Safest small SUVs 2024/2025

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.

No need to search far and wide for these super-safe small SUVs, though, as we've rounded up the top performers right here.

Toyota C-HR

• Prices from £31,500
• Euro NCAP Rating: 5 stars (2024)
• Adult occupant score: 85%
• Child occupant score: 88%
• Vulnerable road users score: 84%
• Safety assist score: 78%

It’s far from being the cheapest small SUV you can buy, but the Toyota C-HR does offer plenty of equipment, an efficient hybrid powertrain and, of course, a full five-star Euro NCAP safety rating. On top of these qualities, this distinctively styled car also carries Toyota’s strong reputation for reliability. We even found the C-HR enjoyable to drive during testing, too, and opting for the 2.0-litre hybrid or plug-in hybrid powertrain results in a decent amount of shove.

Volkswagen Tiguan

• Prices from £34,000
• Euro NCAP Rating: 5 stars (2024)
• Adult occupant score: 83%
• Child occupant score: 88%
• Vulnerable road users score: 84%
• Safety assist score: 78%

Just like the aforementioned Toyota C-HR, the Volkswagen Tiguan also commands a pretty substantial starting price, but it does offer a decent amount of bang for its buck. While it’s a bit lacking in the excitement stakes, the VW is refined and spacious, as well as being reasonably efficient. There’s a suite of safety tech included as standard, too, including autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assistance and traffic sign recognition.

Renault Captur

• Prices from £21,500
• Euro NCAP Rating: 4 stars (2024)
• Adult occupant score: 76%
• Child occupant score: 80%
• Vulnerable road users score: 76%
• Safety assist score: 69%

The Renault Captur can’t quite match the full five-star rating of the other two cars on this list. However, it is still one of the safest small SUVs you can buy according to Euro NCAP’s latest testing criteria. Not only is the latest model a rather attractive looker, but some clever interior design maximises the level of space on offer inside, meaning it’s a decent candidate for family use. It’s affordable, too, with prices starting from under £22,000. While its lack of the latest advanced tech prevented it from scoring the full five stars, the little Renault still includes a decent helping of kit, such as a driver monitor and emergency lane assistance.

Safest small SUV Euro NCAP scores