The Tesla Model 3 has passed through the hands of Euro NCAP specialists. How did it perform during the crash test protocol? Here's what you need to know.
The European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) has published the results of the Tesla Model 3 in its crash test protocol for 2025. For manufacturers, this rite of passage is always a source of anxiety, because a score that isn't the maximum makes it difficult to highlight vehicle safety among consumers.
In this case, Tesla does well here, obtaining the coveted 5 stars from the independent body. A good performance, given that the rating criteria have tended to become more stringent in recent years. Euro NCAP found that the Model 3 was quite well equipped with protective equipment. Almost everything is there, except for the knee airbags, which are very rare, or the side airbags for the chest and pelvis in the rear.
Effective protection of adult occupants
Regarding adult protection, the electric car scores 90%. “The Tesla Model 3 cabin remained stable during the frontal offset test. Dummy measurements indicated good protection for the knees and femurs of the driver and front passenger. Tesla has demonstrated that a similar level of protection would be provided to occupants of different sizes and positions,” the report summarizes. “In the side barrier test and the more severe side impact against a pole, good protection was provided for all critical areas of the body, and the Tesla Model 3 obtained maximum points in this part of the assessment,” Euro NCAP also states, highlighting the presence of a protective device to mitigate injuries between occupants during such impacts. The airbag was found to be effective, with “dummy measurements indicating good protection for the driver and passenger.”
The front seats and head restraints demonstrated good protection against whiplash injuries in a rear-end collision. The organization also appreciated the integration of an advanced eCall system to alert emergency services in the event of an accident, as well as a secondary impact prevention system after a collision. In addition, the doors and windows remain open to allow occupants to escape if the vehicle is submerged.
What about children and pedestrians?
The Tesla Model 3 also does not neglect child protection and obtains a score of 93% in this regard. “In the frontal offset and side barrier tests, the protection of the two child dummies was satisfactory for all critical areas of the body, and the Tesla Model 3 obtained maximum points in this part of the evaluation,” we learned. “The front passenger airbag can be deactivated to allow the use of a rear-facing child seat in that position,” it said, with a clear display of the airbag’s status for the driver.
The Tesla Model 3 is equipped with a direct child detection system, which issues a warning when it detects that a child or infant has been left in the car. “All types of child seats for which the Tesla Model 3 is designed were able to be correctly installed and fitted to the car,” the report noted.
For passengers, the tests are conclusive, but what about pedestrians and cyclists? The Model 3 once again passed its tests, scoring 89%. Sensors integrated into the bumper detect a collision with a pedestrian. In this case, the hood surface automatically lifts to reduce the risk of injury. The system provides adequate protection for the head, pelvis, femur, and lower legs. Furthermore, the Tesla Model 3's autonomous emergency braking system reacts brilliantly to the risk of collision with pedestrians and cyclists.
The driving assistance system convinced the experts, receiving a good 87%. A seatbelt reminder system is fitted as standard in the front and rear seats. A direct driver fatigue monitoring system, another for lane keeping assistance and a final one for speed assistance contribute to the Model 3's good results.
Overall, Tesla passes the Euro NCAP crash test protocol with flying colours, where the electric Renault 5 had encountered more difficulties.
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