NCAP Safety Ratings Explained

Euro NCAP and other New Car Assessment Programmes provide standardised safety ratings that help consumers compare vehicle safety. Understanding these ratings is crucial for making informed purchase decisions.

The overall star rating (1-5) is derived from four categories: adult occupant protection, child occupant protection, vulnerable road user protection, and safety assist features (ADAS).

A 5-star rating from 2024 represents significantly higher safety standards than a 5-star rating from 2018. NCAP regularly updates its testing protocols, making year-of-test important context for any rating.

Not all vehicles sold in emerging markets have NCAP ratings. Chinese brands like Jetour and Changan are increasingly submitting their vehicles for testing to build consumer confidence in their safety credentials.

When comparing vehicles, look beyond the star rating at individual category scores. A car might score well in adult protection but poorly in pedestrian safety or ADAS availability.