If you’re planning to buy a car in 2025–26, one question matters more than sunroofs, connected apps or big touchscreens:
“If something goes wrong on the road, will this car actually protect my family?”
In India, we’ve reached a turning point. Safety is no longer a luxury feature – it’s a must-have. Carmakers are now competing to offer stronger bodies, more airbags, electronic stability control and even ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems). Crash-test programs like Global NCAP and Bharat NCAP have pushed brands to improve, and many made-in-India cars now proudly carry 5-star safety badges.
This guide brings you 10 of the safest cars you can buy in India in 2025, based on their crash-test performance and safety equipment. You’ll also see what updated or all-new versions are expected in 2026, so you can decide whether to buy now or wait a little.
If you’re a buyer who puts family, children and long-term peace of mind above everything else, this list is for you.
How These 10 Cars Were Chosen
- Tested by recognised crash-test programs (Global NCAP and/or Bharat NCAP)
- Strong scores for adult and child occupant protection
- Standard or widely available 6 airbags, ESC, ISOFIX and other safety tech
- On sale in India during 2025 (with some confirmed successors in 2026)
1. Tata Safari & Tata Harrier – Flagship 5-Star SUVs
The new-gen Tata Safari and Harrier are among the safest big SUVs on Indian roads. They’ve been crash-tested under stricter protocols and earned 5-star ratings for both adult and child protection, along with very high numerical scores.
Why they’re considered very safe
- Strong, stable structure and excellent side-impact performance
- 6 airbags standard on most variants, up to 7 airbags on top models
- Electronic Stability Program (ESP), traction control, rollover mitigation
- Advanced driver aids like lane departure warning, forward collision warning and autonomous emergency braking in higher trims
- ISOFIX child-seat mounts and 360° camera
2026 update to watch
- Petrol engines for Harrier and Safari are already announced for late 2025, which means a full petrol + diesel + (later) EV line-up in 2026.
- A Safari EV has been teased and is expected around 2026, combining this strong safety base with an electric drivetrain.
If you want a large, safe, long-term family SUV, buying now is already a strong choice; if you specifically want petrol or pure EV, 2026 will open more options on the same safe platform.
2. Tata Nexon & Nexon EV – Compact SUV With Twin 5-Star Badges
The Tata Nexon is one of the few mass-market models to boast 5-star safety ratings in both its ICE (petrol/diesel) and EV avatars under India’s latest testing norms. It’s a compact SUV that punches far above its size on safety.
Safety highlights
- 5-star rating for adult and child protection in crash tests (ICE and EV)
- 6 airbags on most trims, ABS with EBD, ESP, hill-hold control
- Solid roof and side-impact performance
- ISOFIX mounts and good child-restraint compatibility
2026 update to watch
- A next-generation Tata Nexon is expected in H2 2026, with updated design, bigger screens, more premium interior, panoramic sunroof and enhanced ADAS.
- If you want mature technology at better prices, the current model is excellent. If you want the next big step in design and features, you may choose to wait.
3. Tata Punch EV – Tiny Footprint, Massive Safety
The Tata Punch EV has set a benchmark by scoring one of the highest crash-test scores ever recorded in India. It has 5-star ratings for both adult and child safety and is widely promoted as one of the safest EVs in the country.
Safety highlights
- Outstanding scores for both front and side impacts
- 6 airbags, ESP and all-wheel disc brakes on many variants
- ISOFIX child-seat mounts
- Strong, EV-specific reinforced structure
2026 update to watch
- A Punch facelift (for both ICE and EV) is expected around late 2025–early 2026, with refreshed styling and added features – but safety fundamentals are already top-notch.
- If you want a small city-friendly EV with maximum safety today, the current Punch EV is already a very strong buy.
4. Volkswagen Taigun – German Engineering, Indian Crash Test Win
The Volkswagen Taigun was one of the first SUVs in India to pass the new-age crash tests with 5-star ratings for both adults and children. Built on VW’s MQB-A0-IN platform, it combines strong crash performance with a fun-to-drive character.
