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Euro NCAP Overhauls 2026 Car Safety Ratings With Four-Stage Model

The overhaul prioritizes real-world effectiveness with new checks responding to complaints about intrusive driver aids.

Overview

  • Assessments will cover safe driving, crash avoidance, crash protection and post-crash safety, each scored out of 100 with thresholds shaping the overall star rating, and protocols will now be revised every three years.
  • Driver assistance will be tested on track and in real traffic for crash-prevention performance, smoothness and intuitiveness, with added urban scenarios that include cyclists and motorcyclists.
  • Human–machine interface reviews will judge the placement, clarity and ease of essential controls, rewarding the availability of physical buttons for common functions.
  • Crash-protection evaluations expand to a wider range of occupant sizes using full-scale crash tests, laboratory sled tests and virtual simulations.
  • Post-crash rules add EV-specific requirements such as functional powered exterior door handles after an impact, correct high-voltage battery isolation and automated occupant counting for emergency responders.