The fully electric compact SUV, the Skoda Elroq, secured the highest possible five-star safety rating from the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) following evaluations conducted in November 2025. This designation is significant as it was achieved under the substantially more rigorous testing protocols implemented this year, which constitute the most significant revision to the assessment framework since 2009. This performance continues the Czech manufacturer's established safety record; every new Skoda model engineered since 2008 has earned the maximum Euro NCAP score. Furthermore, existing models, including the electric Skoda Enyaq and the conventionally powered Skoda Octavia, have also reaffirmed their top-tier ratings under these enhanced standards this year.
The Elroq's comprehensive assessment focused on four primary performance areas, where the vehicle demonstrated consistently superior metrics. In the Adult Occupant Protection category, the SUV registered a score of 90%, exceeding the 80% threshold required for the five-star designation. The testing regime incorporated four demanding crash scenarios, including a 50 km/h frontal impact against a moving deformable barrier and a high-speed impact against a rigid wall. The passenger compartment maintained structural stability during the frontal offset test, with dummy readings indicating robust protection for the knees and femurs of both the driver and front passenger.
Child Occupant Protection yielded an 87% result, with child test dummies registering exceptionally low strain values across both frontal and side impact simulations. The Elroq secured maximum available points regarding the ease of installation and compatibility for a broad spectrum of child restraint systems available on the market. The vehicle also demonstrated good protection for all critical body regions of the 6 and 10-year-old dummies in both frontal offset and side barrier tests, earning maximum points in this segment.
In the Vulnerable Road User (VRU) Protection category, which covers pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists, the Elroq attained a 77% score. This metric reflects the efficacy of the vehicle's sensor-based systems in preventing collisions, including scenarios involving crossing pedestrians or cyclists. A new element in the 2025 criteria is the 'Cyclist Dooring Prevention' feature, which alerts occupants to approaching two-wheeled traffic, a system that will also be scrutinized under the forthcoming 2026 protocols. The vehicle's performance in this area aligns with the Volkswagen Group's ongoing efforts to optimize driver assistance systems using real-world sensor data to enhance accident prevention.
Performance in the Safety Assist category, which evaluates driver support systems, reached 78%. The vehicle earned the maximum possible points for its Lane Support System, demonstrating excellent performance in maintaining lane position. The Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) system showed commendable reaction capabilities toward motorcyclists and functioned effectively in 'dooring' scenarios. The 2026 Euro NCAP framework will introduce stricter testing for AEB and lane-keeping functions, moving toward evaluating the 'smoothness and intuitiveness' of system interventions in response to driver feedback about alerts. This successful outcome underscores Skoda's sustained commitment to integrating advanced safety technology, supported by the resources of the Volkswagen Group, as Euro NCAP prepares for further methodology updates in 2026, which will include increased scrutiny on occupant monitoring and post-crash safety.
