Euro NCAP’s latest results suggest that safety competition among truck makers is accelerating. In the new round of testing, the organisation assessed seven vehicles in the regional-distribution segment and said five of them reached the maximum five-star score, while all were classed as CitySafe. A further vehicle in the utility segment also achieved five stars and the CitySafe label.
Scania L-series at the Euro NCAP testing facility
The top performer was the Scania L-series 4×2 rigid, which scored 90% overall. Euro NCAP said the low-entry truck stood out for its strong direct vision in urban use and for crash-avoidance performance, especially in scenarios involving pedestrians and cyclists.
Mercedes-Benz Actros at the Euro NCAP testing facility
Mercedes-Benz’s Actros and Volvo’s FM both followed on 88%, ahead of the Scania P-series 4×2 on 87%, while the MAN TGM 4×2 reached 80%. Renault Trucks D Medium scored 68% and four stars, while the DAF XD finished on 62% and three stars.
Renault Trucks D Medium at the Euro NCAP testing facility
That is a marked change from the early days of the programme. Euro NCAP said that when it started testing heavy trucks in 2024, only two models managed a five-star rating. This year’s results therefore point to a broader uplift in standard safety performance, particularly in crash avoidance.
The more interesting point, however, is not just that more trucks are getting safer, but how they are getting there. Euro NCAP said some manufacturers now fit strong safety equipment as standard, while others still rely on optional packs to reach the best scores. The organisation noted that these options typically represent only a small share of the vehicle’s overall price, but can make a decisive difference to the final rating.
Mercedes-Benz Actros 4×2 Rigid
Mercedes-Benz used the results to underline its urban-safety systems. According to Euro NCAP’s rating page, the tested Actros 4×2 rigid combines good direct and indirect vision with strong pedestrian and cyclist frontal AEB protection and nearside turn cyclist AEB, which helped it secure the CitySafe award. Daimler Truck’s own statement says the truck achieved 87% overall and highlighted systems such as Active Sideguard Assist 2 and Active Brake Assist 6 Plus.
Volvo FM 4×2 Rigid
Volvo also pushed the broader significance of the result. The manufacturer said the Volvo FM’s five-star result takes the number of Volvo truck models with a top Euro NCAP rating to seven. Volvo added that the FM’s performance reflects its approach to both active safety systems and the protection of vulnerable road users in city traffic.
Renault Trucks D Medium 4×2 Rigid
Renault Trucks did not join the five-star group this time, but it still came away with a relatively strong outcome. The Renault Trucks D received four stars and the CitySafe label, with the manufacturer highlighting its adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, and post-accident systems.
Euro NCAP is already preparing the next phase of the programme. The organisation said city-distribution trucks up to 12 tonnes are due to be tested in November 2026, extending the safety spotlight to another important part of Europe’s urban freight fleet.
