The Rise of Chinese Cars in European Safety Ratings
In a surprising turn of events, crash tests have revealed that Chinese-made cars are now among the safest on the market. This is a stark contrast to what was once believed just a decade ago. Particularly, electric vehicles (EVs) from China have taken the lead in this year’s European safety charts.
Euro NCAP, an independent organization known for conducting crash tests to evaluate car safety, has awarded 18 five-star ratings so far this year. Most of these top-rated models are Chinese-made EVs. This marks a significant shift from the past, when Chinese cars were often seen as imitations of Western designs, with poor build quality and unreliable powertrains. Safety was not a priority, but that has changed dramatically over the years.
InsideEVs has long pointed out that the Chinese car industry is ahead of the United States. With the latest crash test results from Europe, it’s clear that Chinese automakers are reshaping the automotive landscape.
One example is the Voyah Courage EV, which might be unfamiliar to many but received a five-star rating from Euro NCAP. Five stars are the ultimate goal for most automakers launching new vehicles, as customers prioritize safety. Euro NCAP’s safety ratings, along with similar assessments like Latin NCAP and ANCAP, are considered the gold standard in the industry. These evaluations can significantly impact an automaker’s success.
This year, Euro NCAP tested 28 cars, and 18 received the prestigious five-star rating. Out of these, 13 were made in China. Among the five-star models, 11 are Chinese-made EVs. While some models on the list are produced by European or American companies—such as the Tesla Model 3, Mini Cooper E, and Polestar 3—there is no denying that Chinese engineering played a key role in their development. Additionally, several Chinese-based automakers made the list, including Zeekr, Voyah, Geely, Cherry, Hongqi, and Jaecoo. Even MG, a British brand based in China, has a five-star EV.
Five-Star Euro NCAP Models in 2025
Here are some of the models that earned a five-star rating:
- Tesla Model 3 – EV – China
- Lynk & Co 02 – EV – China
- Polestar 3 – EV – China
- Zeekr 7X – EV – China
- Audi A6 e-tron – EV – Germany
- Voyah Courage – EV – China
- Polestar 4 – EV – China
- Geely EX5 – EV – China
- Cupra Terramar – Gasoline, PHEV – Hungary
- Omoda 9 – PHEV – China
- Mini Cooper E – EV – China
- BYD Sealion 7 – EV – China
- Volkswagen Tayron – Gasoline, Diesel, PHEV – Germany
- MG MGS5 EV – EV – China
- Audi Q5 – Gasoline, Diesel, PHEV – Mexico
- Hongqi E-HS9 – EV – China
- Kia EV – EV – South Korea
- Jaecoo 7 PHEV – PHEV – China
A decade ago, an episode of Top Gear featured two hosts testing Chinese cars. Their experience was far from impressive. However, they acknowledged that “everybody will be driving Chinese cars” due to the country’s rapid progress. Now, China has transformed from being the laughingstock of the car industry to a leader in EV powertrains, in-car infotainment systems, and safety ratings. Western automakers are now playing catch-up with a country they once dominated.
This shift highlights the growing influence of Chinese automakers on the global stage. As the EV market continues to evolve, it’s clear that China is not only keeping up but also setting new standards for safety and innovation.
