Hyundai Tucson is the first Hyundai to be crash tested in Bharat NCAP
The Hyundai Tucson has earned a 5-star safety rating from Bharat NCAP, making it the first Hyundai model to be tested under the safety assessment program. This milestone places the Tucson alongside a growing list of SUVs from brands like Mahindra and Tata that have received similar accolades.
Safety Scores
The Tucson, tested in its top-spec 2.0-litre petrol-AT Signature variant, achieved a commendable score of 30.84 out of 32 for adult occupant protection, ranking it third in BNCAP’s AOP scores to date. The highest scores were achieved by the Tata Punch EV (31.46/32) and Mahindra Thar Roxx (31.09/32). For child occupant protection, the Tucson scored 41 out of 49, demonstrating its focus on ensuring safety for younger passengers.
Key results from the crash tests include:
- Adult Occupant Protection: The Tucson performed well in the frontal offset deformable barrier test (14.84/16.00) and secured full points (16.00/16.00) in the side movable deformable barrier test. In the side pole impact test, the SUV received an “OK” rating. Protection for the driver’s and passenger’s head and neck was rated as good, while chest and feet protection was deemed adequate.
- Child Occupant Protection: The SUV achieved full marks in the dynamic test (24/24) and CRS installation test (12/12). Both child dummies—representing an 18-month-old and a 3-year-old—were tested using rearward-facing seats secured by ISOFIX anchorages and a support leg.
Equipped for Safety
The tested model was manufactured in India for the domestic market and adheres to AIS-100 pedestrian protection norms. The Tucson comes with standard safety features such as six airbags, three-point seat belts with reminders for all passengers, electronic stability control (ESC) and ISOFIX anchors for rear outboard seats. Additional safety technologies include hill hold control, a tyre pressure monitoring system, front and rear parking sensors, a rearview camera and Level 2 ADAS.
Observations and Comparisons
While the Tucson’s scores are impressive, BNCAP did not provide specific details about the stability of the body shell and footwell area during impact tests. This leaves some room for interpretation regarding its structural integrity under extreme conditions. Furthermore, the level of detail provided in the child protection report is not as comprehensive as that offered by Global NCAP, limiting deeper insights into the safety performance of child dummies.
Market Context
It is worth noting that the Tucson model tested is not the latest facelifted version available in international markets. Prices for the Tucson in India currently range between Rs. 29 lakhs and Rs. 36 lakhs (ex-showroom).
