Tesla achieves five-star safety rating
Two of the year’s most talked about electric vehicles, the Porsche Taycan and Tesla Model X, have been tested by Euro NCAP and although both received five-star ratings, the Tesla Model X showed stronger safety performance in key assessment categories.
With its 98% score in Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) and 94% in Safety Assist – the category which assesses safety technology – the Tesla Model X is one of the safest cars of the year. The Porsche Taycan meanwhile achieved 85% in AOP and 83% in Safety Assist.
Matthew Avery, director of research, Thatcham Research and Euro NCAP board member, said: “The devil’s in the detail when you compare the Euro NCAP assessments of the Tesla Model X and Porsche Taycan. Both are safe cars, but the Tesla Model X is the stand-out.”
It’s 94% Safety Assist score matches the result achieved by the Tesla Model 3 earlier in 2019. This remains the best result in the category by some margin, although the 83% score achieved by the Porsche Taycan is now the second highest Safety Assist score this year.
Avery said: “Tesla has long touted its cars as some of the safest on the market and given the performance of the Tesla Model 3 and Model X in Euro NCAP testing, they might just be right. However, the brand’s tendency to overstate the autonomous capability of its driver support systems remains a concern. These systems are leaders in crash avoidance, but drivers should not be encouraged to over-rely on them and must stay attentive at all times.”
Meanwhile, the Jeep Renegade has become the first model of 2019 to receive three-stars.
Avery said: “Jeep’s record in Euro NCAP testing is variable, to say the least. Last year the Jeep Wrangler was given a one-star rating, one of the lowest ever seen. The 2019 Jeep Cherokee was an improvement, but the Jeep Renegade shows the brand falling behind on safety again. Just compare it to the safety performance of the Mazda CX-30, which is in the same class of vehicle.”
Despite its overall four-star rating, The Volkswagen Sharan was penalised for its performance in the side pole test. The side door detached during the impact, presenting a risk of occupant ejection.
