Euro NCAP Reveals 2025’s Best and Worst Assisted Driving Systems

As assisted driving systems become increasingly common in new vehicles, it's vital that their implementation is safe, effective, and user-friendly. The latest round of testing by Euro NCAP shows that while technology is advancing, not all systems are created equal.

The results from these tests clearly demonstrate the importance of objective, independent evaluations to guide consumers through the growing complexity of assisted driving features.

Four vehicles earned a top ‘Very Good’ rating: the Kia EV3, Porsche Macan, Renault 5, and Toyota bZ4X. Each struck a strong balance between assisting the driver and providing emergency backup when needed.

The Porsche Macan stood out, scoring 85% for Assistance Competence and 92% for Safety Backup. Its system is clear, responsive, and keeps drivers informed without confusion.

The Kia EV3 and Renault 5 also performed well, with scores of 74% and 73% for Assistance Competence, and 88% and 92% for Safety Backup, respectively. The Toyota bZ4X matched this performance, scoring 83% and 89%.

These tests show that it's not just about reacting in emergencies, but also about how the system works with the driver. Assistance Competence measures how clearly the system communicates, monitors driver input, and allows for safe control sharing.

Tesla’s Model S, despite a strong 94% in Safety Backup, scored only 30% in Assistance Competence. Euro NCAP criticised the “Autopilot” name as well as its promotional material, all suggesting full automation, which is deemed inappropriate - leading to a downgrade in their score.

Volvo’s EX30 had similar problems. It scored 62% for Assistance Competence and 72% for Safety Backup. Important alerts were only on a central screen, and the system stayed active even after repeated hands-off warnings.

In the middle were the Mazda CX-80 and XPeng G9, both rated ‘Good’. The Mazda scored 62% and 79%, and the XPENG had a more balanced 71% in both categories.

At the lower end was the MG ZS, rated ‘Moderate’, with a reasonable 65% for Assistance Competence but a weaker 62% for Safety Backup. Its emergency performance was lacking.

These results show that good assisted driving tech must be clear, safe, and driver-focused. Euro NCAP doesn’t just score features - it shows whether the technology truly helps drivers without misleading or confusing them.