How safe is a Ford truck?
Overall, Ford trucks are among the safer choices in the pickup segment, thanks to a strong suite of standard safety features, solid crash-test performance, and active-driver aids that are widely available. Exact safety results depend on the model, year, and trim you choose, so checking the specific ratings for the configuration you want is essential.
Ranging from the full-size F-Series line to the Ranger and the Maverick, Ford blends sturdy crash protection with advanced driver-assistance technology. The safety profile of a given truck often hinges on the combination of design, equipment, and how you use the vehicle, particularly when towing or carrying payload.
Safety architecture and driver-assistance technology
The following features illustrate the core safety architecture Ford builds into most trucks today. They work together to help prevent crashes and mitigate injuries, though they are assistive technologies and not a substitute for attentive driving.
- Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking
- Pedestrian detection (and sometimes cyclist detection, depending on year/trim)
- Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross-Traffic Alert
- Lane-Keeping System with Lane Departure Warning and Lane-Centering Assist
- Automatic High Beams
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go (Co-Pilot360/Co-Pilot360 Assist)
- Evasive Steering Assist (where available)
- Pro Trailer Backup Assist and Trailer View/Guidance features for safer towing
- 360-degree camera with trailer/backup view options
- SOS Post-Crash Alert System and other emergency communications features
These tools collectively enhance awareness, braking, steering, and stability. Their effectiveness increases when combined with safe driving practices and proper load management during towing or payload scenarios.
Independent safety evaluations
Independent agencies such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) regularly rate Ford trucks. Ratings can vary by model year, trim level, and optional equipment, so it’s important to review the exact configuration you’re considering.
- NHTSA safety ratings: Ford trucks typically receive strong overall ratings (often 4 or 5 stars across front, side, and rollover tests), but individual ratings can differ by year, cab configuration, and whether certain safety options are installed.
- IIHS crashworthiness and headlight assessments: Many newer Ford trucks earn Good ratings in most crash tests, with some trims or headlight configurations achieving Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ status. Some ratings can reflect the impact of particular headlights or option packages rather than the vehicle as a whole.
- Electric and hybrid variants: The F-150 Lightning and other electrified versions share the same foundational safety architecture, with additional considerations for battery placement and crash energy management; ratings generally mirror their gasoline counterparts when equipped similarly.
For shoppers, the most reliable approach is to look up the exact model year, trim, and safety package you’re considering on NHTSA.gov and IIHS.org to see the current, configuration-specific results.
Model lineup safety highlights
Below is a snapshot of how safety considerations can play out across the main Ford truck family. Individual results depend on year, trim, and packages.
Ford F-150
The F-150 remains Ford’s flagship pickup, with a wide array of standard and optional safety features across generations. Recent models commonly include Co-Pilot360/Co-Pilot360 Assist+ as standard or available, along with Pro Trailer Backup Assist, 360-degree camera systems, and multiple driver-assistance options. IIHS and NHTSA evaluations have generally shown strong crashworthiness, with some variation based on headlights and the specific load/towing configuration.
Ford F-250/350 Super Duty
Super Duty trucks emphasize structural integrity and payload/towing capability, with a similar safety toolkit as the F-150 in many trims. Features such as blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assists, and advanced braking systems are common, and towing-related aids are particularly valuable for heavy-haul use. Independent tests have typically reflected strong protection in crashes, subject to configuration and options.
Ford Ranger
The Ranger brings many safety technologies from the larger lineup into a midsize frame. Standard and optional safety features mirror those of larger Ford trucks, with a focus on maneuverability and urban-to-suburban duty. Crash-test results have been favorable in recent years, though trims and headlights can influence IIHS outcomes.
Ford Maverick
The Maverick combines compact utility with modern safety tech. Its smaller footprint is paired with a surprisingly robust suite of driver aids and good crashworthiness for its class. As with other models, specific results depend on year and equipment, so verify the configuration you’re considering.
Buying tips: maximizing safety in a Ford truck
When shopping, you can maximize safety by prioritizing packages and configurations that include advanced driver assistance, strong crash ratings, and a high-visibility payload/tow setup. Here is a quick checklist to guide the process.
Before you review the checklist, consider that safety features are most effective when paired with proper use, maintenance, and load management. The following list helps buyers focus on the right areas.
- Confirm which driver-assistance features are standard and which are optional on the trim you want (e.g., Co-Pilot360, adaptive cruise, lane-keeping, and evasive steering).
- Check if Pro Trailer Backup Assist and trailer-view cameras are included or available, especially if towing is a priority.
- Review the model-year IIHS and NHTSA ratings for the exact configuration (cab/bed, drivetrain, and safety package) you’re considering.
- If you’re interested in hands-free highway driving, verify whether BlueCruise or similar systems are offered on your chosen trim.
- Test the braking, steering assist, and blind-spot monitoring in realistic scenarios during a test drive, including with a trailer if relevant.
In practice, the strongest safety story for Ford trucks comes from pairing a well-rated configuration with a comprehensive safety package and mindful driving habits. Towing in particular benefits from properly activated trailer aids and camera systems that improve awareness around the vehicle’s length and sway risks.
Summary
Ford trucks deliver a compelling safety proposition in today’s market, combining solid crash-test performance with a broad, accessible set of driver-assistance technologies. While overall safety is strong, the exact rating you’ll receive depends on the model year, trim, and safety equipment installed. Prospective buyers should verify configuration-specific NHTSA and IIHS results and seek out trims that include the most advanced safety features for their intended use, especially when towing or carrying heavy payloads.
