Euro NCAP has tested seven new trucks in the Regional Distribution category, where five were awarded the maximum five-star safety rating and all were judged to be CitySafe.

An additional five-star rating and CitySafe label was achieved by a vehicle in the Utility sector.

The latest tested commercial vehicles are rigid vehicles from the Regional Distribution category, which accounts for about 10 per cent of the heavy truck market. This type of truck typically weighs up to 18 tonnes, has two axles and typically operates with a curtain-sided or box body.

It is popular as it is a versatile truck that clocks up high mileages serving the logistics industry, working in environments ranging from crowded city centres to motorway-adjacent distribution hubs. Trucks in this category generally have better vision than larger models.

For the first time, five of the seven trucks in the Regional Distribution category achieved Euro NCAP’s maximum five-star rating.

This represents significant progress from commercial vehicle makers. Whereas only two trucks achieved five stars in 2024, when Euro NCAP began testing of trucks, that number has more than doubled in just two years.

Each model is tested in three key areas – Safe Driving (vision, driver monitoring, assistance systems), Crash Avoidance (active braking for other vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists, lane support), and Post-Crash Safety (rescue information) – and awarded an overall star rating. In addition, a CitySafe award is given to every truck that meets a minimum threshold in the assessments most relevant to operation in dense urban environments.

Scania L-Series: the urban safety leader

Leading Euro NCAP’s impartial testing is the Scania L-series, which achieved an overall score of 90 per cent. Designed with a low-entry cab, the L-series was praised by Euro NCAP’s testers for boasting exceptional direct vision, especially in urban areas, and excellent Crash Avoidance due to its advanced pedestrian and cyclist protection systems, which scored 93 per cent. While specifically optimised for the city, its robust safety equipment ensures it is a leader in all-round protection when specified with full safety equipment options.

Five-star performance across the board

Competition in the Regional Distribution category is fierce, and safety is seen as a key selling point, which can only be a good thing for truck operators and other road users.

The Mercedes-Benz Actros and Volvo FM follow closely behind the Scania L-series with overall scores of 88 per cent, just one per cent ahead of the other Scania tested, the P-series.

Joining them in the five-star club is the MAN TGM, which achieved an overall score of 80 per cent.

The Actros and FM were noted for their versatility, performing consistently well across all testing categories. The MAN TGM marks a milestone as the first five-star vehicle for the manufacturer and was praised for its safety performance in a highway environment, thanks to its excellent Lane Support and Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) systems.

Both the Scania and MAN models have seen their scores climb from three stars to five stars in Euro NCAP tests, reflecting an intensified focus on safety engineering.

Industry response and standardisation

Euro NCAP’s latest truck testing highlights how some manufacturers fit safety equipment as standard and others make it an optional extra. While DAF was congratulated for including many safety features as standard on the DAF XD, other manufacturers still rely on optional equipment to reach five-star scores. In most cases, these safety options represent a small fraction of the vehicle’s overall cost, yet they provide essential protection for both drivers and the public. Making them standard fitment would further improve safety on our roads.

Looking ahead: City Distribution trucks to be tested

While the 2026 results for Regional Distribution trucks shows trucks are getting safer, Euro NCAP is already looking toward the next phase of road safety. City Distribution trucks (up to 12 tonnes) are scheduled for testing and release in November, covering some of the most popular models found on Europe’s roads.