EuroNCAP, the organization that conducts crash tests for the European market, has published last year’s top safety performers. The latest round of assessments highlights the standout vehicles across several categories and underscores which models set the benchmark for occupant protection and crash avoidance.
In the Large Family Car category, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 earned the highest overall score, achieving an impressive 97% for adult occupant protection. This result reflects strong performance in crash impact tests and robust protection for drivers and other adult occupants in various collision scenarios.
Within the small SUV and crossover segment, the Tesla Model Y is recognized as the safest option among executive vehicles, with the Tesla Model S noted for its strong performance in that same classification. The findings emphasize that electric crossovers are delivering exceptional safety outcomes in real-world driving conditions.
Two models from Chinese brands also ranked highly among safety leaders. In the small family car category, the Ora Funky Cat earned the top rating, while the Wey Coffee 01 prevailed in the large SUV segment. These results illustrate how Chinese automakers are expanding their safety credentials and competing for influence in the European safety ranking landscape. The EuroNCAP report notes that recent efforts by several Chinese manufacturers show they can challenge established European brands on safety metrics and overall protection levels.
“After some earlier attempts to gain a stronger foothold in Europe, many manufacturers now demonstrate that Chinese brands can compete with traditional European brands in terms of safety,” the report states. This shift signals a broader trend toward higher safety standards across a wider range of vehicle types and price points, benefiting consumers who demand reliable protection for themselves and their passengers.
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Source: EuroNCAP