What is the rollover rating of the Ford Explorer?
The rollover rating is model-year specific, so there isn’t a single number that applies to every Ford Explorer. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) assigns rollover ratings that can vary by generation, trim level, and even tire or roof configurations. To know the exact score for the Explorer you’re considering, look up the rating for that particular year on the official NHTSA database.
Understanding what rollover ratings mean
Rollover ratings come from NHTSA and are presented as a star rating on a scale from 1 to 5. A higher number indicates a lower risk of rollover in tested conditions, while a lower number signals a higher risk. These ratings are specific to a given vehicle year and configuration and should be interpreted alongside other safety ratings, such as overall crashworthiness and optional features that can influence stability.
Rollover ratings across Ford Explorer generations
Because the Explorer has undergone multiple design generations and various trim and option packages over the years, the rollover rating has not been a single constant. Ratings can differ from year to year, and even within the same year, different configurations (such as different tires or roof rails) can affect the score. For an exact number, always verify the specific model year you’re researching.
How to verify the rating for a specific model year
To get the precise rollover rating for the Explorer you’re evaluating, use the official NHTSA database. The following steps guide you to the exact rating for a specific model year.
- Open the NHTSA SaferCar.gov Vehicle Ratings page.
- Search for Ford Explorer and select the exact model year you want to review.
- Find the Rollover rating entry for that year and note the star count.
- Check for notes on configuration (such as tires, suspension, seating, or roof equipment) that might influence the rating.
By following these steps, you can confirm the precise rollover rating for the exact Explorer configuration you’re researching.
Other safety considerations for the Ford Explorer
Rollover risk is only one piece of overall vehicle safety. When evaluating an Explorer, also consider:
- Frontal and side-impact ratings from NHTSA and IIHS.
- Available stability control features (e.g., electronic stability control, traction control, rollover mitigation systems).
- Active safety technologies such as adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking.
Understanding these factors in combination with the rollover rating provides a fuller picture of the Explorer’s safety performance in real-world driving conditions.
Summary
There isn’t a single rollover rating for all Ford Explorers. The rating is model-year and configuration dependent, and the most reliable way to know the actual score is to look up the specific model year on NHTSA’s SaferCar database. Use the official rating, consider the configuration notes, and weigh it alongside other safety features and ratings to assess the Explorer’s overall safety profile.
Do Ford Explorers roll over?
The Ford Explorer has had rollover problems since it was launched as the Ford Bronco II in March of 1983. For decades after that, Ford has continue to wrestle unsuccessfully with stability problems on the vehicles, especially when they have defective tires.
What is the #1 safest SUV?
There is no single "number one" safest SUV, as safety rankings vary by organization and vehicle class. However, many SUVs are recognized for outstanding safety, with the 2025 Kia Telluride https://www.motor and 2025 Mazda CX-70 earning both IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and 5-star NHTSA ratings. Other top contenders include the 2025 Mazda CX-50, 2025 Acura MDX, and 2025 Honda CR-V.
Top-rated SUVs for safety
- Kia Telluride: This midsize SUV receives a 5-star NHTSA overall score and an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ for 2025. It's praised for a comprehensive suite of standard safety features and a strong performance in crash tests.
- Mazda CX-70 and CX-90: These models are recognized with IIHS Top Safety Pick+ ratings for 2025, with excellent performance in small overlap front and other crash tests.
- Mazda CX-50: The 2025 model earned a 5-star overall rating from NHTSA and an IIHS Top Safety Pick+. It scores well in crashworthiness and has a good pedestrian collision avoidance system.
- Acura MDX: A luxury midsize option that earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick status. Its standard safety features like automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control are highly rated.
- Honda CR-V: While the specific safety awards can vary by year, the CR-V is frequently highlighted for its strong safety performance, particularly in the compact SUV category. The Honda Sensing suite is noted for its effective and usable safety features.
How to choose the safest SUV
- Check crash test ratings: Look at the ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to see how a specific vehicle performs in various crash tests.
- Look at safety features: Consider which safety and driver-assist features are most important to you, such as automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control.
- Consider your needs: The "safest" SUV depends on your individual needs. A family-friendly, three-row SUV like the Kia Telluride may be ideal for a larger family, while a smaller, more nimble option might be better for city driving.
What is the safety rating of the Ford Explorer rollover?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the Explorer a coveted five-star overall safety rating, including five stars for front and side impact protection and four stars for rollover resistance.
Which cars have high rollover risk?
Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs)
This makes them more likely to tip in sharp turns or sudden maneuvers. Older SUV models, like early Ford Explorers, had documented rollover issues. Even with modern safety upgrades such as electronic stability control (ESC), SUVs still rank among the highest-risk vehicles.
