Chinese Car Safety Ratings: Which Models Score Best in NCAP Tests?

Chinese Cars and Safety: The Transformation

Chinese car safety has undergone a remarkable transformation. A decade ago, Chinese cars scored poorly in crash tests, but in 2026, several models achieve 5-star ratings across global NCAP programs. This is driven by Chinese brands adopting global safety standards, hiring European safety engineers (Geely's Volvo connection is particularly beneficial), and investing in advanced driver assistance systems. Here are the safety ratings for top Chinese models available in the GCC.

BYD Safety Ratings

BYD vehicles have achieved excellent safety scores internationally. The BYD Atto 3 (known as Yuan Plus in China) scored 5 stars in Euro NCAP 2023, with 91% for adult occupant protection, 89% for child occupant protection, and 74% for safety assist. The BYD Seal achieved 5 stars in Euro NCAP 2024 with similar scores. BYD's Blade Battery also significantly reduces fire risk in collisions, as the battery structure provides additional chassis rigidity and crash protection. All BYD models sold in the GCC include comprehensive ADAS suites as standard or near-standard equipment.

Geely Safety Ratings

Geely benefits directly from its Volvo ownership and has the strongest safety credentials among Chinese brands. The Geely Monjaro (known as Xingyue L in China) scored 5 stars in China NCAP with 85.5% overall. Geely models share Volvo's safety philosophy, including reinforced passenger cells, advanced airbag systems, and Volvo-derived City Safety collision avoidance technology. The Geely Starray includes LiDAR-based autonomous emergency braking, the most advanced system available in any Chinese car. Geely vehicles consistently rank among the safest Chinese cars available in the GCC.

Chery Safety Ratings

Chery's Tiggo 8 Pro was tested by ASEAN NCAP in 2023, achieving a 5-star rating with 84.5% overall. The Tiggo 7 Pro scored 4 stars in ANCAP (Australasian NCAP) with 83% for adult occupant protection but only 65% for safety assist features. Chery has improved ADAS capability in its 2025-2026 models, adding blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, and lane keep assist as standard across the GCC range. The Tiggo 8 Pro Max benefits from a stronger body structure and is the safest Chery model currently available.

MG Safety Ratings

MG's modern models have performed well in global testing due to their European engineering roots (MG was a British brand acquired by SAIC). The MG ZS scored 5 stars in the 2022 Euro NCAP test with 92% for adult occupant protection. The MG HS scored 5 stars in Euro NCAP 2023. MG vehicles sold in the GCC benefit from MG's Pillar architecture, which was designed to meet Euro NCAP 5-star requirements. MG's comprehensive ADAS suite includes adaptive cruise control, lane centering, and automatic emergency braking across most models.

Nio and Zeekr Safety

Premium Chinese brands also prioritize safety. The Nio ET7 achieved 5 stars in Euro NCAP 2024 with scores of 85% for adult occupant protection and 83% for safety assist. The Zeekr 001 scored 5 stars in Euro NCAP with 82% overall. Both brands feature advanced LiDAR sensors, multiple radar systems, and over-the-air updatable safety systems. These premium Chinese EVs match the safety performance of equivalent BMW, Mercedes, and Tesla models.

ADAS Features Overview by Brand

• BYD: Standard on most models: AEB, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, rear cross traffic alert
• Geely: Adds Volvo-derived City Safety, LiDAR on Starray, driver monitoring system, remote parking assist
• Chery: Standard on mid-range and above: AEB, lane departure warning, rear cross traffic alert, 360-degree camera
• MG: Pilot package (standard on most): adaptive cruise with lane centering, traffic jam assist, intelligent speed assist
• Nio/Zeekr: Full ADAS suite including highway pilot, automated lane change, driver monitoring

Choosing the Safest Chinese Car

For maximum safety, choose BYD or Geely models with 5-star NCAP ratings. The BYD Seal and Geely Monjaro are the safest Chinese cars you can buy in the GCC in 2026. For budget-conscious buyers, the MG ZS (Euro NCAP 5-star) and Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max offer strong safety at lower price points. Always check the specific trim level's safety equipment, as ADAS features may vary between base and premium trims. Check the specific model's Euro NCAP or China NCAP rating before making your purchase decision.