SUVs Safety Ratings- How Safe Are Some Of The Most Popular SUVs In India

The Global NCAP test is used to ensure the safety level of entry-level versions of each model that enters the market. These safety ratings of the SUVs are based on the Adult Occupant Protection and Child Occupant Protection scores in a crash test. The scores are mainly given out based on the readings of the crash test dummies.

The Adult Occupant Protection scores have 17 points. It takes driver injury readings from the head and neck, the chest, knee, femur, pelvis, and the leg and foot into consideration. However additional points are awarded for seatbelt reminders, side-impact protection, and four-channel ABS.

The 49-point Child Occupant Protection score is based on readings from the 18-month-old to 3-year-old sized crash test dummies placed in child car seats. Further points are awarded for three-point seat belts, ISOFIX, child restraint systems, etc. Let’s have a look at ten of the most popular compact SUVs in India and rank them based on these SUVs safety ratings.

1. Tata Nexon

This is one of the most popular compact SUVs available on the market. It is available with a 1.5-litre turbo-diesel engine as well as a 1.2-liter turbocharged petrol engine. Tata Nexon engine comes with AMT automatic transmission. The car has a price range of 6.95 lakh INR to 12.70 lakh INR. This SUVs safety ratings are a 5-star safety rating in terms of adult occupant protection and a four-star rating for a child occupant. It has features like roll-over mitigation, emergency brake assist, electronic parking brake as well as ABS with EBD and airbags.

2. Mahindra XUV300

This SUVs safety rating is an impressive five stars for adult occupant protection and four stars for a child. It offers 2 frontal airbags in all its models. ESC and side-impact airbags are optional. The Mahindra XUV300 cleared the side impact UN95 testing as well. Child occupant protection also turned out to be pretty good. The car comes with child restraints and ISOFIX anchorages.

3. Mahindra Thar

The Mahindra Thar has a Global NCAP safety rating of four stars for both child and adult occupants. It has stable bodyshell integrity two airbags. The Mahindra Thar has also cleared the side impact UN95 regulation. It comes with standard ISOFIX anchorages and 3 point seat belts for all positions.

4. Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza

The Vitara Brezza scored 4 stars on the Global NCAP scale. This SUV comes with 2 airbags and its bodyshell proved to be stable during crash tests. It offers standard sBR and ABS. However, it has a two-star rating when it comes to a child occupant. The Brezza comes with standard ISOFIX tethers but does not have 3-point belts in all positions.

5. Kia Seltos

The Kia Seltos has been a market favorite since its launch but it has a shocking Global NCAP rating of 3 stars for adult occupant and only 2 stars for a child occupant. The base variant lacks ISOFIX and a 3-point seatbelt. Seltos’ bodyshell turned out to be unstable and it could not handle further loadings during the crash test. Unfortunately, this SUVs safety ratings were disappointedly subpar. 

6. Ford Ecosport

Unfortunately, this popular compact SUV hasn’t been tested by Global NCAP yet. But it has been tested by Euro NCAP and NHTSA (USA crash tests) and since their perimeters are similar, this score still holds value… However, the Indian spec of the Ford Ecosport is yet to be tested as this overall 4-star rating is for the Euro-spec model.

7. Hyundai Venue

The Hyundai Venue is yet another car whose Indian-spec model has not been tested. However, its US-spec version has received amazing safety scores. Additionally, its Australian-spec model has a 4-star rating for adult as well as child occupants.

8. Honda WR-V

No capable authority or organization has tested this SUV yet. The Honda WR-V was made keeping the third-generation Honda Fit hatchback in mind. That car has received acceptable safety ratings for the International model. The Indian-spec model for that car has not been tested either.

9. Hyundai Creta

This SUVs safety rating is a four-star in adult occupant protection and three stars for a child occupant. The Latin NCAP tested the pre-facelift Hyundai Creta and it proved to be valid for the Latin NCAP market. It comes with two airbags and a stable bodyshell, capable of withstanding further loading. However, they did not conduct a side impact UN95 crash test. Global NCAP has not tested this car yet.

10. MG Astor

The Astor is basically the petrol version of the ZS EV, which the brand sells in global markets. The ZS has scored a 5-star rating in the ASEAN crash test. This bodes well for the Astor which comes with 6 airbags in the top trim and ESC. It is also the first compact SUV after Seltos to have a 360-degree camera.

However, it is important to remember that despite your SUVs safety ratings, it is necessary to carry out timely repair and maintenance to reduce the chances of any mishaps and keep your car in its best condition. For more information regarding your car’s maintenance, visit AutoFlipz.