Chinese Car Safety Ratings — How Do They Score?
A decade ago, Chinese cars regularly failed international crash tests. Today, several models score 5 stars in Euro NCAP — the world's toughest independent safety test. Here is how the major brands and models perform.
| Model | Test body | Year | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| BYD Atto 3 | Euro NCAP | 2023 | 5 stars |
| BYD Seal | Euro NCAP | 2023 | 5 stars |
| BYD Dolphin | Euro NCAP | 2024 | 5 stars |
| Chery Omoda 5 | Euro NCAP | 2024 | 5 stars |
| MG4 EV | Euro NCAP | 2022 | 5 stars |
| MG ZS EV | Euro NCAP | 2022 | 4 stars |
| Haval Jolion | ASEAN NCAP | 2022 | 5 stars |
| NIO ET5 | Euro NCAP | 2023 | 5 stars |
| XPeng G9 | Euro NCAP | 2023 | 5 stars |
Ratings shown are for the highest-scoring variant tested. Specs vary by market — check the specific model sold in your region.
How crash testing works
Euro NCAP and other NCAP bodies test vehicles across four categories: adult occupant protection, child occupant protection, vulnerable road user (pedestrian) protection, and safety assist technology. A 5-star overall rating requires strong scores across all four areas, not just one.
Chinese EVs lead on safety
Electric vehicles have a structural advantage in crash tests — the heavy battery pack lowers the centre of gravity and can be integrated into the crash structure. BYD, NIO, and XPeng have leveraged this well. The BYD Atto 3, Seal, and Dolphin all achieved 5 stars in Euro NCAP with particularly strong adult and child occupant scores.
Weak spots to watch
Not every Chinese car scores well. Some budget models sold only in developing markets have not been independently tested at all. Even within a brand, safety specs can vary by market — airbag count, AEB availability, and structural reinforcement may differ between the Chinese domestic version and the export version. Always check the specific model for your market.
C-NCAP vs. Euro NCAP
C-NCAP is China's domestic crash test programme. It has historically been less stringent than Euro NCAP, though recent protocol updates have closed the gap. A 5-star C-NCAP rating does not guarantee a 5-star Euro NCAP result. For the most rigorous safety assessment, look for Euro NCAP or ASEAN NCAP results.
Verify safety spec before buying used
A used or imported Chinese car may have a different safety specification than the version that was crash-tested. Decode the VIN to confirm the exact variant, market destination, and equipment level — then cross-reference with the NCAP test result for that specific variant.
Buying a specific model?
Decode the VIN to confirm the exact variant and safety spec — crash test ratings only apply to the version that was tested.
FAQ
Are Chinese cars safe?
Many modern Chinese cars are very safe. Multiple models from BYD, Chery, NIO, and XPeng have achieved 5 stars in Euro NCAP. However, safety varies significantly by brand, model, and market variant. Always check the crash test results for the specific model you are considering.
Which Chinese car has the best safety rating?
Several Chinese cars share the top 5-star Euro NCAP rating, including the BYD Atto 3, BYD Seal, BYD Dolphin, Chery Omoda 5, NIO ET5, and XPeng G9. Among these, the BYD Seal and NIO ET5 scored particularly high in adult occupant protection.