Is the Ford Explorer the safest car?
No — the Ford Explorer is a very safe SUV with robust safety features, but there is no universal “safest” car. Safety results depend on model year, trim, and the specific tests you weight most (crashworthiness versus active driver-assistance systems).
How safety is judged
Safety rankings come from national and independent crash-test programs that evaluate crashworthiness, restraint systems, and the effectiveness of active safety features. Two of the most influential sources are the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) and NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). IIHS conducts small-overlap, moderate-overlap, roof and structural tests, plus headlight and crash-avoidance evaluations. NHTSA issues overall and category star ratings based on crash tests, rollover propensity, and other factors. Design and trim differences can cause ratings to shift from year to year.
Safety ratings for recent Explorer model years
The latest Explorer models include Ford’s Co-Pilot360 safety suite. The overall safety picture varies by model year and trim, so checking the exact ratings for the year you’re considering is essential. Below is a concise snapshot of how the Explorer has fared in major safety evaluations in recent years.
- IIHS: The Explorer generally earns Good ratings in many crashworthiness tests, but headlights on some trims and years have received lower ratings (Acceptable, Marginal, or Poor), which can affect Top Safety Pick+ eligibility.
- NHTSA: The Explorer has typically posted high overall star ratings in several years, with some variation by drivetrain and configuration. Higher marks are common, but not universal across all trims.
These results show that while the Explorer is a strong safety performer overall, its designation as the single “safest” car isn’t universal and depends on the exact year and trim you choose.
Standard and available safety features on the Explorer
Modern Explorers come with a broad set of driver-assistance features. The following list covers features that are commonly standard or widely available across recent trims, though specifics can vary by year and market.
- Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Blind-spot information system with cross-traffic alert
- Lane-keeping system (with lane-centering on some trims)
- Automatic high beams
- Rear-view camera and rear parking sensors
- Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go (availability varies by trim)
In addition to these, newer Explorer models offer enhanced Ford Co-Pilot360 technologies, including features such as evasive steering assist and improved post-crash braking on select versions.
Model-year and trim variability
Safety features and test results can shift with a model-year refresh or a new trim level. What’s standard on one year may be optional on another, and IIHS/NHTSA evaluations can change accordingly. Always verify the exact feature set and the latest test results for the specific configuration you’re considering.
How Explorer safety compares with peers
Judging whether the Explorer is the “safest” car requires comparing it with rivals in the same class. Some midsize three-row SUVs consistently earn Top Safety Pick+ or strong IIHS ratings, including models such as the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Subaru Ascent, Hyundai Palisade, and Kia Telluride. Differences often come down to headlight performance, small-overlap test results, and the availability and effectiveness of driver-assistance tech across trims.
When evaluating, consider not just the headline rating but the exact model year and trim, the specific safety features you want, and how you value features like highway driving assist versus urban crash avoidance.
What to check before buying
Because safety ratings and features change with updates, here is a practical checklist for buyers evaluating a Ford Explorer or any midsize SUV for safety:
- Check the exact IIHS and NHTSA ratings for the model year and trim you’re considering.
- Review which safety features are standard versus optional for that trim, including AEB, BLIS, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist.
- Test the effectiveness of driver-assistance features in real-world driving scenarios during a test drive.
- Look up recalls or service bulletins related to safety systems for the year you’re considering.
- Compare with at least two competing models in the same class to gauge where safety strengths lie.
Following these steps will help you gauge how safe a particular Explorer configuration is in real-world terms.
Bottom line
The Ford Explorer offers a strong safety package and solid crash-test performance, making it a very safe choice within its class. However, there isn’t a universal claim that it is the safest car across all years and trims. For the clearest verdict, review the latest IIHS/NHTSA results for the exact model year and trim, and compare with rivals that consistently perform well in safety testing.
Summary
The Ford Explorer stands out for its robust safety features and generally favorable crash-test performance, especially in modern iterations. Yet safety results are year- and trim-specific, and some rivals may outperform the Explorer in certain tests. Prospective buyers should verify current ratings from IIHS and NHTSA for the exact configuration, assess the availability of key safety features, and benchmark against competing midsize SUVs to determine the safest option for their needs.
