Euro NCAP has announced its Best-in-Class cars for 2025, naming the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y as the safest vehicles in their respective categories. The results come from Euro NCAP’s busiest testing year ever, as automakers roll out more electric vehicles and increasingly advanced driver assistance systems.
The refreshed Tesla Model 3 was named Best Large Family Car, while the Model Y earned Best Small SUV honors. Both vehicles achieved five-star safety ratings and posted standout scores across Euro NCAP’s four core assessment areas: Adult Occupant, Child Occupant, Vulnerable Road User, and Safety Assist.
According to Euro NCAP, the Model 3 “remains a leader in safety,” with particularly strong performance in Child Occupant protection and continued improvements in driver assistance features. The Model Y, meanwhile, was described as “the gold standard for small SUVs,” excelling in both Child Occupant protection and Safety Assist testing.
“Euro NCAP names its Best-in-Class cars to help consumers easily identify the highest-performing cars that the organisation has evaluated over the past year,” said Euro NCAP Secretary General Dr. Michiel van Ratingen. “2025 has had its challenges, but despite this, it has been pleasing to observe that the car industry has remained committed to improving vehicle safety.”
Tesla narrowly missed out on the overall Best Performer of 2025 title, which went to the Mercedes-Benz CLA. “It was a close-run competition,” Dr. Michiel added, noting that Tesla was “only fractionally behind,” while increased global competition is ultimately good news for consumers who prioritize safety.
The results further reinforce Tesla’s growing list of safety accolades. The refreshed Model Y earned a fresh five-star Euro NCAP rating late last year with some of the strongest scores ever recorded for an electric SUV. The vehicle was also named an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ for 2025 in the U.S., while Tesla’s Cybertruck secured a five-star NHTSA safety rating despite its unconventional design.
Euro NCAP said electric vehicles are now frequently matching — or surpassing — the safety performance of traditional gas-powered cars. “We are seeing electric vehicles not just matching but often exceeding the safety performance of traditional cars,” said Dr. Aled Williams, Programme Director at Euro NCAP, calling it reassuring for buyers considering the switch to EVs.
With safety technology rapidly evolving and new testing standards coming in 2026, Tesla’s latest wins show the company continues to set a high bar as both competition and expectations increase.
