Euro-NCAP crash test: Five stars for Kia EV2 and XPeng X9
Image: Euro NCAP
Euro NCAP has tested several vehicles using its new safety protocols for 2026 and found significant differences in the operation of basic driving functions. While the fully electric Kia EV2 and the gasoline-powered Audi Q7 excel with easily accessible physical controls, the battery-powered XPeng X9 relies heavily on a central touchscreen. The testing organization favors direct controls for turn signals, wipers, hazard lights, the horn, and the eCall emergency system, as operating them through touchscreen menus poses a higher risk of distraction.
The Kia EV2 achieves the top score of five stars in the Euro-NCAP safety test and delivers excellent results in operating its driving functions. Euro NCAP particularly praises the driver monitoring system, which takes into account the driver’s attention level and adjusts warnings and interventions accordingly. The solid crash safety also contributes to the five-star rating of this compact crossover SUV.
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The Chinese Xpeng X9 also receives five stars, but it shows significant weaknesses in operating basic driving functions. This large van scores only 20 percent for its primary controls, as numerous functions are managed through the central touchscreen. Additionally, there are issues with the speed assistant, which encountered problems with conditional speed limits during a 2,000-kilometer test drive in Europe and failed to meet basic requirements for displaying speed limits.
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Further results from the 2026 electric vehicle tests highlight differences in their control concepts. The BMW iX3 scores 100 percent for its driving controls, while the similarly all-electric Cupra Raval and Geely E2 each achieve 80 percent. The electric vehicles Zeekr 7GT and Aion UT score much lower at 20 percent each, and the Leapmotor B05 scores zero percent.
The Mazda2 Hybrid retains its four-star rating, which was inherited from its sibling model, the Toyota Yaris. The similarly tested plug-in hybrid BYD Shark receives five stars based on an adjusted rating from the 2025 Australasian NCAP tests, supplemented by its own Euro-NCAP crash tests. Despite a side head airbag that did not activate properly, reviewers praised the pickup for its excellent driver assistance systems for accident prevention and solid crash protection.
With the testing protocols introduced in 2026, Euro NCAP is promoting the use of physical buttons and switches for basic driving functions. The testing organization cites consumer complaints about numerous features integrated into touchscreen menus, as well as research showing the higher risk of distraction from such controls. Euro NCAP’s program director, Aled Williams, praises Audi and Kia for their control concepts and urges other manufacturers, including XPeng, to follow this approach.
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About the author
Thomas Langenbucher is an expert in electromobility with experience in the automotive and financial industries. Since 2011, he has been covering electric vehicles, sustainable technologies, and mobility solutions for ecomento.de. Learn more.
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