Tesla’s updated Model Y has once again proven why it remains one of the most popular electric SUVs on the market, securing a five-star rating in the latest round of Euro NCAP crash tests released this week.
The refreshed model not only maintained the clean sweep of top-tier marks but also posted stronger results in several key safety categories—despite being held to increasingly strict testing protocols.
The 2025 Model Y was one of 23 vehicles evaluated in Euro NCAP’s final batch of tests before the organization moves to its more demanding 2026 framework. While 18 models earned five-star ratings, the Model Y set itself apart with standout performance across child protection, protection for pedestrians and cyclists, and driver-assistance technology.
Stronger Protection for Children and Vulnerable Road Users
Among the highlights, the new Model Y achieved a 93% score in Child Occupant Protection—matching the highest results in this year’s group and improving on the already strong performance of the legacy Model Y. Euro NCAP noted that the SUV provided “full points” for crash protection when tested with 6- and 10-year-old dummies and accommodated all recommended child seats without issue.
Tesla also made notable improvements in the Vulnerable Road Users category. The refreshed Model Y posted an 86% score, placing it second in the entire cohort and surpassing its predecessor in most pedestrian and cyclist protection metrics.
These gains come despite Euro NCAP tightening requirements for detecting cyclists, motorcyclists, and distracted or impaired drivers—areas where Tesla’s latest vision-based software continues to advance.
Improved Safety Assist From Better Software, Not New Hardware
One of the most interesting takeaways from this year’s results is that the Model Y’s superior Safety Assist score wasn’t driven by additional sensors or hardware changes. Instead, Tesla earned a leading 92% rating due to updated and more capable software.
That pushes the Model Y to the top of the pack ahead of competitors like the Volvo EX90, which scored 86%.
New capabilities include enhanced driver-monitoring thanks to added distraction and microsleep detection, plus improved performance in automatic emergency braking and collision-avoidance scenarios.
The inclusion of a unique in-cabin radar system used specifically for direct child-presence detection also played a role. This system can identify if a child has been left in the back seat and issue immediate alerts, a feature still rare in the industry.
Euro NCAP’s Last Test Round Before Tougher 2026 Standards
This year’s test group—the largest of 2025—also included the Lucid Gravity, which matched Tesla’s five-star overall rating but fell short in adult occupant protection and several crash-prevention tests.
Euro NCAP will roll out its most aggressive testing protocol yet in 2026, adding expanded crash-avoidance evaluations, more thorough driver-monitoring requirements, and new post-crash safety assessments. With the strong performance of its refreshed Model Y, Tesla appears well-positioned heading into the next generation of European safety standards.
New Model Y receives 5-star rating from Euro NCAP
— Tesla Europe & Middle East (@teslaeurope) November 19, 2025
Highlights
– Superior scores (vs legacy Model Y) in Vulnerable Road Users (pedestrians, cyclists) & Child Occupant Protection, even under stricter protocols
– Improved Safety Assist performance w/ same hardware as Model 3… pic.twitter.com/bW8lL0qYvH
