Euro NCAP has revealed its Best-in-Class cars for 2025, and this year’s list comes at a pivotal moment as Europe prepares for the biggest safety testing shake-up in over a decade.
Here’s what drivers and car buyers need to know.
1. Euro NCAP Releases Its Best-in-Class List Every January
Each January, Euro NCAP publishes a list of the top-scoring cars tested in the previous year, broken down by vehicle segment.
2. Only Five-Star Cars Are Considered
To qualify, cars must:
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Achieve a full five-star safety rating
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Include standard safety equipment
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Deliver outstanding crash protection and avoidance technology
No optional extras count — safety must come as standard.
3. Mercedes-Benz CLA Is the Overall Best Performer
The Mercedes-Benz CLA was crowned Overall Best Performer for 2025, setting the benchmark in the compact premium segment.
4. The CLA Also Won Best Small Family Car
This isn’t a one-off — the CLA also claimed Best Small Family Car, repeating its class win from 2019.
5. The CLA’s Safety Scores Are Industry-Leading
It achieved:
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94% Adult Occupant Protection
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89% Child Occupant Protection
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93% Vulnerable Road User Protection
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85% Safety Assist
These scores place it among the safest cars Euro NCAP has ever tested.
6. Six Cars Won Best-in-Class Awards
In total, six models topped their respective categories for 2025, reflecting growing competition in vehicle safety across all segments.
7. MINI Cooper E Is the Safest City Car
The MINI Cooper E took the title of Best City Car & Supermini, proving small cars can still deliver big safety credentials.
8. Tesla Dominated the Family & SUV Categories
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Tesla Model 3: Best Large Family Car, with exceptional child occupant protection
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Tesla Model Y: Best Small SUV
Both showed strong improvements in Safety Assist systems.
9. Newcomers Took the Top SUV and Executive Titles
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smart #5: Best Large SUV
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Polestar 3: Best Executive Car
These wins highlight how newer brands are setting fresh safety standards.
10. 2026 Will Bring Euro NCAP’s Biggest Overhaul Since 2009
From 2026, safety ratings will be structured around four Stages of Safety:
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Safe Driving
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Crash Avoidance
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Crash Protection
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Post-Crash Safety
Each stage will be scored out of 100, pushing manufacturers to focus not just on preventing crashes — but on protecting occupants and assisting emergency responders after an accident.
