Have you ever thought about family SUVs? Many of us certainly do. The Ford Explorer is a really big name. Folks often love its ample space. They also appreciate its strong power. But what about its safety, right? That’s truly important, isn’t it? We need to understand its crash test ratings. How does it truly compare to other SUVs? Let’s dive into this together. We will explore the Explorer’s safety story.
Understanding Crash Test Ratings
The Ford Explorer gets its safety scores from two main groups. First, there’s the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Then, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) weighs in. The NHTSA gave the Explorer a five-star overall rating. That’s a fantastic score for sure. It means the Explorer performed very well in their official tests.
Breaking this down further is helpful. The Explorer got five stars for frontal crashes. It also earned five stars for side crashes. But here’s the thing. It only received four stars in the rollover resistance test. Honestly, that’s a detail we should all remember. Rollover accidents can be incredibly dangerous. This score really matters for anyone buying a family car. It impacts real-world risk.
The IIHS also reviewed the Explorer carefully. They even gave it a Top Safety Pick award. It earned Good ratings in most impact categories. This includes small overlap front. Moderate overlap front also scored well. Side crash tests also scored Good. Roof strength and head restraints were good too. That said, its front crash prevention system was rated Advanced for vehicles. However, it was only Basic for pedestrians. This highlights an area for future improvement. It’s a critical difference.
Comparing to Other Midsize SUVs
Now, let’s compare the Explorer directly. How does it truly stand next to its rivals? Think about the Honda Pilot or the Toyota Highlander. What about the Chevrolet Traverse? The Honda Pilot also has a five-star NHTSA rating. It even earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. That “plus” rating means it goes beyond basic safety. It’s a real leader in many ways.
The Chevrolet Traverse got a four-star NHTSA rating. It did well in IIHS tests, mostly Good scores. But it lagged a bit on advanced safety tech. Its crash prevention technology fell short. The Toyota Highlander, though, matched the Explorer. It got five stars from NHTSA. It also earned a Top Safety Pick from IIHS.
It’s interesting, really, to see the differences. The Explorer performs well, no doubt there. Yet, models like the Pilot and Highlander often offer more. They pack extra advanced safety features. For example, the Pilot offers [Honda Sensing®](https://automobiles.honda.com/honda-sensing). That’s a whole suite of features. It includes adaptive cruise control. Lane-keeping assistance is also part of it. The Highlander has [Toyota Safety Sense™](https://www.toyota.com/safety-sense/). It boasts similar features. These alternatives are very appealing. They attract safety-focused buyers who want everything.
Ford Explorer’s Safety Features
Let’s dig into the Explorer’s specific safety technology. It comes with many advanced systems. These are truly designed to keep everyone safe. One major feature is [Ford Co-Pilot360™](https://www.ford.com/technology/driver-assist-technology/ford-co-pilot360/). This is a whole set of driver-assist tools. It includes automatic emergency braking. Blind-spot monitoring helps a lot. Rear cross-traffic alert is useful too. Lane-keeping assist keeps you on track. These features work together. They create a more secure ride.
The Explorer also has adaptive cruise control. This system keeps a safe distance. It adjusts your speed automatically. It’s super helpful on long drives. Or in busy traffic. Another key feature is Pre-Collision Assist. This comes with automatic emergency braking. It can spot potential crashes. It looks for vehicles or pedestrians. If you don’t react, it brakes for you. That’s a real lifesaver. Imagine that peace of mind.
A 360-Degree Camera System is also available. You get a bird’s-eye view. This makes parking much easier. Maneuvering in tight spots feels safer. Rear parking sensors are also there. They warn you about objects behind your car. This adds another layer of safety when backing up. What a smart addition!
To be honest, these features are impressive. But they aren’t only found in the Explorer. Competitors also offer similar technology. The Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander are good examples. They have adaptive cruise control. Lane-keeping assistance is also common. Both come with advanced collision avoidance systems. So, the Explorer is on par. It doesn’t necessarily stand out in this area. It meets expectations, which is good.
