Euro NCAP 2026 test results, scores, safety and prices in Romania for Audi Q7, Kia EV2 and XPeng X9
Road safety remains a fundamental pillar in the development of new generations of vehicles, and the latest crash tests and evaluations published by the European organization bring to the fore stage results for three completely different models. In the latest series of evaluations, technical expertise put the new generation of the Audi Q7 luxury SUV to the test, the smallest electric crossover from the Kia brand, the EV2, as well as the Chinese electric minivan XPeng X9. All three vehicles managed to achieve the maximum 5-star safety rating, although the scores obtained by category highlighted varying technical approaches and performances.
Audi Q7 (New Generation) – Top performance and maximum score in the post-accident category
The new generation of the Audi Q7 large SUV lived up to expectations within the rigors imposed by safety protocols, demonstrating a high level of protection for occupants and advanced assistance systems.
The Ingolstadt brand's model achieved the maximum 5-star rating, receiving solid scores on all four main criteria:
- Drive safely: 72%
- Accident avoidance: 77%
- Accident protection: 88%
- Post-crash: 100% (an absolute score, reflecting the effectiveness of emergency call systems, ease of door opening and rapid measures to protect passengers after an impact).
Kia EV2 – The electric subcompact crossover impresses with its balance
The second model evaluated in this round was the Kia EV2, the smallest electric crossover in the South Korean manufacturer's portfolio. Despite its compact dimensions and low weight compared to a large SUV, the small electric model successfully achieved 5 stars in safety.
The Kia EV2's results across the four test criteria show a balanced package of active and passive safety:
- Drive safely: 74%
- Accident avoidance: 66%
- Accident protection: 86%
- Post-accident: 89%
XPeng X9 – The electric minivan gets 5 stars on the border
The large family vehicle segment was represented by the Chinese electric minivan XPeng X9. It managed to tick the maximum 5-star goal, but the result was obtained on the borderline, influenced by the weaker score recorded in the driver assistance technologies section.
The XPeng X9's scores highlight a notable discrepancy between physical crash protection and the effectiveness of electronic active safety systems:
- Drive Safely: 57% (the lowest score in this test session, reflecting certain limitations of the electronic assistance package in complex scenarios).
- Accident avoidance: 82%
- Accident protection: 91%
- Post-accident: 91%
Availability and estimated prices for the Romanian market
The excellent test results confirm the high level of protection that the three models will bring to roads across Europe, including Romania, where commercial launches are scheduled in stages.
- Audi Q7 (New Generation): The top of the range from Ingolstadt is already available for order or in the delivery phase in the national network of authorized dealers. Given its luxury SUV status, starting prices on the Romanian market are placed in the upper segment, starting from approximately 78,000 - 85,000 euros (VAT included) and can easily exceed 110,000 euros for versions equipped with all top options and mild-hybrid or plug-in hybrid engine packages.
- Kia EV2: The South Korean brand's most affordable electric crossover is expected to appear in Romanian showrooms next year. Positioned in the volume segment dedicated to affordable urban mobility, the estimated starting price for the local market is forecast to be between 26,000 and 32,000 euros (VAT included), a value that can be substantially reduced by accessing the national Rabla Plus program.
- XPeng X9: The large electric MPV continues its expansion on the European market, and will be gradually introduced in the distribution network in Romania. Being a spacious, 7-seater vehicle with advanced technologies and high-capacity batteries, the estimated price for the Romanian market is expected to be between 62,000 and 75,000 euros (VAT included), depending on the engine configuration (rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive) and the chosen equipment level.