Looking for the safest SUV for your family this year? The Polestar 3 achieved a record-breaking child safety score — here’s what you need to know. As electric SUVs increase in popularity, family car buyers are looking for cars that combine innovation, efficiency, and peace of mind, one model has emerged as a clear leader in child safety: the all-electric Polestar 3 SUV. This five-seat electric SUV — a top contender in the battle against the Tesla Model Y — has just made headlines for setting a new child safety record in the latest Euro NCAP crash tests. Scoring an outstanding 93% for child occupant protection, the Polestar 3 achieved the highest score recorded by any passenger car in nearly a decade under Euro NCAP’s stringent new protocols. Why the Polestar 3 is the Safest SUV for Children in 2025 Euro NCAP’s five-star safety rating is one of the most trusted benchmarks for vehicle safety in Europe and globally. In 2025, vehicles are evaluated across four critical areas: Adult Occupant Protection Child Occupant Protection Vulnerable Road Users Safety Assist Technologies While the Polestar 3 achieved a five-star overall rating, it was its near-perfect performance in the child safety tests that truly stood out. Here’s why: In both frontal offset and side barrier crash tests, the Polestar 3 delivered exceptional protection for child dummies representing six- and ten-year-olds. It features advanced airbag detection systems, which clearly indicate airbag status when a rear-facing child seat is installed in the front passenger seat. Its smart child presence detection system prevents the car from locking if a child is left inside — a crucial innovation for family safety. “The Polestar 3’s child occupant score is tantalizingly close to perfect,” said Dr. Aled Williams, Programme Director at Euro NCAP. “It’s a strong example of how a dedicated focus on passenger safety pays off.” SUV Popularity Surges — So Does the Need for Safety According to Global Data, SUVs accounted for 54% of all cars sold globally in 2024, up from 51% in 2023 and 49% in 2022. Popular with families due to their higher ride height, perceived safety, and versatile space. But as the number of SUV options grows, especially in the electric and hybrid space, independent safety ratings like Euro NCAP’s are more important than ever in helping consumers make informed decisions. How the Polestar 3 Compares to Other New SUVs The Polestar 3 wasn’t the only SUV to undergo testing in the latest Euro NCAP round. Here’s how it stacked up against its competitors in child safety and overall performance: Model Overall Rating Adult Child Vulnerable Users Safety Assist Polestar 3 ★★★★★ 90% 93% 79% 83% BYD SEALION 7 ★★★★★ 87% 93% 76% 79% Cupra TERRAMAR ★★★★★ 89% 87% 82% 76% GEELY EX5 ★★★★★ 86% 87% 83% 83% Hongqi E-HS9 ★★★★★ 82% 87% 73% 82% JAECOO 7 PHEV ★★★★★ 81% 80% 80% 80% Audi A6 (2024) ★★★★★ 87% 88% 78% 77% While the BYD SEALION 7 also scored 93% in child protection, it fell short in other key areas like safety assist and vulnerable road user protection, giving the Polestar 3 a more balanced and consistent safety profile overall. Why Euro NCAP’s Ratings Matter More Than Ever As dozens of new electric and hybrid SUVs — especially from Chinese manufacturers — enter the European market, Euro NCAP testing provides an impartial and transparent way to evaluate safety. Some newer entries, such as the GEELY EX5 and JAECOO 7, received top marks overall but revealed issues during testing: The GEELY EX5’s child presence detection didn’t meet Euro NCAP’s standards. A weld defect on the GEELY EX5 and a misfired airbag on the Hongqi E-HS9...