LEUVEN, BELGIUM – Euro NCAP introduces InReview 2025, an insightful report that looks back at what proved to be the safety organisation’s most active year since its inception in 1997.
Despite a challenging economic landscape for the European automotive industry, 2025 saw Euro NCAP deliver a record 108 assessments of new cars from more than 50 global brands. Of these, a remarkable 98 per cent of all models tested achieved four stars or more.
The organisation’s influence reached unprecedented levels in 2025, reflected in a "Year in Numbers," that saw more than 421,000 media interest – a 54 per cent increase from the previous year. Digital engagement surged alongside these views, with the most-watched YouTube video of the year clocking up nearly 450,000 views. On social media, the organisation's top-performing post generated over 581,000 impressions, contributing to a total of nearly 3.8 million page and profile impressions across all platforms, a 47.7 per cent rise compared to 2024.
2025’s NEW safer cars
The Mercedes-Benz CLA emerged as the year’s Best Performer, becoming the first vehicle in the organisation’s history to earn the title twice (previously in 2019).
The year was also defined by a surge in new market entrants, particularly from emerging EV brands such as Togg, firefly, and EXLANTIX, which largely achieved excellent safety scores.
Although an impressive 98 per cent of models tested achieved four stars or more,
Euro NCAP’s role as a catalyst for change was demonstrated by its influence on corrective actions. For instance, when a seat latch failure was identified with the MG 3, a family hatchback, the manufacturer initiated a redesign of the affected components and market recall specifically in response to Euro NCAP’s findings.
Advancing sustainability and commercial safety
In 2025, battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) accounted for over 58 per cent of all cars tested. Simultaneously, the Green NCAP initiative transitioned to a full Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approach, evaluating a vehicle's environmental impact from manufacturing through to end-of-life. Beyond passenger cars, Euro NCAP’s Safer Trucks Programme gained significant international momentum, releasing 15 new truck ratings and winning the 2025 Prince Michael International Road Safety Award.
2026: raising safety standards
Euro NCAP is preparing for its most ambitious rating overhaul to date. In 2026, a new framework will focus on four key stages of safety: safe driving, crash avoidance, crash protection, and post-crash safety. This will raise the bar for vehicle and road safety higher than ever.
InReview 2025 offers a real insight into Euro NCAP’s remarkable year of testing but also reveals how we are continuing to engage with audiences and new manufacturers entering the European market. As we transition into this era of safety innovation and new Euro NCAP 2026 protocols, we remain committed to providing the independent, impartial safety ratings that empower consumers and drive industry innovation.
- Dr. Michiel van Ratingen, Secretary General Euro NCAP
