The safest cars of: rating of brands based on crash test results

Choosing a safe car is not just a matter of comfort, but an investment in your own life and the health of your passengers. According to WHO statistics, choosing the right car reduces the risk of death in an accident by 40-60%, even in serious accidents. But among hundreds of models, how can you find one that will truly protect you in a critical situation?

In this article, we analyzed data from leading independent organizations - Euro NCAP, IIHS (USA) and ADAC (Germany) - for 2023-2026 to create an up-to-date rating safest car brands. We took into account not only the results of crash tests, but also the presence of modern active safety systems, the cost of ownership and real feedback from owners after an accident. Particular attention was paid to models that are officially sold in Russia and the CIS countries.

It is important to understand: safety is a complex indicator. Even a car with the maximum rating 5 stars Euro NCAP does not guarantee 100% protection if the driver ignores traffic rules or neglects maintenance. But choosing the right brand and model significantly increases the chances of remaining unharmed in an accident.

How car safety is assessed: methods and criteria

Independent organizations conduct crash tests using strict protocols that are constantly being tightened. For example, in 2026 Euro NCAP made changes to the methodology: now not only the protection of adult passengers is assessed, but also pedestrian safety in collisions with electric vehicles (due to their greater mass and quiet running).

Main evaluation criteria:

• 🛡️ Adult Occupant Protection (frontal, side, rear impact)
• 👶 Child protection (retaining systems, deformation zones)
• 🚶 Pedestrian/cyclist safety (active hood, automatic braking)
• 🤖 Driver assistance systems (ABS, ESP, adaptive cruise control, sign recognition)

Interesting fact: from 2023 IIHS (USA) began testing cars on partial overlap collision (25% of the front), which simulates hitting a tree or pole. This test showed the vulnerability of many popular models, including some premium brands.

Top 5 safest car brands in 2026

Data driven Euro NCAP and ADAC, we have selected brands, all of whose models (or most) receive maximum 5 stars in crash tests over the last 3 years. Important: the rating takes into account not only premium brands, but also affordable middle-class models.

Place	Brand	Average safety score	Best Model 2026	Average price, RUB million
1	Volvo	98%	Volvo EX90 (electric crossover)	7.5
2	Subaru	96%	Subaru Outback (station wagon)	4.2
3	Tesla	95%	Tesla Model Y (electric crossover)	5.1
4	Lexus	94%	Lexus RX (premium crossover)	6.8
5	Mazda	93%	Mazda CX-60 (crossover)	3.9

Important detail: Volvo EX90 became the first car in the world to receive an Outstanding rating under the new protocol Euro NCAP 2023+ thanks to a unique side collision avoidance system using lidar.

Among budget brands it is worth highlighting Skoda and Kia - their latest models (Skoda Kodiaq and Kia EV6) showed results at the level of premium brands, but cost 30-40% less. This makes them the best choice for families with children.

Availability of the system AEB (automatic emergency braking)

Crash test results on the website Euro NCAP (not older than 2022)

Airbag status (check via diagnostic scanner)

Availability ESP and ABS as standard

Reviews from real owners after an accident (forums, social networks) -->

The safest cars in different price categories

Security is not always about price. We have selected models that offer maximum protection in their segment:

Budget segment (up to 2.5 million ₽)

• 🚗 Lada Vesta NG (2026) - the only Russian model with 4 stars Euro NCAP (2023 test). Equipped with 6 airbags and system ESC as standard.
• 🚗 Dacia Duster - despite the low price, it has a durable body and good test results Latin NCAP (analogue Euro NCAP for emerging markets).

Middle class (RUB 2.5–5 million)

• 🚗 Toyota Corolla Cross — leader in price/safety ratio. In 2026 received 5 stars ANCAP (Australian equivalent Euro NCAP) thanks to the system Toyota Safety Sense 3.0.
• 🚗 Hyundai Tucson — Korean crossover with 8 airbags and a unique system Rear Occupant Alert, which reminds you of children or animals forgotten in the back seat.

Premium segment (from 5 million ₽)

• 🚗 Mercedes-Benz E-Class - equipped with a system PRE-SAFE, which automatically tightens seat belts and closes windows when an imminent collision is detected.
• 🚗 BMW i7 - electric sedan with carbon safety cage and system Driving Assistant Professional, capable of independently maneuvering in traffic jams.

Which safety systems really work in an accident?

Modern cars are equipped with dozens of active and passive safety systems. But which ones actually save lives? We analyzed insurance company data and reports IIHS for 2023:

Top 5 most effective systems:

1. AEB (Automatic Emergency Braking) — automatic emergency braking. Reduces the number of collisions by 38% (data IIHS).
2. ESC (Electronic Stability Control) — exchange rate stability system. Reduces the risk of tipping over 80%.
3. BLIS (Blind Spot Monitoring) — control of blind spots. Helps avoid 23% Accident while changing lanes.
4. LDW (Lane Departure Warning) — lane departure warning. Effective on highways, where it reduces accidents 11%.
5. Rear Cross Traffic Alert — detection of intersecting vehicles when reversing. Reduces collisions in parking lots 22%.

An interesting case: in Sweden, where AEB mandatory for all new cars from 2022, the number of collisions with pedestrians has decreased by 45% in two years. This proves that even simple electronic systems can radically improve safety statistics.

Myths about car safety

🔴 “The heavier the car, the safer it is” - in fact, modern lightweight materials (aluminum, carbon fiber) absorb impact energy better than steel.

