The results, published on 20 January 2026, cover a range of heavy-duty vehicles used in both long-haul and urban utility operations. According to Euro NCAP, the findings underline how safety performance increasingly depends not only on compliance with regulation, but on the availability and integration of advanced driver assistance systems and direct visibility solutions.
For the first time since Euro NCAP introduced its truck safety programme, a refuse truck has achieved a five-star rating. The Scania L-series, assessed as a 6×2 rigid with a refuse compactor body and a 270 kW electric powertrain, reached the top score and was also awarded the CitySafe label.
Scania L-series at the Euro NCAP testing facility
Euro NCAP highlighted the particularly demanding operating environment of refuse trucks, which typically involves frequent stops, low speeds, passing traffic and people working close to the vehicle. In testing, the L-series scored 87% for Safe Driving, 92% for Crash Avoidance and 80% for Post-Crash Safety.
The assessment cited a combination of vehicle design and optional safety systems, including improved direct visibility from a low-entry cab, camera monitoring systems, geofenced speed assistance, cyclist dooring warnings and autonomous emergency braking during nearside turns.
Volvo extends five-star coverage
Volvo Trucks scores five stars again in Euro NCAP’s safety rating of Volvo FH
In the same test cycle, the Volvo FH received a five-star rating in both 4×2 tractor and 6×2 rigid configurations. These results add to earlier five-star ratings awarded to the FM and FH Aero models, bringing the total number of Volvo trucks with top Euro NCAP scores to six.
Euro NCAP confirmed that all tested Volvo models meeting the five-star threshold also comply with the CitySafe criteria, which focus on visibility and active safety performance in urban traffic. Volvo was the first manufacturer to receive a five-star rating when Euro NCAP launched its heavy-truck safety scheme in 2024.
Mid-range results for Ford, gradual progress for Iveco
The Ford F-MAX secures a three-star rating
The Ford F-MAX, tested as a 4×2 long-haul tractor unit, received a three-star rating. Euro NCAP reported that while the truck’s direct visibility is limited by its high beltline, its camera monitoring system performed well. The organisation noted that additional systems, such as autonomous emergency braking for nearside turning scenarios, could improve its overall safety score.
IVECO S-WAY at the Euro NCAP testing facility
The updated Iveco S-WAY, tested in both tractor and rigid variants, improved its rating from one star to two. Although now compliant with the EU’s General Safety Regulation (GSR2) and equipped with adaptive cruise control, Euro NCAP concluded that protection for pedestrians and cyclists remains weak, particularly outside motorway-focused use.
Urban safety increasingly shapes ratings
Euro NCAP said the latest results reflect a broader shift in how truck safety is evaluated, with increasing emphasis on collision avoidance, driver support and protection of vulnerable road users in city environments. Matthew Avery, Director of Strategic Development at Euro NCAP, said that while trucks are essential to daily life, fatal collisions in cities remain a major concern.
Euro NCAP’s heavy-truck programme assesses vehicles across three main areas – Safe Driving, Collision Avoidance and Post-Crash Safety – with the scope expected to expand further in future test rounds. The organisation aims to provide fleet operators, regulators and cities with comparable, independent data as safety expectations for heavy vehicles continue to rise across Europe.
