Latest Bharat NCAP Safety Ratings 2026: Seltos, Venue, Punch EV, Sierra and Duster Compared

Bharat NCAP's official vehicle-safety table has expanded significantly in 2026. It now covers several high-volume SUVs and EVs, giving buyers more useful evidence than a generic claim that a car is 'safe'. The most important detail is that a star rating applies to the tested vehicle and the variants listed in the rating's applicability table; it should not automatically be extended to every future or lower-spec version.

Latest official scores

The numbers above are taken from the official Bharat NCAP vehicle-safety ratings page. Bharat NCAP evaluates adult occupant protection, child occupant protection and safety-assist technologies. A high adult score does not mean buyers should ignore child-seat compatibility, standard airbags, electronic stability control or the exact trim being purchased.

Which model leads on paper?

The Kia Seltos has the highest adult occupant score in this group at 31.70 out of 32, while the Tata Punch EV, Kia Seltos, Renault Duster and several others score 45 out of 49 for child occupant protection. The Mahindra XUV 7XO also posts a strong result at 30.76 out of 32 and 44.97 out of 49.

These differences are relatively small at the top. They should not be treated as a complete ranking of real-world safety because crash-test performance is only one part of the ownership decision. Tyre quality, seat-belt use, child restraint installation, driver assistance calibration and responsible driving all matter.

Why variant applicability matters

Bharat NCAP's own fact sheets identify the variants covered by each assessment. For example, the Maruti Suzuki Brezza result applies to select variants, and the Tata Punch EV 2026 fact sheet lists the tested variants and safety equipment. A buyer should download the relevant fact sheet and compare it with the dealer's variant quotation.

Look specifically for six airbags, ESC, ISOFIX mounts, seat-belt reminders, curtain-airbag coverage and the availability of autonomous emergency braking or lane assistance. ADAS can reduce risk in some situations, but it is a driver-support system and not a substitute for attention.

Best way to use a safety rating when buying

Use the crash score as a filter, then compare price and usability. A family buyer may value a strong child score, accessible ISOFIX mounts and stable third-row seating. A highway commuter may prioritise ESC, tyre-pressure monitoring, effective headlights and well-calibrated ADAS. An EV buyer should also check battery protection and whether the crash rating applies to the battery configuration being sold.

Explore our safest-cars guide, car comparison tool and model safety pages for the next step.

Source: Bharat NCAP official vehicle-safety ratings and model fact sheets, accessed October 2026. Ratings and applicability can be updated by the testing programme; verify the official record before purchase.