What is the safety rating of the Ford Freestyle?
The safety rating of the Ford Freestyle is not universal; it varies by market and by the testing organization. In India, the Figo Freestyle variant earned a 4-star rating for adult occupant protection and 3 stars for child occupant protection in Global NCAP’s 2019 test. Other regions may have different results or no published rating at all.
Markets, tests and what the numbers mean
Automakers publish safety ratings only for the specific markets and trim levels that are tested. Global NCAP is the primary rating body for the India-market Freestyle, while U.S., European and other markets have different agencies and, in some cases, no formal rating published for this model.
- Adult occupant protection: how well the car protects adult passengers in the tested crash scenarios, based on dummy readings and structural performance.
- Child occupant protection: how well child dummies of various sizes are protected, including the effectiveness of restraints and airbag deployment for child safety seats.
- Safety equipment in the tested variant: the number of airbags (front/side), ESC (electronic stability control), and other active/passive safety features available in the tested version.
Before examining the India-market result, note what the star ratings typically reflect in Global NCAP tests:
The India-spec Freestyle tested in 2019 by Global NCAP demonstrated a relatively strong result for adults and a solid, but not top-tier, performance for child protection, with the ratings reflecting the version that was available in that market at the time.
Details of the India-market Global NCAP result
For readers evaluating a used or imported Freestyle in India, the key takeaway from Global NCAP’s 2019 assessment is that the car provided 4 stars for adult occupant protection and 3 stars for child occupant protection in the tested configuration. The rating was achieved with the trim and safety equipment available in that test, which commonly included dual front airbags and other standard safety features, but availability can vary by year, trim level and optional packs.
What this means for prospective buyers
If you are shopping in India or considering a used Freestyle from that market, the star rating indicates solid adult protection but indicates that the car may have room for improvement in child protection in some configurations. Buyers should check the specific VIN, trim, and safety features installed on the exact vehicle they are considering, including the presence of side airbags, ABS with EBD, and child-seat anchors.
Ratings in other markets
There is no widely published, official Global NCAP or Euro NCAP rating for the Ford Freestyle in the United States or Europe. Ford vehicles sold in those regions may have different safety configurations and result in different assessments, or no formal rating published for this exact model variant. In some markets, related models or regional variants may be tested under different regulatory regimes or not tested at all.
Key safety features typically found on Freestyle variants
Across various markets, safety features commonly associated with the Freestyle include a combination of active and passive protections. When evaluating a specific used car, verify the presence of:
- Dual front airbags and at least some models offering side/ curtain airbags as optional or standard.
- Anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD).
- Electronic stability control (ESC) where available in the tested trim.
- ISOFIX child-seat anchors and appropriate child restraint provisions.
- Valid seat belt reminders and crash-structural integrity for the tested configuration.
These elements influence safety ratings and real-world protection, so it’s worth confirming the exact features on any specific Freestyle you’re evaluating.
Bottom line
In the most commonly cited market for the Freestyle, India, Global NCAP awarded the Ford Freestyle 4 stars for adult occupant protection and 3 stars for child occupant protection in the 2019 test. Other markets may not have an official published rating for this model, or may rate different variants differently. As always, check the exact trim, airbags, and safety equipment present on the specific vehicle you’re considering.
Summary
The Ford Freestyle’s safety rating is market-specific. In India, the 2019 Global NCAP test resulted in 4-star adult protection and 3-star child protection for the tested Freestyle variant. Prospective buyers should verify the exact safety feature set on the specific vehicle and note that ratings can differ by region and trim. Always consult the latest tests from recognized bodies for the most current assessment.