Safety highlights
- 5-star rating, with very high percentage scores for adult and child protection
- 6 airbags (depending on variant), ESC, hill-hold, multi-collision brakes
- Robust cabin structure and good pedestrian protection
- Tyre pressure monitoring and ISOFIX child-seat mounts
2026 update to watch
- VW is expected to focus more on powertrain and variant tweaks rather than a complete new generation in 2026, but a mechanically related compact SUV (twin to Skoda’s sub-4m model) is being talked about for 2026.
- If you specifically want a proven, safe, fun compact SUV right now, Taigun is already a mature and well-tested package.
5. Hyundai Verna (New Gen) – Sedan With Strong Safety Credentials
The latest Hyundai Verna is not just stylish and feature-laden – it has also proved its safety credentials with 5-star crash ratings for both adults and children under modern test norms.
Safety highlights
- 5-star rating with good frontal and side impact scores
- 6 airbags as standard across the range
- ESC, vehicle stability management, hill-start assist
- ISOFIX child-seat anchors and seat-belt reminders for all seats
- Higher variants add more active safety tech
2026 update to watch
- A full new generation is unlikely so soon, but expect feature updates, minor cosmetic tweaks and possibly expanded ADAS features by late 2026 as competition heats up.
- For those wanting a safe sedan in 2025–26, the current Verna is already future-ready.
6. Mahindra XUV700 – Big 7-Seater With ADAS & Solid Crash Performance
The Mahindra XUV700 is widely known for bringing advanced ADAS to the mainstream in India, along with strong crash performance. It has a 5-star adult rating and very good child-occupant scores.
Safety highlights
- 5-star rating for adult protection
- Up to 7 airbags, including curtain airbags for all three rows
- ESP, traction control, roll-over mitigation
- Level-2 ADAS: adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, autonomous emergency braking (variant-dependent)
- ISOFIX, all-row 3-point seat belts
2026 update to watch
- Mahindra is pushing its new XUV 7XO as an updated, more premium version of this formula, expected around late 2025–2026.
- If you want the original, well-proven XUV700, buying now is safe. If you want the latest design and tech refresh, watch for 7XO updates in 2026.
7. Mahindra XUV 3XO – Safe, Feature-Rich Compact SUV
The Mahindra XUV 3XO (updated XUV300) has been tested under Bharat NCAP and received 5 stars for adult and child safety, making it one of the safest compact SUVs on sale.
Safety highlights
- 5-star adult and child ratings
- 6 airbags, ABS with EBD
- ESC as standard, seat-belt reminders, rear parking sensors and camera
- Strong structural integrity and good child-restraint compatibility
2026 update to watch
- Mahindra is likely to continue building on the 3XO line with powertrain updates and special editions rather than an all-new generation in 2026.
- That makes 2025–26 a good window to buy, as the model is still new and future-proof.
8. Tata Curvv & Curvv EV – Coupé SUV With 5-Star Safety
The Tata Curvv and Curvv EV are new-age, coupé-style SUVs positioned between Nexon and Harrier. They’ve already earned 5-star Bharat NCAP ratings, with strong adult and child-occupant scores.
Safety highlights
- 5-star rated (ICE and EV), with excellent side-impact performance
- 6 airbags, Level-2 ADAS, advanced ESP features
- ISOFIX mounts, 3-point seatbelts for all seats
- High ground clearance plus a robust platform
2026 update to watch
- The 2026 Curvv line-up is expected to get interior upgrades, dual-zone climate control and even more comfort features, especially for rear passengers, along with minor design tweaks.
- If you want a safe, stylish coupé SUV now, the current Curvv is already well-equipped; if you love extra comfort and luxury, the 2026 refresh is worth tracking.
9. New Maruti Suzuki Dzire – A Safer Compact Sedan Face of Maruti
Maruti Suzuki has been criticised for safety in the past, but the latest Dzire has changed that narrative by achieving a 5-star safety rating under Bharat NCAP. It’s now one of the safest compact sedans in the country.
Safety highlights
- 5-star adult and child safety rating
- Multiple airbags (with the company moving towards 6 airbags as standard in newer models)
- Improved body structure compared to older Marutis
- ABS with EBD, ISOFIX, rear parking sensors and camera
2026 update to watch
- Maruti is on an aggressive safety and electrification push. By 2026, expect more variants, possibly with mild-hybrid and expanded ADAS in the broader line-up, while Dzire continues as the safe, mainstream compact sedan.
