Elite Adult & Child Safety
In the evolving automotive landscape of India, safety is no longer an afterthought but a primary consideration for SUV buyers. Leading the charge in this
critical aspect are several models that have achieved the highest accolades in the Bharat NCAP crash tests. The forefront of this safety revolution is occupied by the Tata Harrier EV and Mahindra XEV 9e, both of which have secured a perfect score in adult occupant protection (32/32) and a remarkable 45 out of 49 in child safety tests. These achievements underscore a significant commitment to passenger well-being, setting a high standard for the entire industry. These vehicles are not just about raw capability and high ground clearance; they are engineered with occupant safety as a paramount concern, demonstrating that ruggedness and advanced protection can coexist seamlessly.
Advanced Protection Features
Beyond top-tier crash test scores, these leading SUVs are equipped with a comprehensive suite of active and passive safety technologies. Standard across many of these top-rated models are 6 airbags, strategically placed to offer maximum coverage in the event of a collision. All-wheel disc brakes ensure superior stopping power, complemented by ISOFIX anchors for secure child seat installation. Essential driver aids such as a rear camera and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) are also common. For those seeking the pinnacle of safety technology, Level 2 ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems) is available in higher variants of models like the Tata Harrier EV and Mahindra XEV 9e. This advanced suite utilizes multiple radars and cameras to offer features like adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist, significantly enhancing situational awareness and mitigating potential hazards on the road.
Strong Contenders Emerge
Following closely behind the segment leaders are other noteworthy SUVs that also deliver exceptional safety performance. The Mahindra BE 6, for instance, scores highly with 31.97/32 for adult safety and 45/49 for child safety. It comes equipped with 6 airbags as standard, expandable to 7 in top trims, and features innovative brake-by-wire technology alongside standard TPMS. Higher variants integrate a sophisticated Level 2 ADAS suite. The Maruti Victoris also makes a strong statement with 31.66/32 in adult safety and 43/49 in child safety, alongside a full 5-star Global NCAP rating. Its safety package includes 6 airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), ISOFIX anchors, and seatbelt reminders for all occupants, with Level 2 ADAS available in top-tier versions. These models demonstrate that excellent safety is accessible across a range of popular vehicle choices.
Diverse Safety Offerings
The commitment to safety extends across various segments, including lifestyle and electric vehicles. The Tata Sierra, built on the new ARGOS architecture, achieves impressive scores of 31.14/32 for adult safety and 44.73/49 for child safety. Standard safety features include 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, ISOFIX mounts, and all-wheel disc brakes, with higher trims enhancing the experience with a 360-degree camera and Level 2 ADAS. Similarly, the Maruti e Vitara impresses with 31.49/32 in adult safety and 43/49 in child safety, featuring 7 airbags, TPMS, ESP, ABS with EBD, and hill-hold control as standard. Its top variant further includes a 360-degree camera and Level 2 ADAS. Even within the lifestyle SUV category, the Mahindra Thar Roxx scores highly with 31.09/32 in adult safety and 45/49 in child safety, offering 6 airbags, ISOFIX, ESC, and select trims with Level 2 ADAS, proving that robust safety is a universal priority for modern Indian vehicles.
Comprehensive Protection Across Segments
The drive towards enhanced vehicle safety in India is evident across a broad spectrum of SUVs, ensuring that a wide array of consumers can access top-tier protection. While some models are lauded for their advanced driver-assistance systems and premium features, others focus on delivering fundamental safety strengths across their lineups. For example, the Skoda Kylaq, while not featuring a 360-degree camera or ADAS, still secures a commendable 30.88/32 for adult safety and 45/49 for child safety. It comes equipped with essential safety provisions such as 6 airbags, ESC, ISOFIX anchors, and seatbelt reminders for all occupants. This diverse approach highlights that robust safety ratings are achievable through various combinations of safety features, catering to different buyer preferences and budgets while upholding the critical standards set by Bharat NCAP and other safety assessment bodies.