Real-World Data and Case Studies
Statistics tell a big story about car safety. The IIHS reports that SUVs generally do better in crashes. They compare them to sedans. This is often because SUVs are larger. Their extra weight helps provide more protection. This is in collisions. It’s pretty straightforward.
However, a closer look reveals something. The Ford Explorer has faced challenges. Earlier models were involved in many rollover accidents. The IIHS pointed out this inherent risk in SUVs. SUVs, generally, have a higher center of gravity. This makes them more prone to rolling over. In 2020, the NHTSA reported a sobering fact. About 35% of all passenger vehicle fatalities came from rollover crashes. This is important to remember. Especially for those driving on rough terrain. Imagine driving a vehicle with this risk.
Yet, there’s a counter-perspective to consider. A 2021 IIHS study found something positive. SUVs, like the Explorer, had a lower fatality rate overall. They compared them to sedans. SUVs had 27 deaths per million registered vehicles. Sedans saw 38 deaths per million. So, vehicle type clearly matters. It impacts overall safety outcomes significantly. This shows an interesting dynamic.
Expert Opinions and Quotes
Automotive safety experts weigh in often. They talk about the Explorer’s safety. David Zuby is a chief research officer at IIHS. He states, “The Ford Explorer has made significant strides in safety, but there is always room for improvement.” He truly believes that even with good safety, there’s always more to do. Technology keeps moving forward at a rapid pace.
Elizabeth Dyer is an automotive journalist. She’s also a safety advocate. She commented, “The Explorer is a solid choice for families. But buyers should also consider the comprehensive safety features offered by competitors like the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander.” This reflects a common view. The Explorer is good, but compare all your options. It’s just smart to do so. Frankly, you owe it to yourself to research thoroughly.
A Historical Look at Explorer Safety
The Ford Explorer has a long past. It first appeared in 1990. Back then, it was a compact SUV. It grew into a midsize vehicle. This happened over many years. It adapted to what people wanted. It also changed with evolving safety standards. Early models, honestly, lacked much of today’s technology. No electronic stability control. No advanced airbags. None of that really existed yet.
The late 1990s and early 2000s were tough. The Explorer got a lot of criticism. Specifically, there were major concerns about rollovers. This led to big changes at Ford. They redesigned the vehicle completely. They improved safety technology drastically. By 2011, with the fifth generation, things truly changed. The Explorer had new safety features. Traction control was added. Its structure became much stronger. It could handle impacts better. This was a critical turning point.
Over time, the Explorer truly changed. It became a vehicle focused on safety. Continuous updates helped it stay competitive. It kept up with safety ratings. This met the rising expectations of consumers. People wanted more advanced safety tech. And the Explorer delivered. It evolved with the times, thankfully.
Future Trends and What to Do
Looking ahead, vehicle safety will keep changing. It’s obvious, isn’t it? Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) are becoming standard. These systems are truly designed to stop crashes. They work before an accident even happens. That’s truly amazing.
Experts think that by 2025, things will be different. Many vehicles, including SUVs like the Explorer, will have new features. Think about vehicle-to-vehicle communication. Cars will talk to each other. This can prevent collisions. Imagine a world like that! Your SUV could warn you of danger. It would do this before you even see it. This technology could cut accidents greatly. Fatalities would drop. I am excited to see this happen.
Artificial intelligence (AI) will also play a role. AI could make vehicles even safer. Cars might learn from your driving habits. Then they adjust safety features. This means your Explorer could adapt to you. It might help prevent accidents. It learns your patterns. It’s a fascinating prospect.
What should you do as a buyer? First, always check crash test ratings. Look at both NHTSA and IIHS. Compare vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian scores. Second, consider advanced safety suites. Honda Sensing or Ford Co-Pilot360 are good examples. Third, think about your driving. Do you drive on rough terrain often? Rollover ratings matter then. Finally, test drive your top choices. See how the safety features feel to you. Don’t rush this decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Ford Explorer’s overall safety rating?
