The Safest Cars According to NCAP

Updated 3 July 2024 - Originally published 7 April 2017

Choosing a new car? Safety should be your top priority. This article provides a breakdown of Euro NCAP’s “Best in Class” winners from 2022, highlighting the safest options for UK drivers across various categories. While Euro NCAP releases ratings throughout the year, 2022 is the most recent with a full set of awards.

Top Safety Picks by Category:

Small Family Car (2022):

• 1st Place: Ora Funky Cat (later renamed to ORA 03) (93% Adult, 82% Child) – This electric hatchback impressed Euro NCAP with its exceptional safety features and overall score. It comes standard with a comprehensive suite of airbags, AEB with pedestrian and cyclist detection, and lane departure warning.

Large Family Car (2022):

• 1st Place: Hyundai IONIQ 6 (97% Adult, 89% Child) – This fully electric saloon boasts exceptional safety scores and a spacious interior. It features AEB with junction assist, lane keeping assist, and driver attention monitoring.

Small Off-Road Vehicle (2022):

• 1st Place: Tesla Model Y (98% Adult, 87% Child) – This electric SUV continues to be a leader in safety, achieving top scores and featuring Tesla’s suite of advanced driver-assistance features.

Large Off-Road Vehicle (2022):

• 1st Place: Wey Coffee 01 (later renamed to GWM Wey 05) (91% Adult, 85% Child) – This plug-in hybrid SUV offers a blend of performance and safety. It features AEB with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane departure warning, and a traffic sign recognition system.

Executive Car (2022):

• 1st Place: Tesla Model S (98% Adult, 91% Child) – The Model S remains a top choice in the executive car segment, offering exceptional safety scores and a luxurious driving experience.

Please note: This list is based on Euro NCAP’s 2022 “Best in Class” winners. As Euro NCAP releases ratings throughout the year, some categories may have newer winners in 2024. It’s always recommended to check the Euro NCAP website https://www.euroncap.com/en for the most up-to-date safety ratings for the specific car you’re interested in.

Remember: Safety should be your top priority when choosing a new car. Use Euro NCAP’s ratings as a guide, but always research the specific model and trim level you’re interested in to ensure it meets your safety needs.