INDIA: The Maruti Suzuki e-Vitara electric SUV has secured a four-star overall safety rating in Japan’s 2026 New Car Assessment Programme (Japan NCAP). The India-built electric vehicle received an A rank for preventive safety and a B rank for collision safety, according to the assessment released on October 20, 2026.
The result adds to the e-Vitara’s international safety credentials. The electric SUV has also received a five-star rating under Bharat NCAP in India. However, the two ratings are based on different testing procedures and assessment criteria and should not be directly compared.
e-Vitara scores well in several safety tests
The Japan NCAP assessment evaluates accident-prevention technology, collision protection and automatic emergency accident reporting. The e-Vitara achieved Level 5, the highest level, in several individual tests.
In the full-width frontal impact test, driver protection received Level 5, while protection for rear-seat occupants received Level 4. The new offset frontal collision assessment also received Level 4.
The SUV secured Level 5 in side-impact protection and rear-impact neck protection for both the driver and front passenger. Pedestrian protection results varied, with head protection receiving Level 3 and leg protection receiving Level 5. Seatbelt reminders were rated Level 4.
The vehicle’s automatic emergency accident reporting system received an Advanced Type II classification.
Emergency braking and driver assistance features
The e-Vitara delivered strong results in several preventive safety assessments, including automatic emergency braking involving pedestrians during daytime and at night, as well as cyclists. These tests received Level 5 ratings.
Lane-departure prevention, high-performance headlights and acceleration suppression when the accelerator is pressed by mistake also received Level 5.
However, performance varied in more complex intersection scenarios. Emergency braking for an oncoming vehicle during a right turn received Level 4, while pedestrian detection during right and left turns also received Level 4.
The motorcycle-related right-turn scenario received Level 3. Emergency braking for vehicles crossing at an intersection received Level 2, one of the lower individual results in the assessment.
These results illustrate how safety ratings account for a range of driving situations rather than only conventional crash tests.
Maruti Suzuki e-Vitara price and range in India
In India, the e-Vitara is available in Delta, Zeta and Alpha variants, with ex-showroom prices ranging from Rs 16.19 lakh to Rs 20.21 lakh, including the battery.
The electric SUV offers two battery options: 49 kWh and 61 kWh. Maruti Suzuki claims a driving range of up to 543 km, depending on the configuration.
The model is manufactured at Suzuki’s Gujarat plant, which serves as its global production base. Vehicles produced in India are exported to markets including Japan and Europe.
Five-star Bharat NCAP rating adds to its safety record
The e-Vitara has already received a five-star rating under Bharat NCAP. Its four-star result in Japan reflects the outcome of a separate assessment system that includes preventive safety and emergency notification alongside collision protection.
Differences in test protocols, scoring methods and market-specific equipment mean the ratings are not directly interchangeable.
The latest Japan NCAP result provides another assessment of the India-built electric SUV’s safety performance as Maruti Suzuki expands its electric vehicle presence in international markets.