Tesla Model 3 Named Safest Car in Europe for 2025

The Tesla Model 3 has earned the title of Europe’s safest new car in 2025, according to the latest Euro NCAP results. Scoring top marks in all four safety categories, Tesla outperformed rivals including the Volkswagen ID.7, Polestar 3, and Geely EX5. 

The results reaffirm Tesla’s leadership in EV safety, with the Model 3 already meeting the Euro NCAP’s stricter test standards.

Top performance in crash safety and emergency assist tech

The Model 3 achieved standout scores across the board: 90% for adult occupant protection, 93% for child protection, 89% for pedestrian protection, and 87% for safety assistance features. 

Tesla’s suite of safety systems, including intelligent speed assistance, child seat detection, and a pedestrian-friendly hood, also received strong marks. The company’s autonomous emergency braking system, in particular, delivered exceptional performance in complex traffic scenarios, such as intersections.

By contrast, the VW ID.7 fell short in several of these categories, underscoring Tesla’s technological edge. Euro NCAP also noted that the Model 3 already complies with more rigorous 2025 testing protocols, which some competitors have yet to meet.

Tesla’s lead persists despite criticism of Autopilot branding

While testers praised Tesla’s hardware and software integration, Euro NCAP cautioned that the branding of Tesla’s “Autopilot” may mislead some consumers. Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) feature, still not approved in Europe, could also cause false expectations about autonomous capabilities, the Euro NCAP warned, according to a Chip.de report.

Nonetheless, the Model 3’s overall results placed it ahead of not just the ID.7, but also EVs like the Kia EV3 and MG ZS, which failed to secure five-star ratings. In total, 14 out of 20 newly tested vehicles earned top scores, but Tesla’s dominance reflects its continued investment in safety as a core pillar in the EV segment.

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