Safest Cars in India 2024

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 emphasizing 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 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 Virtus

Beauty at its best is also the safest, as the gorgeous Volkswagen Virtus is gracing the top spot of the safest cars list. With a 5-star GNCAP rating for adult as well as child safety, the Volkswagen Virtus is also the first midsize sedan to get a 5-star rating under GNCAP’s new testing protocols. Moreover, this German sedan offers most of its safety features as standard that include dual airbags, ABS with EBD, multi-collision braking, electronic differential lock, tyre pressure monitor, rear parking sensors, and rear defoggers. The higher variants offer up to 6 airbags and hill start assist.

Volkswagen Virtus 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: 18.12-19.40 kmpl
• Airbags: 2 airbags standard and up to 6 in higher variants
• Fuel Type: Petrol
• Seating capacity: 5
• Body type: Mid-size sedan
• Ventilated front seats
• Digital instrument cluster
• Sunroof

Skoda Slavia

Along with Volkswagen Virtus, the GNCAP also tested its soul-sibling Skoda Slavia which expectedly bagged the same scores and the same rating. The 5-star GNCAP rating for adult and child occupancy boasts the robustness of Slavia and makes it an exceptionally safe car to travel in. Adding another layer of safety is a slew of standard safety features that consist of dual airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC with traction control, multi-collision braking, rear parking sensors, and tyre pressure monitor. Like Virtus, the higher variants of Slavia also offer up to 6 airbags and hill start assist.

Skoda Slavia 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: 18.07-19.47 kmpl
• Airbags: 2 airbags standard and up to 6 in higher variants
• Fuel Type: Petrol
• Seating capacity: 5
• Body type: Mid-size sedan
• Ventilated front seats
• Cruise control
• Wireless charger

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

Hyundai Verna

The new Hyundai Verna is the first Hyundai car in India to score a 5-star rating in the Global NCAP safety test. Scoring 5-star rating in adult as well as child safety, the popular Korean sedan has placed itself on the list of safest cars in India, which indeed is a rare feat as far as Korean cars are concerned. What powered Verna to clear the G-NCAP safety test with flying colours is the availability of 6 airbags, ESC, rear ISOFIX mounts and seat belt reminders for all seats across the variants. Furthermore, the higher variants of the Hyundai Verna offer many coveted safety features such as all-wheel disc brakes and ADAS safety suite.

Hyundai Verna Specifications and Key Features

• Engine: 1.5 litre turbo petrol | 1.5 litre NA petrol engine
• Transmission: 6-speed manual gearbox, CVT automatic, & 7-speed DCT automatic
• Mileage: 18.6-20.6 km/l
• Airbags: 6 airbags standard
• Fuel Type: Petrol
• Seating capacity: 5
• Body type: Mid-size sedan
• Ventilated and heated front seats
• 8-speaker Bose sound system
• Sunroof

Tata Harrier

Despite being devoid of any NCAP ratings for a long time, the Tata Harrier has always been regarded as one of most robust cars in India. Nonetheless, the Indian SUV has recently received a facelift and soon after that a 5-star rating for both adult and child occupancy in the Global NCAP safety test. This has made Tata Harrier the safest made-in-India car and first Tata car to be tested under the new Global NCAP testing protocols. Expectedly, the Harrier’s bodyshell was found stable and capable of withstanding further loadings. As far as safety features go, the set of standard safety features include 6 airbags, ESC, traction control, 3-point seatbelts for all seats, ISOFIX anchors, tyre pressure monitoring system. Moreover, the higher variants include hill descent control, a driver knee airbag, and ADAS features.

Tata Harrier Specifications and Key Features

• Engine: 2-litre diesel engine
• Transmission: 6-speed manual gearbox and 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission
• Mileage: 14.6-16.8 km/l
• Airbags: 6 airbags standard & up to 7 airbags in higher variants
• Fuel Type: diesel
• Seating capacity: 5
• Body type: Mid-size SUV
• 6-way powered driver’s seat & 4-way powered co-driver’s seat
• 10-speaker JBL sound system
• Panoramic sunroof

Tata Safari

Alongside the Tata Harrier, its elder sibling Tata Safari was also tested by the Global NCAP and bagged the same 5-star rating for adult and child occupancy. For the flagship car of the esteemed Indian carmaker, the Tata Safari has long been popular for its structural strength, however, it has unequivocally made itself significantly more appealing with such a high safety rating. In addition to the ironclad bodyshell, the Tata Safari offers a good wealth of safety features among which 6 airbags, ESC, traction control, 3-point seatbelts for all seats, ISOFIX anchors, tyre pressure monitoring system are standard across variants. Moreover, the higher variants include hill descent control, a driver knee airbag, and camera- and radar-based ADAS features.

Tata Safari Specifications and Key Features

• Engine: 2-litre diesel engine
• Transmission: 6-speed manual gearbox and 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission
• Mileage: 14.5-16.3 km/l
• Airbags: 6 airbags standard & up to 7 airbags in higher variants
• Fuel Type: diesel
• Seating capacity: 7
• Body type: Full-size SUV
• 6-way powered driver’s seat & 4-way powered co-driver’s seat
• Dual-zone climate control
• Panoramic sunroof

Mahindra Scorpio N

The supremely successful Mahindra Scorpio N has also been rated as one of the safest cars in India. The 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

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.

Related Links

MUV Cars in India | AirBag Cars in India | Cheapest Automatic Cars in India | Sedan Cars in India | 1000cc Cars in India | Diesel Automatic Cars in India | Hybrid Cars | Luxury Electric Cars in India | Cars for Women | CNG Cars in India | Sports Cars in India | Most Expensive Cars