Safest Cars in India 2023

The Indian car market tends to put mileage above most other decision-making factors. However, there has been a significant shift towards safety, both from customers and car makers. Since 2019, the Indian government has been proactively emphasising car safety by making airbags and ABS mandatory on all cars. The government has also made it clear it intends to include more safety measures in 2023 to make Indian roads safer. Car manufacturers have been quick to take cues, too; they are now making cars that match international safety standards. Here’s a look at the safest cars in India and their respective Global NCAP safety ratings:

Volkswagen Taigun

The bodyshell is predominantly the most important layer of safety and that’s where the Volkswagen Taigun proved its mettle to join the safest cars list. The Volkswagen Taigun has scored 5-star ratings both in adult and child safety. The German mid-size SUV is built on the MQB A0-IN platform and is the first car to be tested under Global NCAP’s new protocols which include additional side impact tests for the car. In addition to 5-star G-NCAP rating, the Volkswagen Taigun elevates safety even higher with a slew of safety features such as up to 6 airbags, ESC, traction control, TPMS, and rear camera among others. Moreover, the 1.5 litre turbo petrol engine of Taigun also offers cylinder deactivation technology resulting in a smaller carbon footprint and better mileage.

Volkswagen Taigun Specification and Key Features

• Engine: 1 litre turbo petrol | 1.5 litre turbo petrol engine
• Transmission: 6-speed manual gearbox, 6-speed torque converter automatic, & 7-speed DCT automatic
• Mileage: 17-20 kmpl
• Airbags: 2 airbags standard and up to 6 in higher variants
• Fuel Type: Petrol
• Seating capacity: 5
• Body type: Mid-size SUV
• Ventilated front seats
• Single-pane sunroof
• Automatic climate control

Skoda Kushaq

Since the Skoda Kushaq is identical to the Taigun, the same 5-star safety rating in adult and child occupancy extends to the Skoda midsize SUV as well. Just like the Volkswagen Taigun, the Skoda Kushaq is based on the MQB A0-IN platform, but has been given a more aggressive design that exudes a more macho appeal. While the 5-star G-NCAP rating reinforces the Kushaq’s structural strength, this German Creta-rival accentuates safety even further with a slew of safety features like up to 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, multi-collision braking, electronic differential lock and others. Furthermore, the 1.5 litre turbo petrol engine of Skoda Kushaq also offers cylinder deactivation technology, reducing emission and helping it deliver a better mileage.

Skoda Kushaq Specification and Key Features

• Engine: 1 litre turbo petrol | 1.5 litre turbo petrol engine
• Transmission: 6-speed manual gearbox, 6-speed torque converter automatic, & 7-speed DCT automatic
• Mileage: 17-19 kmpl
• Airbags: 2 airbags standard and up to 6 in higher variants
• Fuel Type: Petrol
• Seating capacity: 5
• Body type: Mid-size SUV
• Ventilated front seats
• Wireless phone charging
• Automatic climate control

Mahindra Scorpio N

The supremely successful Mahindra Scorpio N has also been rated as one of the safest cars in India. The 7-seater Indian SUV is the third car in India to be tested under Global NCAP’s new protocols, and has scored 5-stars for adult occupant safety and 3-stars for child occupant safety. The Mahindra Scorpio N is more spacious than the considerably more expensive Toyota Fortuner, and packs a multitude of safety features like ABS with EBD, up to six airbags, hill-assist control, tyre pressure monitoring system, and electronic stability control among others. Moreover, the Mahindra Scorpio N is widely popular for its off-roading calibre and comes with an optional four-wheel-drive drivetrain on higher variants.

Mahindra Scorpio N Specification and Key Features

• Engine: 2 litre turbo petrol | 2.2 litre diesel
• Transmission: 6-speed manual gearbox, 6-speed torque converter automatic (optional all-wheel-drive)
• Mileage: 15 kmpl for petrol and 16.5 kmpl for diesel
•  Airbags: 2 airbags standard and up to 6 in higher variants
• Fuel Type: Petrol & diesel
• Seating capacity: 6 and 7
• Body type: Full-size SUV
• Dual zone climate control
• Single-pane sunroof
• 6-way powered driver seat

Tata Punch

Small, nimble, agile and safe. The Micro-SUV HBX concept of Tata finally came into the flesh and has a real ‘Punch’ in its name. Built on the same platform as the Tata Altroz, the Tata Punch is just as safe and muscular in its design. The Punch features the standard safety measures like ABS, EBD and dual airbags along with brake sway control, another safety feature that is unique to the AMT variants is the Traction Pro Mode that assists with driving on unruly surfaces.

