2026 Top 5 Safest Cars in India | Bharat NCAP Crash Test Ratings | Harrier EV | Punch EV | Victoris | BE 6 | XEV 9E

2026-02-11

 

2026 Top 5 Safest Cars in India

Safety has become a key deciding factor for Indian car buyers as crash test awareness grows across the country. The Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (Bharat NCAP) was launched in 2023 to provide crash safety ratings specific to the Indian market, using testing standards aligned with global benchmarks. As of the latest results, several SUVs — especially electric models — have achieved 5-star safety ratings, with superior scores for adult occupant protection.

5. Tata Punch EV – AOP Score: 31.46/32

Top 5 safest cars in India as rated by Bharat NCAP

The Tata Punch EV earns its place among India’s safest cars with an impressive AOP score of 31.46 out of 32 points in the Bharat NCAP crash test. Launched as one of the earliest electric vehicles to undergo the programme, the Punch EV is equipped with comprehensive safety features including six airbags, electronic stability control (ESP), hill hold control, ISOFIX child seat mounts, rear parking sensors, and a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS). These standard features, combined with strong structural integrity, helped it secure a full 5-star rating for occupant safety.

TATA Punch EV Variants with Price

4. Maruti Victoris – AOP Score: 31.66/32

Maruti Victoris side pole Bharat NCAP crash test

Next on the list is the Maruti Victoris, a mid-size SUV that competes with segment rivals like the Hyundai Creta. Tested in its top-spec trims, the Victoris scored 31.66 out of 32 for Adult Occupant Protection, earning it a 5-star safety rating from Bharat NCAP. Standard safety equipment includes six airbags, 3-point seatbelts with reminders for all passengers, electronic stability control (ESC), and ISOFIX anchors. While its child occupant protection score is slightly lower than some rivals, the Victoris still delivers excellent crash safety performance overall.

3. Mahindra BE 6 – AOP Score: 31.97/32

Top 5 safest cars in India as rated by Bharat NCAP

 

The Mahindra BE 6 is one of Mahindra’s first born-electric SUVs and showcases strong crash safety credentials, with an AOP score of 31.97/32. Awarded a 5-star rating, this electric SUV comes well-equipped with safety features such as six airbags, a driver drowsiness detection system, rear parking sensors, a rear camera, TPMS, and more. The BE 6’s high safety scores reflect a robust body structure and effective occupant protection systems across its variant range.

Mahindra BE 6 Variants with Price

2. Mahindra XEV 9e – AOP Score: 32/32

Top 5 safest cars in India as rated by Bharat NCAP

Tied for second place, the Mahindra XEV 9e achieved a perfect AOP score of 32 out of 32, making it one of the safest vehicles tested under Bharat NCAP so far. Also a 5-star-rated model, the XEV 9e comes with strong standard safety gear, including six airbags, ISOFIX mounts, rear disc brakes, and TPMS across its lineup. Its outstanding crash performance demonstrates superior occupant protection, particularly in frontal, side and pole impact assessments.

Mahindra XEV 9e Variants with Price

1. Tata Harrier EV – AOP Score: 32/32

Top 5 safest cars in India as rated by Bharat NCAP

Claiming the top spot, the all-electric Tata Harrier EV also registered a perfect AOP score of 32/32, securing the highest possible ranking for Adult Occupant Protection in Bharat NCAP tests. With six airbags as standard across variants, plus 3-point seatbelt reminders, ESC and ISOFIX child seat anchors, the Harrier EV delivers outstanding crash safety performance. Its combination of strong structural integrity and comprehensive safety equipment earned it the No. 1 position among the safest cars in India.

TATA Harrier EV Variants with Price

The latest Bharat NCAP results highlight a significant shift in the Indian automotive landscape, with electric SUVs currently dominating safety rankings. All five models listed above have achieved 5-star ratings, but their Adult Occupant Protection scores set them apart as the safest choices for buyers prioritising crash performance and safety technology.

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