- For budget buyers wanting a safer Maruti sedan right now, the new Dzire is a logical choice.
10. Skoda Kylaq – One of the Safest Sub-4m SUVs Tested
The Skoda Kylaq is a sub-4m SUV that has achieved 5-star safety ratings with very high adult and child protection scores. It’s built with Skoda’s traditional focus on safety and feels reassuringly solid.
Safety highlights
- 5-star adult and child ratings with very high numerical scores
- 6 airbags as standard
- ESC, hill-hold control, ISOFIX
- Well-tuned structure for both frontal and side impacts
2026 update to watch
- A new variant of the Kylaq is expected around late 2025–early 2026, and there is talk of a more efficient powertrain option (including the possibility of a CNG variant) to match Indian market demand.
- Volkswagen is also expected to bring a sister compact SUV based on the same platform in 2026, giving buyers more choice on the same safe underpinnings.
Bonus: Maruti Suzuki eVitara – Safe EV Coming in 2026
While not yet on sale, the Maruti Suzuki eVitara has already been crash-tested and scored 5 stars for adult and child safety. It’s due to reach showrooms around early 2026 and is expected to offer:
- 5-star crash rating
- Up to 7 airbags
- Level-2 ADAS, 360-degree camera
- Long claimed driving range and competitive pricing for an EV SUV
If you’re planning an EV purchase specifically in 2026, this is one model to keep on your radar.
How to Use This List as a Buyer
- Start with safety, then see features.
Treat a 5-star car as the baseline, not a luxury. - Compare within your segment.
- Sub-4m SUV: Punch EV, XUV 3XO, Kylaq, Nexon
- Mid SUVs: Curvv, Taigun
- Large SUVs: Safari/Harrier, XUV700
- Sedans: Verna, Dzire (compact)
- Think long-term.
A car with strong crash structure and 6 airbags that you keep for 8–10 years is worth far more than a cheaper car with weak safety just to save a little today. - Decide: buy now or wait for 2026.
- If you’re okay with current features and want a proven safe model, 2025 is already a great time.
- If you specifically want new EVs, petrol variants, or next-gen tech, watch for Safari EV, eVitara, next-gen Nexon and Curvv 2026 updates.
Final Word
You can’t control how others drive. But you can control what you and your family sit inside.
Choosing one of these 10 safest cars of 2025 – and keeping an eye on their 2026 updates – means you’re not just buying a vehicle; you’re buying peace of mind.
Infographic – 10 Safest Cars in India 2025
(Crash Rating + New Variants Coming in 2026)
Top Safest Cars (2025) – Star Ratings + Updates
| Rank | Car Model | Safety Rating (Adult/Child) | 2026 New Launch/Upgrade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Tata Safari / Harrier | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Adult / ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Child | Safari/Harrier Petrol Variant Launch + Safari EV expected in 2026 | |
| 2. Tata Nexon & Nexon EV | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Adult / ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Child | Next-Gen Nexon 2026 with design refresh + upgraded ADAS | |
| 3. Tata Punch EV | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Adult / ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Child | Facelift Punch 2026 with interior upgrades & feature expansion | |
| 4. Volkswagen Taigun | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Adult / ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Child | 2026 will bring special editions + performance updates | |
| 5. Hyundai Verna (New Gen) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Adult / ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Child | ADAS 2.0 expansion & premium feature pack expected 2026 | |
| 6. Mahindra XUV700 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Adult / ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Child | XUV 7XO update in 2026 with updated design & tech upgrades | |
| 7. Mahindra XUV 3XO | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Adult / ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Child | 2026 variants + turbo upgrade editions expected | |
| 8. Tata Curvv / Curvv EV | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Adult / ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Child | 2026 Curvv Luxury Pack with bigger features & comfort add-ons | |
| 9. Maruti Suzuki Dzire (New Gen) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Adult / ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Child | Hybrid + ADAS upgrades in development for 2026 | |
| 10. Skoda Kylaq | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Adult / ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Child | Kylaq 2026 enhanced trims + possible CNG powertrain variant |