Tata Punch Specification and Key Features

• Engine: 1.2 litre petrol engine
• Transmission: 5-speed manual gearbox & 5-speed AMT
• Mileage: 18.97 km/l
• Airbags: Dual front airbags
• Fuel Type: Petrol
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Body Type: Compact SUV
• Seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Connected car technology
• Semi-digital instrument cluster

Mahindra XUV300

Lean and stylish, the Mahindra XUV300 is a compact SUV that has an impressive road presence. Launched in 2019, the XUV300 is one of safest cars in India with a safety rating of 5-stars and features corner braking and collapsible steering column as standard along with up to 7 air bags, ABS and EBD. The XUV300 also has ESP, which is included in the W6 variant onwards.

Mahindra XUV300 Specification and Key Features

• Engine: 1.2 litre turbo petrol | 1.5 litre diesel | 1.2 litre TGDI turbo petrol engine
• Transmission: 6-speed manual gearbox, 6-speed AMT
• Mileage: 17 km/l for petrol and 20 km/l for diesel
• Airbags: 2 airbags standard and up to 7 in higher variants
• Fuel Type: Petrol & diesel
• Seating capacity: 5
• Body type: Compact SUV
• Single-pane sunroof
• Dual Zone climate control
• 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system

Tata Altroz

Smart, stylish and popular, the Tata Altroz is one car you can’t take your eyes off of. The Altroz also has a 5-star safety rating under its belt, making it one of the safest premium hatchbacks. As standard, the Tata Altroz comes equipped with dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, corner stability control, and a chassis based on Tata’s ALFA-ARC platform.

Tata Altroz Specification and Key Features

• Engine: 1.2 litre petrol | 1.2 litre turbo petrol | 1.5 litre diesel
• Transmission: 5-speed manual gearbox & 6-speed DCT (for 1.2 litre petrol engine)
• Mileage: 18.5 km/l for petrol & 23 km/l for diesel
• Airbags: Dual front airbags
• Fuel Type: Petrol & Diesel
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Body Type: Hatchback
• Seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Cruise Control
• Connected car technology

Tata Nexon

The Tata Nexon became the trendsetter by becoming the first made in India car to score a 5-star Global NCAP safety rating. The Tata Nexon is a compact SUV that is muscular and robust in design and it is a looker too. The Nexon offers safety features like dual airbags, ABS with EBD, ESP, traction control, roll over mitigation, hydraulic brake assist and many other features as standard.

Tata Nexon Specification and Key Features

• Engine: 1.2 litre turbo petrol | 1. litre turbo diesel | 30.2 kWh battery | 40.5 kWh battery
• Transmission: 6-speed manual gearbox, 6-speed AMT, single-speed automatic for EV
• Mileage: 17.5 km/l for petrol, 21.1 km/l for diesel, 312 km (30.2kWh), 437 km (40.5 kWh)
• Airbags: Dual front airbags
• Fuel Type: Petrol, Diesel, electric-powered
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Body Type: Compact SUV
• Seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Ventilated front seats
• 8-speaker Harman Sound System

Mahindra XUV700

The Mahindra XUV700 raised eyebrows on its launch for a number of reasons. Not only is the SUV palatial, but its design rivals offerings from Korean and European car makers. The XUV700 carries the distinction of being the first made in India SUV to feature Advanced Driver Assist System (ADAS). This system monitors the surroundings through a wide network of sensors and onboard computers that help keep the car under control and avoid unwanted accidents. Safety features like the standard dual airbags, Anti-Lock Braking System with EBD along with Electronic Stability Program contribute to the XUV700 securing a 5-star safety rating in the GNCAP.

Mahindra XUV700 Specification and Key Features

• Engine: 2 litre turbo petrol | 2.2 litre diesel
• Transmission: 6-speed manual gearbox, 6-speed torque converter automatic (optional all-wheel-drive)
• Mileage: 13 – 14 kmpl for petrol and 13.5 – 14.8 km/l for diesel
• Airbags: 2 airbags standard and up to 7 in higher variants
• Fuel Type: Petrol & diesel
• Seating capacity: 5 and 7
• Body type: Mid-size SUV
• Panoramic sunroof
• 12-speaker Sony sound system
• 6-way powered driver seat

Honda Jazz

Scoring a 4-star safety rating in the Global NCAP test has become one of the chief highlights of the Honda Jazz. Coupled with robust safety, the Jazz packs oodles of space rendering it as a perfect family car. In addition to that, the Japanese hatchback is replete with premium traits, some of which are rare to avail in its segment, paddle shifters, CVT automatic transmissions, a sunroof, to name a few. On the theme of safety, the hatchback sports dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, a rear parking camera, etc.

