Tata Altroz vs Dzire Which 5-Star Bharat NCAP Car Truly Shines in Safety?
When it comes to buying a car in India, price and fuel efficiency usually top the checklist. But in recent years, safety has started becoming equally important for families and young buyers alike. And with the Bharat NCAP crash tests now setting the benchmark, cars like the 2025 Tata Altroz facelift and the Maruti Dzire are proving that safety doesn’t need to come at a premium. Both models proudly wear their 5-star Bharat NCAP safety badges, but the big question is—which one really protects you better on the road?
The Altroz: Built Like a Tank, Tested Like One Too
The facelifted Tata Altroz has been making headlines not just for its sharp looks and premium features, but also for its outstanding crash test results. In the Bharat NCAP https://prana.cpcb.gov.in/tests, the hatchback stood tall, especially in the frontal offset deformable barrier test, where it offered “good” protection for most body parts of both driver and co-driver. Only the tibias showed an ‘adequate’ rating, but that’s still a strong performance for a hatchback in its price segment.
The Altroz also impressed in the side crash and pole impact tests, offering excellent protection to critical areas like the head and neck. Child safety was another big win for Tata, with the Altroz scoring almost perfect marks for both the 18-month-old and 3-year-old dummies. Clearly, Tata has put extra focus on family protection, giving parents a lot of confidence in choosing the Altroz as their daily ride.
The Dzire: Comfort Meets Strong Safety
The Maruti Dzire, India’s favorite compact sedan, also didn’t disappoint when it entered the Bharat NCAP crash test arena. With five stars to its name, the Dzire showed why it continues to be a bestseller in its segment. In the frontal crash tests, the Dzire offered excellent safety for the head, neck, thighs, and feet, though the chest was rated ‘marginal’ in protection.
Interestingly, the Dzire outshone the Altroz in the side movable deformable barrier test, giving passengers better chest protection while still maintaining high scores for the head and pelvis. It also matched the Altroz in the pole impact test, ensuring that critical parts of the body remain safe even in severe side collisions. For child safety, the Dzire put up a solid fight, though it fell just a little behind the Altroz in overall points.
Altroz vs Dzire: The Real Winner
While both cars wear their 5-star badges with pride, the numbers reveal a clearer picture. The Altroz edges ahead in adult occupant protection with 29.65 points compared to Dzire’s 29.46, and it also performs better in child safety thanks to its higher vehicle assessment score. This shows Tata’s commitment to making its hatchback not just stylish but also one of the safest family cars in India.
That said, the Dzire still has its strengths, especially in the side barrier test where it gave slightly better chest protection than the Altroz. Plus, for buyers who prefer a sedan with a bigger boot and more rear-seat comfort, the Dzire remains a fantastic option that doesn’t compromise on safety.
Price and Practicality
When it comes to pricing, both cars play in the same ballpark. The Tata Altroz ranges between Rs 6.89 lakh and Rs 11.49 lakh, while the Maruti Dzire starts at Rs 6.84 lakh and goes up to Rs 10.19 lakh (ex-showroom). This means safety doesn’t come at an extra cost—you can choose based on design, body style, and personal preference without worrying about compromising on protection.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, both the Tata Altroz facelift and the Maruti Dzire prove that India’s mass-market cars can now stand tall with global safety standards. The Altroz may just have the upper hand in terms of scores, but the Dzire’s balanced performance and sedan practicality make it equally appealing. The real winner here is the Indian car buyer, who now has access to affordable cars that don’t cut corners on safety.
Disclaimer: The crash test scores and details mentioned in this article are based on Bharat NCAP official results. Actual safety performance may vary depending on driving conditions, variant specifications, and usage. Always drive responsibly and follow traffic rules.
