What are the safest cars of 2025?

Euro NCAP

Every year, Euro NCAP subjects a large number of new cars to rigorous crash tests. The goal? To gain insight into which cars are the safest. Euro NCAP rates cars on four aspects: the protection of adults and children in a crash, pedestrian safety, and the operation of advanced safety systems such as emergency braking systems. The final score is a weighted average of these categories, taking into account only the car’s standard safety equipment. Below are the safest cars by class: from spacious family cars to compact SUVs.

Large family car: Skoda Superb and Volkswagen Passat

The Skoda Superb and Volkswagen Passat, two nearly identical Volkswagen Group models, both scored impressively in crash tests. These spacious family cars are proof that traditional sedans and station wagons are still a solid choice for families. Space, comfort and safety go hand in hand here.

Small SUV and safest EV: Zeekr X

The Zeekr X, a Chinese compact SUV and a product of Geely (Volvo’s parent company), picked up no less than two awards. The model was voted safest compact SUV and safest electric car of 2024. This is remarkable considering the Zeekr X shares its platform with the Volvo EX30. The safety experts at Zeekr, many of them former employees of Volvo and Saab, apparently went the extra mile.

Large SUV: Mazda CX-80

In the large SUV category, the Mazda CX-80 emerged as the winner. The Japanese managed to narrowly beat the Audi Q6 e-tron. The Mazda not only managed to impress with its occupant protection, but also scored higher than many competitors in terms of pedestrian safety.

Safest overall: Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The new Mercedes-Benz E-Class is on the top step of the podium. With high scores on all tested components, the German sedan is the safest car of 2024 according to Euro NCAP.

Also read: These Chinese cars are very safe – Euro NCAP crash test results