Rental cars in Spain averaged 4.56 out of 5 stars in Euro NCAP safety ratings in the first half of 2026, information from new data from the Asociación Española de Renting de Vehículos (AER). The rest of the Spanish market averaged 4.43 stars.
The biggest gap appears at the top end. A total of 62.35% of rental cars earned the maximum five-star rating, compared with 59.29% of all new registrations. Four-star results also favored rental fleets: 32.68% of their cars reached this level, compared with 29.40% in the wider market. Overall, 85.91% of rental passenger cars scored four or five stars in European safety tests.
By the end of 2025, Spain's rental fleet had surpassed 1 million vehicles, and new registrations in 2026 were growing faster than the overall market, the AER said.
Rental fleets are renewed often, keeping their cars relatively young and subject to strict maintenance. The average rental car in Spain is about two years old, so most rental vehicles are among the newest on the road. Regular servicing keeps advanced safety features and the latest protection systems in each car. These are standard, not rare extras.
Euro NCAP assesses safety in three basic areas: adult occupant protection, child safety and pedestrian protection. Rental cars scored 85.91% for adult occupants, against a market average of 84.69%. The gap was wider in child safety, at 84.30% for rental vehicles and 82.92% for all cars. Rental fleets also led in pedestrian protection, where differences are usually small: 73.21% compared with 72.70%.
Rental companies choose new models with safety in mind and retire older cars before standards drop. The AER describes this renewal cycle as a basic part of safer mobility. Companies also run driver education and awareness programs throughout a car's service life.
Euro NCAP's methodology overview says that, since 2026, ratings have included crash protection, advanced driver assistance systems and post-crash safety measures. Five-star scores so reflect both passive and active safety technologies.
Not every car earns a top grade. Among rental vehicles, 3.94% received three stars, 0.76% two stars, 0.23% one star and 0.03% no stars. The general market had more cars in the lower categories: 7.26% received three stars, 3.32% two, 0.58% one and 0.15% none. The Instituto de Estudios de Automoción compiled the data from DGT registration records and standardized all results for fair comparison.
Fleet renewal is not the only factor behind the lead. Rental fleets have more advanced driver assistance systems and better occupant protection technology. The AER's work with the Alianza por la Seguridad Vial reflects a broader effort to improve road safety and share proven methods across the industry.
Spain's focus on safety extends beyond cars. New rules will soon ban uncertified electric scooters, as reported earlier, as part of a national push for higher safety standards across transport.
Rental companies invest in new technology and maintain their vehicles, while older cars are retired. The data puts rental vehicles among the safest on Spanish roads and sets a high standard for the wider market.