Honda Jazz Specification and Key Features

• Engine: 1.2-litre petrol engine
• Transmission: 5-speed manual gearbox & 7-speed CVT automatic
• Mileage: 16.6 – 17.1 kmpl
• Airbags: 2 airbags standard
• Fuel Type: Petrol
• Seating capacity: 5
• Body type: Hatchbacks
• 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Single-pane sunroof
• Paddle shifters

Toyota Urban Cruiser

The Toyota Urban Cruiser is the rebadged version of the Maruti Vitara Brezza and inherits the same safety standards as the Maruti compact SUV as well as the 4-star global NCAP safety rating. This robust safety combined with an attractive host of premium perks, and the peace of mind of the Toyota badge, is what makes the Toyota Urban Cruiser an ideal compact SUV. In the safety department, the Urban Cruiser sports dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, hill hold control, and ISOFIX child seat anchors.

Toyota Urban Cruiser Specification and Key Features

• Engine: 1.5 litre petrol engine
• Transmission: 5-speed manual gearbox, 4-speed torque converter automatic
• Mileage: 17.03 – 18.76 kmpl
• Airbags: 2 airbags standard
• Fuel Type: Petrol
• Seating capacity: 5
• Body type: Compact SUV
• 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Cruise control
• 2-DIN audio system

Mahindra Marazzo

The Mahindra Marazzo is a large MUV that looks muscular and robust just like a shark, the animal it is designed after. The Marazzo boasts of a 4-star safety rating with standard safety features: dual airbags, ABS with EBD, all-wheel disc brakes, and safety crumple zones which can be found on all variants.

Mahindra Marazzo Specification and Key Features

• Engine: 1.5 litre diesel engine
• Transmission: 6-speed manual gearbox
• Mileage: 17.3 kmpl
• Airbags: 2 airbags standard
• Fuel Type: diesel
• Seating capacity: 7 & 8
• Body type: 7- & 8-seater MUV
• 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Remote keyless entry
• Rear camera

Mahindra Thar

Mahindra Thar is the king of off-roading vehicles in India and is a cult favourite as well. But apart from its retro modern looks the rugged 4×4 car is also one of the safest made in India vehicles. The Thar features Hill Hold and Descent control as standard to keep the driver always in control. The Electronic Stability Program and Roll Over Mitigation are included in the LX variant onwards.

Mahindra Thar Specification and Key Features

• Engine: 2 litre turbo petrol | 2.2 litre diesel | 1.5 litre diesel engine
• Transmission: 6-speed manual gearbox, 6-speed torque converter automatic
• Mileage: 12 km/l for petrol and 15 km/l for diesel
• Airbags: Dual front airbags
• Fuel Type: Petrol & diesel
• Seating capacity: 5
• Body type: Mid-size SUV
• Automatic climate control
• Steering mounted controls
• 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system

Tata Tiago

While many entry-level cars in India have not received safety ratings, the Tata Tiago bucks this trend with a 4-star G-NCAP safety rating. Dual front airbags, rear parking sensors, and ABS with EBD come as standard on the Tiago while also coming equipped with premium features like rear parking camera, rear defogger, and front fog lamps.

Tata Tiago Specifications & Key Features

• Engine: 1.2 litre petrol | 1.2 litre petrol engine with CNG kit | 19.2 kWh battery | 24 kWh battery
• Transmission: 5-speed manual gearbox & 5-speed AMT, automatic for EV
• Mileage: 20 km/l for petrol & 26 km/kg for CNG, 250 km range (19.2 kWh) & 315 km range (24 kWh)
• Airbags: Dual front airbags
• Fuel Type: Petrol, CNG, and electric-powered
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Body Type: Hatchback
• Seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Projector headlights
• 8-speaker Harman Sound System

Tata Tigor

The Tata Tigor’s fastback styling gives it a distinguishable presence on the road and is one of the made-in-India sedans that features a 4-star safety rating. The Indian compact sedan comes with standard safety features like airbags, ABS, EBD and corner stability control to give the car an edge when cornering. The Tata Tigor is also available in electric-powered and CNG-powered variants.

Tata Tigor Specifications & Key Features

• Engine: 1.2 litre petrol | 1.2 litre petrol engine with CNG kit | 26 kWh battery
• Transmission: 5-speed manual gearbox & 5-speed AMT | single-speed automatic for EV
• Mileage: 19.2 km/l for petrol & 26.4 km/kg for CNG | 306 km range for EV
• Airbags: Dual front airbags
• Fuel Type: Petrol, CNG, & electric-powered
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Body Type: Compact Sedan
• Seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Projector headlamps
• Digital instrument cluster

Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza

The safest Maruti in India, the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza has a 4-star global NCAP rating among its strongest attractions. In addition to that, the SUV features loads of space and a host of upmarket features making it a fairly comfortable and convenient SUV to own. In the safety department, the Brezza packs dual airbags, ABS and EBD, rear parking sensors as standard, whereas the AMT variant additionally features hill hold control.

Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza Specification and Key Features

• Engine: 1.5 litre petrol engine
• Transmission: 5-speed manual gearbox, 4-speed torque converter automatic
• Mileage: 17.03 – 18.76 kmpl
• Airbags: 2 airbags standard
• Fuel Type: Petrol
• Seating capacity: 5
• Body type: Compact SUV
• 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Cruise control
• Automatic climate control

Renault Kiger

The Renault Kiger is a stylish compact SUV that also has a 4-star G-NCAP safety rating. Featuring upmarket features and pricing that undercuts rival premium hatchbacks, the Kiger delivers on value. In terms of safety features, the Kiger is equipped with ABS with EBD, up to 4 airbags, a rear camera, and parking sensors.

Renault Kiger Specification and Key Features

• Engine: 1 litre petrol engine | 1 litre turbo petrol engine
• Transmission: 5-speed manual gearbox, 5-speed AMT, & five-speed CVT automatic
• Mileage: 18.24 – 20.05 kmpl
• Airbags: 2 airbags standard and up to 4 airbags in higher variants
• Fuel Type: Petrol
• Seating capacity: 5
• Body type: Compact SUV
• Automatic climate control
• 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Push start/stop button 

Honda City 4^th generation

The fourth-generation Honda City was tested by Global NCAP and secured a comfortable place among the safest cars in India with a 4-star safety rating. Widely acclaimed for its durability and reliable character, this Japanese sedan has had a reputable run in India. For now, while accompanying its 5th generation model in Honda’s portfolio, the Honda City (4th gen) features a host of safety features such as dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, Multiview rear parking camera.

Honda City 4^th generation Specification and Key Features

• Engine: 1.5 litre petrol engine
• Transmission: 5-speed manual gearbox
• Mileage: 17.4 kmpl
• Airbags: 2 airbags standard
• Fuel Type: Petrol
• Seating capacity: 5
• Body type: Mid-size Sedan
• 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Single-pane sunroof
• Automatic climate control

Nissan Magnite

Just like its sibling Renault Kiger, the Nissan Magnite is famous for its chic appearance and 4-star G-NCAP safety rating. Moreover, while the SUV is packed to the rafters with upmarket perks, it’s the most affordable one in the segment. On the front of safety features, the Magnite sports a 360-degree camera, dual front airbags, electronic stability control, etc.

Nissan Magnite Specification and Key Features

• Engine: 1 litre petrol engine | 1 litre turbo petrol engine
• Transmission: 5-speed manual gearbox, 5-speed AMT, & five-speed CVT automatic
• Mileage: 18.24 – 20.05 kmpl
• Airbags: 2 airbags standard and up to 4 airbags in higher variants
• Fuel Type: Petrol
• Seating capacity: 5
• Body type: Compact SUV
• Automatic climate control
• Wireless phone charger
• 7-inch digital instrument cluster 

Renault Triber

The French carmaker did everything right when it made the Triber MUV for India. The sporty SUV like design complements the Renault Triber and gives it a unique style quotient. For its price the MUV scores a big 4-star safety rating, out-scoring its expensive rivals, like the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga. Apart from the standard safety measures, the Triber also features pedestrian safety.

Renault Triber Specification and Key Features

• Engine: 1 litre petrol engine
• Transmission: 5-speed manual and 5-speed AMT
• Mileage: 20 kmpl
• Airbags: 2 airbags standard and up to 4 airbags in higher variants
• Fuel Type: Petrol
• Seating capacity: 7
• Body type: MUV
• 6-way adjustable driver seat
• Steering mounted controls
• AC vents for second and third row

FAQs on Safest Cars in India 2023

How is the safety rating of cars evaluated?

Though there are many safety tests conducted, the Global NCAP test or New Car Assessment Program is the widely accepted standard in determining the safety of new cars. Under this test the car is subjected to many crash test simulations which observe the ability of the car to protect its habitants which are human-like dummies. If the car manages to protect the dummies it is given a score, 5 being the highest and 1 being the lowest.

Why is the safety ability of cars important?

Circumstances on the road are ever changing and cars of today are just more than a means of transport as they carry people who are valuable resources. The ability of the car, in which an individual invests a lot of money, to protect them in unforeseen events is why the safety ability of cars is so important.

Which Indian cars are the safest?

All cars listed above are safe, however cars with 5-star safety rating are deemed the safest.

What is a child safety rating?

Like mentioned above, child safety rating is determined by the ability of the car to protect children seated on the rear in the event of a crash.

How can safe cars make safe drivers?

They cannot, ultimately it is the skill and the responsibility of the driver to make sure that both occupants and the car remain safe, this can be done by following rules of the road and indulging in safe driving practices.