Tesla Model 3 Named Safest New Car in Europe for 2025

Tesla Model3 Named Safest New Car in Europe for 2025 originally appeared on Autoblog.

TheTesla Model3has been crownedEurope’s safest new carfor 2025, according to the latest round ofEuro NCAP crash tests. Under newly updated and stricter safety protocols, the Model3 scored a remarkable359 out of 400 possible points, leading all 20 newly tested vehicles and earning high marks across adult protection, child safety, pedestrian awareness, and active driver-assistance systems.But in typical Tesla fashion, the celebration comes with caveats.

Where The Model3 Shines

Despite being on the market longer than most of its rivals, the updated Model3 continues to impress crash-test agencies. It scored90% for adult occupant protection,93% for child safety,89% for pedestrian impact, and87% in Safety Assist systems. Euro NCAP highlighted its upgradedautonomous emergency braking (AEB), as well as pedestrian detection and child presence alerts.Even Tesla’s infamouspop-up hooddesign received praise for reducing injury risk during a collision with pedestrians — a clever bit of packaging that’s often overlooked in the EV arms race.It’s worth noting that these safety figures apply specifically to thenew European-built variant, but U.S. versions share the same platform, safety tech, and most core hardware.

Autopilot Still Raises Eyebrows

Still, Euro NCAP issued a familiar warning aboutAutopilot misuse, reminding buyers that Tesla’s driver-assist system still requires active supervision. That’s particularly relevant in the U.S., where along-running debate continuesover Autopilot’s branding, expectations, and real-world limitations. And while Tesla’sFull Self-Driving (FSD) Supervised system isn’t yet approved in Europe, its potential rollout has raised further safety questions.Tesla’s autonomous systems have come under increased scrutiny lately — and not just in testing. According to recent reports,Tesla’s robotaxi prototypes are already being caught breaking traffic laws, prompting NHTSA inquiries before the service even fully launches.

Safety, Stats, And Surprises

The Model3’s five-star safety performance in Europe is part of why the car remains so dominant in the EV segment. But as our analysis showed earlier this year,Tesla is still responsible for more fatal accidents than any other carmaker— not necessarily because the cars are unsafe, but due to factors like high mileage use, driver behavior, and the complexities of partial autonomy.And yet, the Model3 keeps selling. Even amid aQ2 sales drop, it remains one of Tesla’s top performers, outpacing the newer but slightly more expensiveModelYin certain markets.If you’re deciding between the two, ourModel3 vs. ModelY breakdownlays out the key differences — the Model3 is sleeker and more efficient, while the Y offers more cargo and interior space.Or maybe you’re cross-shopping rivals like thePolestar2. If so, we’ve already run the head-to-head:Tesla Model3 vs. Polestar2is a genuine toss-up depending on your priorities — though in terms of crash protection, Tesla now has the upper hand.

One Of The Safest EVs — Just Don’t Overthink It

With Euro NCAP’s award, Tesla can rightly claim that the Model3 is among the safest cars you can buy in 2025. But safety isn’t just about ratings on a page. It’s about how drivers use the technology, how regulators manage its rollout, and how Tesla communicates what its systems can — and can’t — do.Still, if you’re simply looking for an EV with standout crash protection, cutting-edge driver assistance, and segment-leading safety scores, the Model3 just made a convincing case for itself. Again.

Tesla Model3 Named Safest New Car in Europe for 2025 first appeared on Autoblog on Jul 12, 2025

This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Jul 12, 2025, where it first appeared.