In India’s compact sedan market, two names have been dominating the conversation for years — Maruti Suzuki Dzire and Honda Amaze. Both cars are known for reliability, comfort, family-friendly appeal, and value for money. But in an era where buyers have become more safety-conscious than ever, the real question has shifted from mileage and features to “Which car can protect my family better?”
This article takes you deep into that very question.
Let’s compare the Dzire and the Amaze purely from a safety perspective, evaluating crash ratings, structure, features, build quality, and real-world usability.
Crash Test Ratings: The Foundation of Trust
Crash-test ratings have increasingly become the first benchmark for judging a car’s safety. Both Dzire and Amaze have undergone Bharat NCAP testing.
Maruti Suzuki Dzire – Crash Performance
The latest Dzire has earned a strong reputation in safety assessments. It secured:
- 5-Star Adult Occupant Protection (AOP)
- 5-Star Child Occupant Protection (COP)
This combination puts it among the most secure compact sedans in India. Strong scores in both categories show that the vehicle is engineered to protect not only the driver and passengers but also young children travelling in child seats.
Honda Amaze – Crash Performance
The new-gen Amaze also delivered an impressive performance:
- 5-Star Adult Occupant Protection
- 4-Star Child Occupant Protection
While its adult protection score is nearly equal to Dzire’s, it falls just slightly behind in child protection. The difference may seem minor, but for families with young children, COP scores hold meaningful weight.
Verdict: Crash Safety
- Adult Safety → Tie
- Child Safety → Dzire wins
Build Quality and Structural Strength
Both sedans use high-tensile steel, designed to keep the cabin stable during collisions.
Dzire’s Structure
Maruti has significantly improved its structural design in recent years. The Dzire uses a reinforced platform with approximately 45% high-tensile steel, improving impact absorption and rigidity. The shell performs well in frontal and side impact conditions.
Amaze’s Structure
Honda is known for its strong chassis design and crash-absorption engineering. The Amaze uses Honda’s proprietary reinforced structure that helps redirect crash energy away from occupants.
Verdict: Build & Structure
Both perform well, but Dzire has a slight advantage due to its higher child safety performance and stronger all-round rating in the latest tests.
Active and Passive Safety Features
Safety is not just about what happens “after” an accident. A lot depends on what helps you avoid one.
Features Both Cars Offer
Dzire and Amaze share a long list of essential safety features:
- 6 airbags
- ABS with EBD
- Brake Assist
- Rear parking sensors
- High-strength body structure
- Front seatbelt reminders
- ISOFIX child seat mounts
- Day & night IRVM
- Hill Hold Assist (in automatic variants)
These features create a strong baseline of protection.
Where Dzire Pulls Ahead
Maruti has equipped the Dzire with several modern, practical safety enhancements:
1. 360-Degree Camera
A very useful tool in tight city spaces and for preventing low-speed collisions. Small obstacles, pets, or objects around the car become easier to detect.
2. Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Under-inflated tyres can cause blowouts, reduce grip, and increase braking distance. TPMS keeps the driver alert and in control.
3. Enhanced Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
ESC helps prevent loss of control when turning sharply or during sudden maneuvers — a lifesaver on wet or unpredictable roads.
4. Better Child Safety Score
Parents will appreciate the higher child protection rating.
Where Amaze Scores Better
Honda has focused on technology-driven safety in the Amaze, especially in higher variants.
1. ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System)
Some key ADAS features may include:
- Collision Mitigation Braking
- Lane Keeping Assistance
- Adaptive driving alerts
ADAS is rare in the compact sedan segment and gives Amaze a modern edge.
2. More Comfort-Oriented Cabin
A more comfortable interior indirectly contributes to safety as relaxed drivers tend to stay more attentive and make fewer errors.
3. Honda’s Engineering Legacy
Honda has a long-standing reputation for durable engines and stable ride quality, which translates into safer highway manners.
Real-World Safety: Who Performs Better on Indian Roads?
Safety on actual roads depends on more than crash scores.
If you drive mostly in the city
- Dzire’s 360-degree camera and TPMS are useful.
- Amaze’s ADAS provides guidance but may feel intrusive to some drivers in dense traffic.
If you drive mostly on highways
- Amaze has a slight advantage because of better high-speed stability and ADAS.
- Dzire offers strong braking and predictable control, especially with ESC.
If you have kids or elderly family members
- Dzire’s 5-star child protection rating makes it more family-friendly.
- Rear seat comfort and access are good in both cars.
Fuel Efficiency & Maintenance – Indirect But Important Safety Factors
A safer car is the one that remains in good condition and affordable enough for regular maintenance.
Dzire
- Known for reliability and low maintenance costs.
- Better fuel efficiency ensures long-term affordability.
Amaze
- Slightly higher maintenance cost.
- Engine reliability is excellent as expected from Honda.
If maintaining the car properly over years is a priority, Dzire becomes easier on the pocket, which indirectly supports long-term safety.
Final Verdict: Which Car Is Safer?
If safety for adults and children is your priority → Choose the Dzire.
It offers:
- 5-star ratings for both adult and child safety
- TPMS and 360° camera
- Strong structural stability
- Excellent all-round value
If you want modern driver assistance and better high-speed control → Choose the Amaze.
It offers:
- ADAS technology
- Highly stable driving dynamics
- Honda’s trusted build philosophy
Both cars are safe choices, but Dzire is the more complete safety package for families, while Amaze suits tech-driven, highway-focused buyers.