The Ford Explorer holds a five-star overall NHTSA rating. It also achieved a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS.
2. Does the Ford Explorer have good frontal crash protection?
Yes, the Explorer received five stars from NHTSA for frontal crash tests. The IIHS also gave it Good ratings.
3. How did the Ford Explorer perform in side-impact tests?
NHTSA awarded the Explorer five stars for side crash protection. IIHS also rated it Good in side-impact categories.
4. What should I know about the Explorer’s rollover rating?
The Explorer received four stars from NHTSA in rollover resistance. This is lower than its other scores. It suggests a higher rollover risk.
5. Is the Explorer’s front crash prevention system highly rated?
Its system is rated Advanced for vehicles by IIHS. But it’s only Basic for pedestrian detection. This is a crucial distinction.
6. How does the Explorer compare to the Honda Pilot in safety?
The Honda Pilot also has five NHTSA stars. It earned a Top Safety Pick+, exceeding the Explorer’s IIHS award. This is a significant difference.
7. What are some key safety features of the Ford Explorer?
The Explorer includes Ford Co-Pilot360. This suite has automatic emergency braking. It also offers blind-spot monitoring.
8. Does the Explorer offer adaptive cruise control?
Yes, adaptive cruise control is a feature in the Ford Explorer. It helps maintain safe following distances automatically.
9. How has the Ford Explorer’s safety improved over time?
Early models had rollover concerns. Ford significantly redesigned the vehicle. It added electronic stability control for better handling.
10. Are SUVs safer than sedans in crashes?
Studies suggest SUVs often have lower fatality rates. This is generally due to their larger size and weight. They offer more protection.
11. What role will AI play in future SUV safety?
AI could allow vehicles to learn from driver behavior. This could lead to more personalized accident prevention. Think of it learning how you drive.
12. What is vehicle-to-vehicle communication?
It’s a future safety technology. Cars will share information with each other. This helps prevent collisions. It warns of nearby dangers.
13. Should I prioritize safety features when buying an SUV?
Absolutely. Safety features protect you and your passengers. They are truly essential for everyone’s well-being.
14. What is the significance of a Top Safety Pick award?
It means the vehicle performed well in IIHS crash tests. It also has adequate crash prevention systems in place.
15. What is the difference between NHTSA and IIHS ratings?
NHTSA provides star ratings for overall safety. IIHS offers more detailed impact test ratings. They also evaluate prevention system performance.
16. Are there any common myths about SUV safety?
Yes, some think all SUVs are equally safe. But ratings show big differences. Size alone isn’t everything.
17. Does a higher price mean a safer SUV?
Not always. While premium SUVs often have advanced features, many mid-range models offer excellent safety for the price. Research is key.
18. How often are safety features updated in vehicles?
Automakers continuously update safety tech. New model years often include improvements. Mid-cycle refreshes also bring changes.
19. Can I add safety features to an older Explorer?
Some aftermarket solutions exist. Dash cams or blind-spot mirrors are examples. But factory-integrated systems are always best.
20. How important is tire quality for SUV safety?
Extremely important! Tires affect handling and braking. Proper inflation and good tread are vital. Especially for SUVs.
Conclusion
The Ford Explorer definitely offers solid safety. It combines good ratings with useful features. It’s a strong choice in the midsize SUV world. We’ve seen its high marks from NHTSA. The IIHS also recognized its safety efforts. But it’s smart to look at others too. The Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander have excellent profiles. They offer compelling features, making them strong rivals.
I am happy to see how safety technology keeps advancing. The future for all SUVs looks very bright indeed. Honestly, it’s exciting to imagine new innovations. These will make our vehicles even safer. I believe it’s important to prioritize safety above all else. Your vehicle isn’t just transport. It protects you and your family. It’s a guardian, plain and simple.
