Large 4×4 cars are naturally safer than sedans and hatchbacks due to their sheer size. But the safest among them turned out to be the latest iteration of Hyundai Santa Fe, according to Euro NCAP, and these guys know what they’re talking about. They rated the Santa Fe as the safest ‘Large Off-Road 4×4’ in 2012.

The Korean SUV scored higher than its closest rivals – Mercedes M-Class and Range Rover – across all test categories. In the ‘adult occupant’ category, New Generation Santa Fe scored 96% with maximum points in the side barrier test.  In the ‘child occupant’ category, the D-segment SUV received a score of 89%, and features such as electronic stability control contributed to the car’s score of 86% in the ‘safety assist’ category.

One feature that gives the Santa Fe an edge is its Active Bonnet. This activates if a pedestrian is hit, reducing impact forces and reducing the risk of serious injury, thus giving the car a score of 71 percent in pedestrian safety, considerably higher than all rivals.

Hyundai has made safety a high priority in developing their cars, and it shows with the ratings they are getting. All their new European models – including i20, ix20, ix35, i40, Veloster and the New Generation i30 – they are all five-star cars.