From city cars to large SUVs and the upper class – the Euro NCAP organization, famous for its crash tests, has selected the safest passenger cars in particular market segments. However, safety comes at a price. Each of the featured models costs over PLN 150,000 in the cheapest version. zloty.
As every year, all cars subjected to crash tests in 2025 competed for the title of the safest model. And there were an exceptionally large number of them, mainly due to the entire wave of cars of Chinese brands that arrived on the European market.
The “Best in Class 2025” ranking was prepared based on four categories. The level of protection of the driver, adult passengers and children was assessed, as well as the so-called sensitive road users, including: pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists. The coefficients awarded after the tests are nothing more than the percentage of the maximum number of possible points.
However, among the safest models in individual classes, you will not find the most popular cars on the Polish market. The safest city car was electric Mini Cooper Electric. However, if you look at the results of this model, you can see that city cars, compared to other segments, offer the lowest level of safety.
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Car models with the highest safety factors in Euro NCAP tests |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Segment |
Model |
Protection of adult passengers [w proc.] |
Security kids [w proc.] |
Protecting others traffic participants* [w proc.] |
Security systems [w proc.] |
|
City cars |
Mini Cooper E |
89 |
87 |
77 |
79 |
|
Small family cars |
Mercedes-Benz CLA |
94 |
89 |
93 |
85 |
|
Large family cars |
Tesla Model 3 |
90 |
93 |
89 |
87 |
|
Small SUVs |
Tesla Model Y |
91 |
93 |
84 |
92 |
|
Large SUVs |
Smart #5 |
88 |
93 |
84 |
92 |
|
Upper class |
Polestar 3 |
90 |
93 |
79 |
83 |
|
*e.g. pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists |
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Source: Euro NCAP |
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Among the so-called small family cars received the highest marks Mercedes-Benz CLA. This model also scored the most points among all classes in two categories: protection of adult passengers and other road users.
The distinguished vehicles included: two Teslas: Model 3 became the safest large family car a Model Y won among small SUVs. In the remaining categories (large SUVs and upper class), the highest marks were awarded to cars without Polish price lists – Smart #5 and constituting a niche on the Vistula River – Polestar 3.
Safety included
A high level of safety – at least according to Euro NCAP reports – goes hand in hand with high prices. Most of the awarded cars in Poland cost over PLN 150,000. PLN to over 190 thousand zloty. These are, of course, the amounts for the weakest engine versions and the lowest equipment versions.
Much more, at least 349 thousand. PLN costs Polestar 3 and – as we have already mentioned – smart #5 does not have its own price list in Poland. Abroad, e.g. in Germany, this model costs at least EUR 45,900, or over PLN 194,000. zloty.
Euro NCAP in a new way
However, in 2026 the classification may change dramatically. Notes will be awarded based on additional categories. As “Auto Świat” emphasizes, the following will be taken into account: intuitiveness of security systems and comfort of their use – including: the impact of displays and screens on driver concentration.
The safety of the vehicle will also be assessed not only during but also after the collision – e.g. the ease of getting out of the car after an accident or reaching the injured. In this case, the tests will include, among others: electrically operated door handles.
