Bharat NCAP crash test ratings in 2026 include a growing number of 5-star cars across SUVs, EVs and sedans. Recent high scorers include the Mahindra XUV 3XO ZNG, Tata Punch.ev, Maruti Brezza, VinFast VF6 and VF7, Honda Amaze, Maruti Suzuki Dzire and Tata Curvv EV. These models have recorded strong adult and child occupant protection results under India’s vehicle safety assessment programme.
For Indian car buyers, the growing number of rated vehicles makes crash-test performance easier to compare across different models. At QuirkyByte, we see Bharat NCAP becoming a useful reference for buyers who want to consider occupant protection before making a purchase. As more vehicles are tested, consumers can compare published safety scores across different price points and body styles.
What is Bharat NCAP?
Bharat NCAP is India’s voluntary New Car Assessment Program for category M1 vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight of up to 3,500 kg. It evaluates vehicles for occupant protection and assigns star ratings according to their performance under the applicable test protocol. Published results typically include Adult Occupant Protection and Child Occupant Protection scores.
The programme provides manufacturers with a standardized domestic framework for assessing vehicle safety. Consumers can use the published results to compare how different models perform in crash tests. Because participation is voluntary, manufacturers submit eligible vehicles for assessment rather than every vehicle on the market being tested automatically. The list of rated models continues to grow as more vehicles undergo testing.
Which cars have 5-star Bharat NCAP ratings in 2026?
Several mainstream models now have 5-star Bharat NCAP ratings, including compact SUVs, electric SUVs and sedans. The published results show that high safety scores are available across different vehicle categories and manufacturers. Buyers prioritizing crash protection can compare these models using their adult and child occupant protection scores.
| Model | Adult Occupant Protection | Child Occupant Protection | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mahindra XUV 3XO | 29.36/32 | 43.00/49 | 5 stars |
| Tata Punch.ev | 31.09/32 | Not disclosed | 5 stars |
| Maruti Brezza | 30.41/32 | 43.00/49 | 5 stars |
| VinFast VF6 | 27.13/32 | 44.41/49 | 5 stars |
| VinFast VF7 | 28.54/32 | 45.25/49 | 5 stars |
| Honda Amaze | 28.33/32 | 40.81/49 | 5 stars |
| Maruti Suzuki Dzire | 29.46/32 | 41.57/49 | 5 stars |
| Tata Curvv EV | 30.81/32 | 44.83/49 | 5 stars |
These numbers should be considered alongside the overall star rating. Adult and child occupant scores assess different aspects of protection, while the final rating depends on satisfying Bharat NCAP’s broader requirements. Looking at the complete result provides more context than comparing a single sub-score.
Mahindra XUV 3XO ZNG gets a 5-star rating
The Mahindra XUV 3XO ZNG, the CNG variant of the XUV 3XO, secured a 5-star Bharat NCAP safety rating in November 2026. The standard XUV 3XO has a published Adult Occupant Protection score of 29.36 out of 32 and a Child Occupant Protection score of 43.00 out of 49. These figures place the model among the stronger performers assessed under the programme.
The ZNG result is relevant because alternative-fuel variants are becoming an important part of India’s passenger-car market. It also demonstrates how manufacturers are extending their safety credentials across multiple powertrain variants. Buyers considering CNG vehicles can therefore include crash-test performance in their comparisons alongside running costs.
How did the Tata Punch.ev perform?
The Tata Punch.ev recorded an Adult Occupant Protection score of 31.09 out of 32, one of the highest figures in this comparison. That places it close to the maximum available score in the adult-protection category. Its result adds to the number of electric vehicles receiving 5-star ratings under Bharat NCAP.
Electric vehicles are increasingly being compared on safety alongside range, charging and features. For buyers considering smaller electric SUVs, published crash-test scores provide another way to evaluate available models. The Punch.ev result gives consumers a specific occupant protection figure to consider alongside other ownership requirements.
Maruti Brezza earns a 5-star score
The Maruti Brezza scored 30.41 out of 32 for Adult Occupant Protection and 43.00 out of 49 for Child Occupant Protection. These results place it among the better-performing mainstream SUVs in the current Bharat NCAP pool. The rating is relevant because the Brezza competes in one of India’s most crowded mass-market segments.
Crash-test results provide another point of comparison for buyers choosing between similarly priced compact SUVs. The Brezza also adds to the number of Maruti Suzuki models with strong results under India’s domestic assessment programme. Safety performance can now be considered alongside features and fuel efficiency when comparing vehicles in this segment.
How safe are the VinFast VF6 and VF7?