🔴 “Diesel engines are safer than gasoline engines” - the type of fuel does not affect passive safety. The only thing that matters is the presence of protection systems.

🔴 “SUVs protect better than sedans” - a high center of gravity increases the risk of rollover, which often leads to more severe consequences.

Which car is the safest for a family with children?

When choosing a family car, you need to pay attention not only to the number of stars in crash tests, but also to specific child protection systems. Experts ADAC We recommend paying attention to:

• 👶 ISOFIX — system for fastening child seats. It is optimal if the car has 3 attachment points (two at the back + one at the front).
• 🛑 Deactivation Airbag — the ability to disable the front passenger airbag to install a rear-facing child seat.
• 🔍 Rear Seat Reminder — reminder of the child in the back seat (relevant for forgetful parents).
• 🚪 Child Lock — blocking the rear doors from opening from the inside.

According to the 2026 test results, the following were recognized as the best family cars:

1. Volvo XC90 — 7 seats, system City Safety recognizes children and animals entering the road.
2. Skoda Kodiaq — spacious interior, 5 stars Euro NCAP, and biggest trunk in class (up to 2065 l).
3. Toyota Highlander - hybrid version with system Safety Connect, which automatically calls for help in the event of an accident.

Electric cars vs gasoline cars: which is safer?

With the spread of electric cars, a myth has arisen that they are less safe due to heavy batteries. However, tests Euro NCAP and IIHS prove the opposite: modern electric cars often superior analogous to internal combustion engines in terms of protection level.

Safety benefits of electric vehicles:

• ⚡ Low center of gravity (battery located in the floor) → less risk of tipping over.
• 🛡️ No engine at the front → large crumple zone.
• 🤖 Advanced driver assistance systems (in Tesla and Volvo they perform better than most gasoline competitors).

Risks of electric vehicles:

• ⚠️ Possibility of the battery catching fire with a strong impact (but modern models are equipped with automatic shutdown systems).
• ⚠️ Higher mass → greater inertia when colliding with pedestrians.

According to IIHS, Tesla Model Y and Volvo EX30 showed the best results in tests for partial overlap frontal collisionthan any gasoline crossovers in their class. At the same time, electric vehicles are more often equipped with systems AEB, which work more efficiently thanks to the instant response of the electric motor.

⚠️ Attention: When purchasing a used EV, be sure to check the battery history! A strong impact to the battery area can cause hidden damage that may take months or years to appear. Use diagnostic equipment to check BMS (battery management systems).

How to check the safety of a car before buying

Even if a model has a high crash test rating, a particular example may be unsafe due to hidden damage or lack of maintenance. We have compiled a checklist of 7 mandatory checks:

Checking VIN via Euro NCAP (does the equipment match the tested model?)

Diagnostics of airbags (there should be no errors in Airbag SRS)

Checking body geometry (laser stand or 3D scanner)

Systems test ABS/ESP (acceleration to 30 km/h and emergency braking)

Checking the seat belts (for chafing or blocking)

Inspection of deformation zones (traces of paint under the hood or in the trunk)

Checking electronics (are all sensors and cameras working) -->

Pay special attention airbags. According to the study ADAC, in 15% used cars After an accident, airbags are not replaced, but simply “reset” without diagnostics. This is deadly, since the next time they are triggered they may not open or may explode with a delay.

To check, use diagnostic scanners that read errors from the block SRS (for example, Launch X431 or Autel MaxiCOM). The cost of such diagnostics is from 1,500 rubles, but it can save lives.

⚠️ Attention: If the seller refuses to provide the car for full diagnostics or testing at the stand, this is a serious reason to doubt its safety. This is especially true for cars after an accident, restored “on the knee”.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about car safety

What car color is the safest?

According to a study from Monash University (Australia), white cars 12% less likely to get into an accident during the day due to better visibility. At night, cars with reflective elements (eg bumper stickers). Body color does not affect passive safety (crash protection), but can reduce the risk of an accident itself.

Is it true that old “Germans” (Mercedes W124, BMW E39) are safer than modern budget cars?

This is a myth. Despite the strong bodies, old cars do not have modern active safety systems (ABS, ESP, airbags) and programmed deformation zones. For example, in a frontal crash test Euro NCAP Mercedes W124 (1995) would have received no more 2 stars by modern standards, whereas even Lada Vesta (2026) has 4 stars.

What cars are the safest for beginners?

For novice drivers, cars with:

• 🔹 By the system LDW (lane departure warning)
• 🔹 Adaptive cruise control (ACC)
• 🔹 All-round cameras (360°)
• 🔹 Small in size (easier to park)

Best options for 2026: Toyota Yaris Cross, Hyundai Kona, Mazda CX-30.

Can you trust crash tests of Russian cars?

Tests ARKAY (Russian equivalent Euro NCAP) are carried out using a simplified methodology and often give inflated estimates. For example, Lada Granta received 4 stars in ARKAY, but only 0 stars in Latin NCAP (2020). For an objective assessment, it is better to focus on Euro NCAP, IIHS or ANCAP (Australia).

How often should you check your car's security systems?

Recommended schedule:

• 🔧 Every 10,000 km: sensor check ABS/ESP, brake system test.
• 🔧 Every 2 years: diagnostics of airbags and belt squibs.
• 🔧 After any accident: a complete check of the body geometry and electronic systems, even if the damage seems minor.

The cost of a complete security diagnostic is from RUB 3,000 at certified services.