The top 5 safest ICE cars in India reflect a major leap in automotive safety for Indian families and enthusiasts. With Bharat NCAP launched to align Indian vehicles with global protection standards, these five models stand out by earning a perfect five-star rating in both adult and child occupant protection, and by posting exceptional crash test scores that redefine what buyers can expect for safety. Here’s a closer look at each model, why they scored so well, and what sets them apart in real-world safety.
Top 5 Safest ICE Cars in India – Scores & Highlights
| Model | Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) | Child Occupant Protection (COP) | Overall Star Rating | Body Protection (AOP/COP) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mahindra Thar Roxx | 31.09 / 32 | 45 / 49 | 5 Stars | Good/Adequate |
| Skoda Kylaq | 30.88 / 32 | 45 / 49 | 5 Stars | Good/Adequate |
| Hyundai Tucson | 30.84 / 32 | 41 / 49 | 5 Stars | Good/Adequate |
| Toyota Innova Hycross | 30.47 / 32 | 45 / 49 | 5 Stars | Good/Adequate |
| Kia Syros | 30.21 / 32 | 44.42 / 49 | 5 Stars | Good/Adequate |
1. Mahindra Thar Roxx: Benchmark for Off-Road Safety
Leading the top 5 safest ICE cars in India, Mahindra Thar Roxx impresses with 31.09/32 in Adult Occupant Protection and a full 45/49 in Child Occupant Protection. BNCAP found body protection for the driver and front passenger was either good or adequate, especially in challenging scenarios like frontal and side impacts. Rescue and extrication scores for the Thar Roxx also meet international vehicle safety norms. This makes the Thar Roxx not only a rugged off-roader but also a reliable shield for families.
Why Thar Roxx Stands Out:
- Sturdy body-on-frame construction adds structural integrity.
- ESC and seat belt reminders standard.
- Child seat installation designed to global specs.
- Excellent side impact protection for all major body parts.
2. Skoda Kylaq: European Engineering, Indian Assurance
The Skoda Kylaq secures its place among the top 5 safest ICE cars in India thanks to its 30.88/32 AOP score and 45/49 COP. In both frontal and side collision tests, the Kylaq was found to offer good to adequate protection, notably for the head, neck, and chest areas. Kylaq’s blend of European design strength and high-tech safety equipment makes it a top pick for safety-minded buyers wanting sub-4m SUV style without compromise.
Why Kylaq Is Trusted:
- 5-star rating for both adults and children.
- ESC, pedestrian protection (AIS-100), and seat belt reminders as standard.
- Skoda’s multi-layer body protection philosophy.
- Good protection for driver and front passenger, especially in critical crash zones.
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3. Hyundai Tucson: Feature-Rich Safety
Hyundai Tucson scores 30.84/32 in AOP and 41/49 in COP, earning a 5-star Bharat NCAP safety rating. Its advanced crash zones and well-designed restraint systems resulted in mostly “good” protection across head, chest, and legs in both driver and passenger seats. The Tucson’s global platform and focus on crash absorption make it a strong contender on both safety and luxury.
Tucson’s Safety Strengths:
- Good protection in frontal offset and side impact tests.
- ESC and pedestrian protection as standard.
- Adequate protection for driver’s chest and feet in demanding crash scenarios.
- Modern restraint systems for child passengers.
Also Read: Top 5 Automatic Cars in India Under 15L
4. Toyota Innova Hycross: Family-Focused Protection
The Toyota Innova Hycross features among the top 5 safest ICE cars in India, posting 30.47/32 in AOP and a full 45/49 in COP. Bharat NCAP found most body zones scored “good” across frontal and side impacts, with the driver’s chest and left lower leg rated adequate. Toyota’s reputation for reliability and multi-generational family safety is reaffirmed in these results.
Innova Hycross Safety Edge:
- Large MPV structure with multiple collateral safety zones.
- Segment-leading child protection scores.
- Frontal/side impact performance ideal for large families.
- ESC and seat belt reminders keep daily driving safer.
Also Read: Toyota Innova Hycross Scores 5‑Star Safety Rating in Bharat NCAP
5. Kia Syros: Value & Good Safety Rating
Kia Syros rounds out the list, earning 30.21/32 in AOP and 44.42/49 in COP for a full 5-star rating. Crash tests found good protection for most driver and passenger body parts, with only the driver’s chest and lower legs rated as adequate. The right lower leg of the front passenger also scored adequate, but all side impact areas achieved “good” scores.
Kia Syros Highlights:
- Sturdy structure and body engineering.
- ESC and seat belt reminders.
- Optimal child seat installation and impact absorption.
- Affordable SUV with uncompromised safety.
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What Makes These the Top 5 Safest ICE Cars in India?
- Consistent 5-star ratings for adult and child protection
- High crash test scores in both AOP and COP
- Standardized safety tech: ESC, pedestrian protection, and seat belt reminders
- Rigorous child restraint system compatibility and performance
- Global-level structure and design adaptation for Indian road conditions
Conclusion
The top 5 safest ICE cars in India—Mahindra Thar Roxx, Skoda Kylaq, Hyundai Tucson, Toyota Innova Hycross, and Kia Syros—have set a new safety benchmark for Indian buyers. Each model excels in crash test scores, structural integrity, and overall peace of mind, sending a clear message to both consumers and manufacturers: safety is now a top priority in India’s rapidly evolving car market.