Both VinFast SUVs in this comparison secured 5-star Bharat NCAP ratings. The VF6 scored 27.13 out of 32 for Adult Occupant Protection and 44.41 out of 49 for Child Occupant Protection. The VF7 recorded 28.54 out of 32 for Adult Occupant Protection and 45.25 out of 49 for Child Occupant Protection.
The VF7’s child-protection score is among the higher figures in this group. These published results provide safety information for both electric SUVs as VinFast establishes its presence in the Indian market. For newer brands, independent crash-test results can help buyers assess vehicles without relying entirely on manufacturer claims or long-term market reputation.
Which sedans have 5-star Bharat NCAP ratings?
The Honda Amaze secured a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating with 28.33 out of 32 for Adult Occupant Protection and 40.81 out of 49 for Child Occupant Protection. It joins the Maruti Suzuki Dzire among mass-market sedans with a top Bharat NCAP rating. The Dzire scored 29.46 out of 32 for Adult Occupant Protection and 41.57 out of 49 for Child Occupant Protection.
These results are useful because vehicle safety discussions in India often concentrate on SUVs. The Amaze and Dzire demonstrate that buyers can find high crash-test ratings in sedans as well. Families who prefer this body style can use the published scores to compare occupant protection without assuming that a larger SUV is necessary.
How did the Tata Curvv EV score?
The Tata Curvv EV achieved 30.81 out of 32 for Adult Occupant Protection and 44.83 out of 49 for Child Occupant Protection. Both scores are among the higher figures in this comparison. The result adds to Tata’s presence in vehicle safety discussions, particularly among newer electric models.
As more electric vehicles enter the market, crash-test scores provide another basis for comparing them. Buyers can examine standardized occupant protection results rather than relying exclusively on safety equipment lists or promotional claims. The Curvv EV’s published figures allow consumers to consider its crash performance alongside other EV purchase factors.
What does a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating require?
A 5-star result involves more than performance in a single frontal crash test. Bharat NCAP’s criteria also include requirements for Electronic Stability Control, pedestrian protection and side-head protection under side-impact conditions. The assessment therefore considers multiple aspects of vehicle safety rather than relying on one test result.
Electronic stability systems can help drivers avoid losing control of a vehicle. Side-impact and head-protection requirements address different crash scenarios. These additional criteria explain why buyers should examine the overall star rating instead of judging a vehicle exclusively by its adult occupant score.
Should buyers choose a car only by its Bharat NCAP score?
Crash-test ratings deserve attention, but they shouldn’t be the only consideration when purchasing a vehicle. Buyers should check whether the tested variant and its safety equipment match the version they intend to purchase. Comparing Adult Occupant Protection, Child Occupant Protection and active safety systems provides more information than relying only on the star badge.
Two vehicles with 5-star ratings can still have different underlying scores. Those differences may matter depending on whether a buyer prioritizes adult protection, child protection or particular safety features. At QuirkyByte, we see Bharat NCAP as a useful starting point because it makes published crash-test performance easier to compare across competing models.
Frequently asked questions
What is Bharat NCAP?
Bharat NCAP is India’s voluntary New Car Assessment Program for M1 passenger vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight of up to 3,500 kg. It evaluates vehicle safety and assigns star ratings based on crash-test performance and related safety criteria. The programme gives Indian buyers a standardized reference for comparing occupant protection.
Which cars have 5-star Bharat NCAP ratings in 2026?
Models highlighted here include the Mahindra XUV 3XO ZNG, Tata Punch.ev, Maruti Brezza, VinFast VF6, VinFast VF7, Honda Amaze, Maruti Suzuki Dzire and Tata Curvv EV. The list includes compact SUVs, electric vehicles and sedans. Buyers can compare their published ratings and protection scores across these categories.
Which car has the highest adult protection score in this list?
Among the models with published scores in this comparison, the Tata Punch.ev has the highest Adult Occupant Protection figure at 31.09 out of 32. The Tata Curvv EV and Maruti Brezza also score above 30 out of 32. All three have recorded high adult-protection scores under Bharat NCAP.
Is a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating only based on crash scores?
No. The criteria also include requirements such as Electronic Stability Control, pedestrian protection and side-head protection under side-impact testing. The final star rating therefore considers more than one crash event or numerical score. It provides an assessment based on several vehicle safety requirements.
Are Bharat NCAP ratings mandatory for all cars?
No. Bharat NCAP is a voluntary programme, so manufacturers submit eligible vehicles for assessment. Not every passenger vehicle sold in India is automatically tested. As more manufacturers participate, consumers gain access to additional safety results for comparing vehicles.
