Cars in India with remarkable safety standards are increasing in number. Thanks to Bharat NCAP (Bharat New Car Assessment Programme), we can now compare models across SUVs, hatchbacks and sedans, based on real-world safety performance as per Indian standards on various parameters to find the best value for money. So far, the official testing agency of India has assessed more than 30 models from notable manufacturers such as Mahindra, Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, and Kia. We have compiled a list of the top 5 safest cars in India in 2026 that buyers can consider if safety is their foremost concern. Do note that these rankings include both Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) and Child Occupant Protection scores.
Mahindra XEV 9e
Priced from Rs 21.90 lakh (ex-showroom)
The XEV 9e, which went on sale in India in 2024, is one among the safest electric cars on roads according to the crash test safety ratings from Bharat NCAP. The e-SUV earned 32 out of the total 32 in Adult Occupant Protection (AOP). As for the child safety, it scored 45 out of the 49, resulting in 77 points overall.
The XEV 9e can be had with either a 59kWh battery or a larger 79kWh one, with a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) configuration. The 59kWh battery has a 227bhp electric motor, while the 79kWh option boasts a more potent 282bhp motor, and offers a class-leading range of 656 kilometres. Safety-wise, the electric SUV comes equipped 7 airbags (as standard), a 360-degree camera, a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), a Level 2 ADAS, park assist, an electronic parking brake, and ISOFIX child seat mounts.
Tata Harrier EV
Priced from Rs 21.49 lakh (ex-showroom)
Another electric car on this list that managed to secure a 5-star safety rating, with good scores across AOP and COP is the Harrier EV. The Tata car has an Adult Occupant Protection score of 32/32, and a Child Occupant Protection score of 45 out of 49, leading to total of 77 points. It is underpinned by the automaker’s advanced version of the Acti.ev platform, and is available with two battery options (65kWh and 75kWh).
The smaller battery is used in entry-level RWD variants, while the larger one is employed in higher-range RWD and AWD versions. In terms of safety, the Harrier electric SUV features a 360-degree camera, tyre pressure monitoring, ABS with EBD, 7 airbags, front and rear parking sensors, and ESC. It also comes with Level 2 ADAS.
Mahindra BE 6
Priced from Rs 19.65 lakh (ex-showroom)
Following the footsteps of the bigger sibling, the BE 6 SUV has near-perfect AOP score of 31.97 and a 45/49 in child safety, which makes a total of 76.97 points. While the battery options are similar to that of the XEV 9e, the range differs.
The smaller battery enables the BE 6 to travel up to 557 kilometres, while the bigger battery extends the distance to 682 kilometres. Key safety features include Level-2 ADAS, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), a 360-degree camera, and 7 airbags.
Kia Seltos
Priced from Rs 10.99 lakh (ex-showroom)
The Kia Seltos is the highest-ranked ICE SUV on the list, with an AOP score of 31.7 and a child safety score of 45, resulting in overall points of 76.7. It comes with three engine options, including a 1.5‑litre naturally aspirated petrol (113bhp/144Nm), and a 1.5‑litre turbo-petrol (158bhp/253Nm), and a 1.5‑litre diesel (114.4bhp/250Nm).
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As for the safety, the new Seltos has a 360-degree camera with Blind View Monitor, ADAS Level 2 with 21 autonomous features, including Lane Keeping Assist, and Front Collision Warning and Avoidance Assist.
Maruti Suzuki Victoris
Priced from Rs 10.50 lakh (ex-showroom)
The Victoris has an AOP score of 31.66 out of 32 and COP score of 43 out of 49, which makes for a total of 74.66 points. The SUV is available with petrol, CNG, and strong hybrid powertrain options (similar to Grand Vitara). When it comes to safety, Maruti Suzuki’s Arena SUV has a 360-degree camera, six airbags, ISOFIX mounts, ABS with EBD, traction control, and Level 2 ADAS, which is a first for Maruti Suzuki.
