Safest small SUVs 2026
These are the superior small SUVs when it comes to safety
While some of the largest SUVs feel sturdy enough to be driven through a brick wall (please don’t try this at home), many small SUVs also do a stellar job of protecting their occupants should the worst happen. The safest small SUVs are chock-full of advanced safety systems, and a number of models appear towards the higher end of Euro NCAP’s safety rating scoreboards.
As small SUVs have become the go-to choice for families, safety is more important than ever. When manufacturers hand their cars over to Euro NCAP, each model is put through a thorough analysis, looking at everything from the latest safety tech to how well children are protected if the worst happens. Choosing a car with the highest Euro NCAP scores means you can be confident that your family will be as safe as possible.
No need to search far and wide for these super-safe small SUVs, though, as we've rounded up the top three performers right here.
MGS5 EV
- Prices from £28,000
- Euro NCAP Rating: 5 stars (2025)
- Adult occupant score: 90%
- Child occupant score: 82%
- Vulnerable road users score: 82%
- Safety assist score: 78%
The MGS5 EV is the replacement for the strong-selling MG ZS EV, so it has big shoes to fill if it’s going to continue carving a big slice of the lucrative electric SUV market. As well as more distinctive styling, increased interior space and a slightly higher maximum claimed battery range of 298 miles, the MGS5 EV has one particularly crucial thing that its predecessor never managed, a five-star NCAP safety rating.
Volvo EX30
- Prices from £33,000
- Euro NCAP Rating: 5 stars (2024)
- Adult occupant score: 88%
- Child occupant score: 85%
- Vulnerable road users score: 79%
- Safety assist score: 80%
Volvo has become synonymous with safety over the decades, and we’re pleased to say that this hasn't skimped on in the Volvo EX30, even though this baby SUV is by far one of the brand’s cheapest models.
Don’t let the price fool you, though, as this still feels like a suitably upmarket product. Everything feels solidly put together, and there’s no shortage of standard tech. Our road testers even found the EX30 to be surprisingly fun to drive, especially in Performance guise. While Volvo’s minimalist design approach is a bit divisive, there’s little arguing with the level of value on offer.
Kia EV3 (with Safety Pack)
- Prices from £33,000
- Euro NCAP Rating: 5 stars (2025)
- Adult occupant score: 83%
- Child occupant score: 84%
- Vulnerable road users score: 78%
- Safety assist score: 78%
Our Small Company Car of the Year is one of Kia’s best efforts to date. Funky looks, sensible real-world efficiency, and attractively low costs make the Kia EV3 a competitive entry into this ever-growing sector. However, while the standard car has its fair share of active safety kit (as required by law), you’ll have to fork out for the Safety Pack if you want the full five stars instead of four.
Safest small SUV Euro NCAP scores
| Adult occupant | Child occupant | Vulnerable road users | Safety assist | |
| MGS5 EV | 90% | 82% | 82% | 78% |
| Volvo EX30 | 88% | 85% | 79% | 80% |
| Kia EV3 (with safety pack) | 83% | 84% | 78% | 78% |
| Toyota C-HR | 85% | 86% | 86% | 79% |
| Volkswagen Tiguan | 83% | 88% | 84% | 78% |
Did you know you can sell your car through Auto Express? We’ll help you get a great price and find a great deal on a new car, too.
