 and safety assist 87. The entry E 200 d diesel has 137 kW (186 PS), uses 4.7 l/100 km WLTP and costs from €58,429 in Germany. Plug-in hybrid versions such as the E 300 e are also available. The drawbacks: the saloon is 4,949 mm long, and the vehicle warranty is two years.

    Pros

    • Best performer of 2024 (Euro NCAP)
    • 90 per cent for child occupants
    • 4.7 l/100 km WLTP (E 200 d)

    Cons

    • From €58,429 and 4,949 mm long
    Full review: Mercedes-Benz E-Class W214

  5. 5. Mazda CX-5 III

    Best value family SUV

    Production years
    2025–present
    Body type
    SUV
    Fuel
    Petrol
    Power output
    104–132 kW (141–179 PS)

    The third CX-5 was tested in December 2025 and reached 89 points, according to ADAC. Its pedestrian and cyclist score of 93 per cent equals the CLA. Adults reach 90, children 89 and the assistance systems 83. It is also the cheapest car in this list: the 2.5-litre mild-hybrid petrol with 104 kW (141 PS) costs from €35,990 in Germany. The drawbacks: Germany gets only one engine, and the 466-litre boot is small for a 4,690 mm SUV.

    Pros

    • 93 per cent for vulnerable road users
    • From €35,990 in Germany
    • 89/100 total score

    Cons

    • 466-litre boot and only one engine
    Full review: Mazda CX-5 III

  6. 6. Volkswagen Passat B9

    Best estate

    Production years
    2023–present
    Body type
    Station wagon
    Fuel
    Petrol, Diesel, Plug-in hybrid
    Power output
    110–150 kW (150–204 PS)

    The B9 Passat shared the 2024 large family car award with its sister car, the Škoda Superb. ADAC lists 87 points from the July 2024 test. Its adult occupant score of 93 per cent is one of the best here. Children reach 87, vulnerable road users 82 and safety assist 80. The Passat is now sold only as the Variant estate. It has a 690-litre boot and costs from €42,930 in Germany. The drawback: its safety assist score trails the newer cars in this list.

    Pros

    • 93 per cent for adult occupants
    • Best in Class large family car 2024
    • 690-litre boot

    Cons

    • 80 per cent for safety assist

    Spec sheet: Volkswagen Passat B9 1.5 l eTSI 110 kW (150 PS)

    Full review: Volkswagen Passat B9

  7. 7. Skoda Kodiaq II

    Best seven-seater

    Production years
    2023–present
    Body type
    SUV
    Fuel
    Petrol, Diesel, Plug-in hybrid
    Power output
    110–195 kW (150–265 PS)

    The second Kodiaq earned five stars in July 2024 with 84 points, according to ADAC. Adults are protected to 89 per cent and children to 83. Pedestrians and cyclists score 82, the assistance systems 78. It is the only car in this list available with seven seats. With five seats in use its 910-litre boot is also the largest here. Prices start at €44,190 in Germany for the 1.5 TSI mild hybrid. The drawback: its total score is the lowest of the cars here with a published total.

    Pros

    • Seven seats available
    • 910-litre boot
    • From €44,190 in Germany

    Cons

    • Lowest total score here (84/100)

    Spec sheet: Skoda Kodiaq II 1.5 TSI mHEV 110 kW (150 PS)

    Full review: Skoda Kodiaq II

  8. 8. Mini Hatch F66/J01

    Best small car

    Production years
    2024–present
    Body type
    Hatchback
    Fuel
    Petrol, Electric
    Power output
    115–190 kW (156–258 PS)

    Euro NCAP tested the electric Mini Cooper E in early 2025 and later named it the best city car and supermini of the year. Adult protection reached 89 per cent, as high as the much larger Kodiaq. Children scored 85, vulnerable road users 77 and safety assist 79. Euro NCAP's programme director said it shows that a small electric car need not compromise on safety. The petrol Cooper C costs from €27,500 in Germany, but it was not the version tested. The drawback: the pedestrian and cyclist score is the lowest here.

    Pros

    • Best in Class city car and supermini 2025
    • 89 per cent for adult occupants
    • Compact size for town use

    Cons

    • 77 per cent for vulnerable road users

    Spec sheet: Mini Hatch F66/J01 Cooper E 135 kW (184 PS)

    Full review: Mini Hatch F66/J01

How we chose

Selection. The list includes five-star cars tested by Euro NCAP in 2024 or 2025 that are sold new in Europe and have a published model page on 1cars. It includes every Best in Class winner of those two years with a 1cars model page: the CLA, Mini Cooper E, Model 3 and Model Y from 2025, and the E-Class and Passat from 2024. The Škoda Superb, joint winner with the Passat, the Smart #5, Polestar 3, Zeekr X and Mazda CX-80 have no model page yet. The CX-5 and Kodiaq were added as the highest-scoring family SUVs in the catalogue.

Data sources. Total scores, area percentages and test dates come from the ADAC Autokatalog pages for each model (accessed October 2026); the Mini Cooper E figures come from Euro NCAP's press release of 5 March 2025. Best in Class awards come from Euro NCAP's announcements of 15 January 2025 and 14 January 2026. Prices are German list prices from ADAC.

Ranking. The order follows the total score out of 100 where one is listed, then editorial judgement. Euro NCAP compares cars best within the same class and test year; protocols tighten over time, so a 2025 score is not directly comparable with a 2019 one. Full specifications are on the 1cars pages for the Mercedes-Benz CLA and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

Frequently asked questions

What is the safest car in 2026?

On Euro NCAP results, the Mercedes-Benz CLA. Euro NCAP named it the best performer of all cars tested in 2025, and ADAC lists 91 out of 100 points, with 94 per cent for adult occupants and 93 per cent for vulnerable road users.

How does Euro NCAP choose Best in Class?

It calculates a weighted sum of the scores in the four areas: adult occupant, child occupant, vulnerable road user and safety assist. Only five-star cars with standard safety equipment are eligible.

Is a five-star car from 2019 as safe as one from 2025?

Not necessarily. Euro NCAP raises its requirements over time, so stars are tied to the year of the test. Always check the test year with the rating; the Tesla Model 3, for example, was first rated in 2019 and re-tested in 2025.

Which popular cars scored only four stars recently?

The facelifted Nissan Qashqai was re-tested in 2025 and received four stars, with 78 per cent for adult occupants. The new Renault Clio also received four stars in 2025, and the 1cars catalogue records four stars for the Toyota Aygo X in 2025.

Are small cars less safe than big ones?

Not always. Euro NCAP named the Mini Cooper E the best city car and supermini of 2025, with 89 per cent for adult occupants, the same as the much larger Škoda Kodiaq.

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