The safest cars: Tesla, Mercedes, Volkswagen and more

As new research reveals the safest cars on the market, we look at the models that will keep you protected.

When it comes to choosing your next car, safety is often just as important as price, performance or practicality.

Every year, independent body Euro NCAP puts the latest models through a punishing series of crash and safety tests – and the results reveal which cars truly go the extra mile to keep drivers, passengers and pedestrians safe.

So far in 2025, 46 new cars have been tested, with just a handful standing out.

Here are the 10 safest cars, ranked by their Euro NCAP scores.

1. Tesla Model 3

Adult protection: 90%
Child protection: 93%
Pedestrian protection: 89%
Safety assist: 87%
Total score: 359/400

The Tesla Model 3 may no longer be brand-new, but it continues to lead the pack for safety.

According to the researchers, its child-presence detection provides drivers with even more reassurance.

The experts also praise Tesla’s rapid Supercharger network and a fun-to-drive character.

The model has a range of up to 436 miles – the maximum distance it can travel on a fully charged battery.

2. Smart #5

Adult protection: 88%
Child protection: 93%
Pedestrian protection: 84%
Safety assist: 92%
Total score: 357/400

Smart’s largest-ever model, the #5 SUV, isn’t just practical – with a 630-litre boot and roomy interior – it’s also the company’s safest model.

It impressed the judges with full marks for lane-keeping assist, excellent AEB performance and the second-highest safety assist score of any car tested.

Euro NCAP only flagged weaker chest protection for drivers during certain safety tests.

With up to 366 miles of range, it’s a genuine contender if you’re looking for an electric vehicle.

3. Mercedes E-Class

Adult protection: 92%
Child protection: 90%
Pedestrian protection: 84%
Safety assist: 87%
Total score: 353/400

According to the data, the E-Class avoided almost all potential collisions, including those with pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists.

It also includes cyclist alerts and a child-presence warning system as standard.

The model is one of the last new Mercedes models to still offer petrol and diesel engines.

4. Firefly EV

Adult protection: 96%
Child protection: 87%
Pedestrian protection: 82%
Safety assist: 86%
Total score: 351/400

The Firefly EV, from Chinese brand Nio, is due to land in the UK by the end of 2025.

With a 205-mile range, quirky retro styling and battery-swapping tech, it’s already getting attention from car enthusiasts.

Euro NCAP gave it a near-perfect 96% adult protection score, as well as praising its child-presence detection system.

Its driver-assist features also impressed, though braking performance against motorcyclists and when reversing was less convincing.

5. Zeekr X

Adult protection: 91%
Child protection: 90%
Pedestrian protection: 84%
Safety assist: 83%
Total score: 348/400

Arriving in the UK in 2026, the Zeekr X SUV is designed for safety.

It scored full marks in side impact tests, while its AEB system was flawless in spotting and avoiding cyclists.

Smart extras include a system that prevents doors from opening into passing bikes, automatic post-crash braking, and the ability to operate doors and windows even after being submerged in water.

6. Volkswagen ID.7

Adult protection: 95%
Child protection: 88%
Pedestrian protection: 83%
Safety assist: 80%
Total score: 346/400

The Volkswagen ID.7 saloon is VW’s new electric flagship and one of the safest cars tested this year.

The model impressed WhatCar? experts during the full-width frontal crash test, offering excellent protection for passengers.

Its pop-up bonnet also helps reduce pedestrian and cyclist injuries, while driver-assist systems have been significantly improved to feel smoother and less intrusive.

=7. MG IM6

Adult protection: 90%
Child protection: 85%
Pedestrian protection: 83%
Safety assist: 87%
Total score: 345/400

The MG IM6 is a premium SUV designed to rival the Tesla Model Y and Audi Q4 e-tron.

The vehicle wowed Euro NCAP with strong lane support and driver monitoring, plus effective AEB (though reversing pedestrian detection was weaker).

It also scored well for whiplash protection, but driver chest protection in the side pole test was rated only “marginal”.

=7. Nio ET5

Adult protection: 96%
Child protection: 85%
Pedestrian protection: 83%
Safety assist: 81%
Total score: 345/400

Due for release in late 2025, the Nio ET5 is a smart-looking saloon (and estate), according to the research.

With a 96% adult protection score, it’s one of the safest executive EVs around.

Euro NCAP highlighted its reliable AEB for pedestrians, children and motorcyclists, plus smooth lane support.

Its main shortcoming was cyclist detection, which wasn’t always accurate.

=7. Polestar 3

Adult protection: 90%
Child protection: 93%
Pedestrian protection: 79%
Safety assist: 83%
Total score: 345/400

The Polestar 3 is the star performer for families, gaining the top child protection score.

It also secured maximum points for crash safety and child-seat installation.

Adults are well protected too, though it’s not the gentlest in head-on collisions with smaller vehicles.

An active bonnet also helps soften pedestrian and cyclist impacts.

=7. Smart #3

Adult protection: 90%
Child protection: 86%
Pedestrian protection: 84%
Safety assist: 85%
Total score: 345/400

The Smart #3 takes the SUV format of the #1 and gives it a sportier, coupé-inspired design – without skimping on safety.

Its AEB worked well in spotting cyclists, motorcyclists and other vehicles, while a driver monitoring system checks on fatigue and inattention.

Have your say

Have you ever driven any of the motors on our list?

If so, what has been your experience of safety?

We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

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