Maruti Suzuki’s safety image gets a major makeover: Dzire, Victoris, and Invicto earn full 5‑star NCAP ratings
For years, Maruti Suzuki cars were often criticised for low NCAP scores. Many buyers felt that safety was not its strength. But things are changing now. The latest batch of Maruti models has shocked the critics by scoring perfect 5‑star ratings in crash tests. The brand is now proving that safety can be part of its identity too. Below, we look at three Maruti models that have now earned 5 stars at NCAP’s test bed.
Maruti Suzuki e Vitara – 5‑Star (Bharat NCAP)
Let us commence this post with the latest Maruti Suzuki vehicle to be tested on the Bharat NCAP, the Maruti Suzuki e Vitara. It bagged a full 5-star safety rating in Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) and Child Occupant Protection (COP) categories. The electric SUV secured 31.49 points out of 32 in AOP and 43 points out of 49 in COP. Furthermore, the standard equipment includes 7 airbags, ISOFIX child seat mounts at the rear, seatbelt load-limiter, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) (UN GTR No.8 / UNECE R140 / AIS-133), pedestrian protection (AIS-100) and seatbelt reminder (AIS-145).
Maruti Suzuki Dzire – 5‑Star (Bharat NCAP & Global NCAP)
The Maruti Dzire became the first sedan from Maruti to get a 5‑star rating at Bharat NCAP as well as Global NCAP. In the former, it scored 29.46 out of 32 in Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) and 41.57 out of 49 in Child Occupant Protection (COP). This achievement is a big deal. Maruti made sure that even its base variants got strong safety features – six airbags, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), hill hold assist, and more. Because of this, the 5‑star rating applies broadly across its trims.
Maruti Suzuki Victoris – 5‑Star (Bharat NCAP & Global NCAP)
The Victoris SUV is the latest Maruti to join the 5‑star club. In Bharat NCAP, it scored 31.66 out of 32 in adult occupant tests and 43 out of 49 in child occupant protection. It also underwent Global NCAP testing and scored 33.72/34 in adult occupant protection and 41/49 in child protection. Victoris comes with six airbags as standard, ESC, ABS + EBD, and is the first Maruti to offer Level‑2 ADAS features in higher trims. The bodyshell integrity was rated “stable” in the Global test.
Also read: Maruti Victoris Lxi vs Vxi – Which Variant is More VFM?
Maruti Suzuki Invicto – 5‑Star (Bharat NCAP)
The Invicto, Maruti’s premium strong‑hybrid MPV, also secured a 5‑star Bharat NCAP rating. In Adult Occupant Protection, it scored 30.43/32. In Child Occupant Protection, it scored 45/49. In tests, Invicto got 14.43/16 in frontal offset test and 16/16 in side movable barrier. It was rated “OK” for side pole impact. All variants get safety features like six airbags, ESC, ABS, rear disc brakes, TPMS, 360° camera, and more. With this, Maruti now has three models with 5‑star ratings: Dzire, Victoris, and Invicto.
Special Mention: Maruti Suzuki Baleno – 4‑Star (Bharat NCAP)
The Baleno did not get a full 5 stars, but it still performed decently. It achieved a 4‑star rating in Bharat NCAP. In the 6‑airbag variant, it scored 26.52/32 in Adult Occupant Protection. In Child Occupant Protection, it scored 34.81/49. The lower scores are also a result of some variants having just 2 airbags at the time of testing. This resulted in lower protection in side and pole tests. It may be noted here that the Baleno now features 6 airbags as standard across its variants.
Special Mention: Maruti Suzuki Fronx – 4‑Star (Japan NCAP)
Finally, I have also included the made-in-India Maruti Fronx on this list, which was recently tested by the Japan NCAP. It received an impressive 4-star rating with 163.75 points out of 193.8 (84%). Digging a bit deeper reveals 79.42 points out of 85.8 (92%) in preventive safety performance, 76.33 points out of 100 (76%) in collision safety performance and 8 points out of 8 (100%) in automatic emergency call system. Moreover, in the frontal offset crash, it managed to score 21.08 points out of 24. On the side barrier test, the Maruti Fronx achieved a Level 5 rating at a speed of 55 km/h. Similarly, it got a Level 5 rating in the full-wrap front collision test at 50 km/h before a direct head-on crash. All this resulted in a 4-star rating. I must mention that if it is tested on the Bharat NCAP, it might get 5 stars since Bharat NCAP is slightly less stringent than the Japanese NCAP.
Maruti Suzuki Models and NCAP Scores
| Model | NCAP Program | Adult Occupant (AOP) | Child Occupant (COP) | Star Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| e Vitara | Bharat NCAP | 31.49 / 32 | 43 / 49 | 5 | India’s First Global EV with 5 stars |
| Dzire | Bharat NCAP | 29.46 / 32 | 41.57 / 49 | 5 | First Maruti sedan with 5 stars |
| Victoris | Bharat NCAP & Global NCAP | 31.66 / 32 (Bharat) / 33.72 / 34 (Global) | 43 / 49 | 5 | First SUV & with ADAS |
| Invicto | Bharat NCAP | 30.43 / 32 | 45 / 49 | 5 | MPV with strong hybrid & 5 stars |
| Baleno | Bharat NCAP | 26.52 / 32 (6‑airbag variant) | 34.81 / 49 | 4 | Some variants got lower scores due to fewer airbags |
| Fronx | Japan NCAP | 163.75 / 193.08 | 163.75 / 193.08 | 4 | Made-in-India model |
Also read: 5-star Maruti Victoris Crashes – See The Damage
Final Thoughts
Maruti Suzuki has made a strong turn. It has moved from low safety image to getting multiple 5‑star rated cars. The Dzire, Victoris, and Invicto now carry full 5‑star ratings, showing Maruti’s investment in safety. The Baleno, though not perfect, still earns a respectable 4 stars. This shift matters a lot for buyers today, who demand safer cars. It is clear: Maruti now takes safety seriously.
