2020 Ford Explorer Safety Rating: Worth Your Time?

Catrina C
Dec 22, 2020

The 2020 Ford Explorer is a durable, reliable and safe vehicle that you may want to consider if you’re looking for your next SUV. It’s the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s 2020 Top Safety Pick +.

How safe is the 2020 Ford Explorer?

The 2020 Ford Explorer received five out of five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as well as an overall rating of “G” from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. It’s one of the organization’s top safety picks. Consumers give it 4.14 out of five stars at Vehicle History.

Brown 2020 Ford Explorer In Motion

In this article, we’ll talk about the 2020 Ford Explorer and what makes it such a safe vehicle, so you can decide if it’s one that you want to invest in.

2020 Ford Explorer Crash Test Rating

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Test/Results

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gives the 2020 Ford Explorer its elusive 2020 Top Safety Pick + award for midsize SUVs and four-door SUVs. The award applies to all 2020 Ford Explorers manufactured following May 2020.

The IIHS ranks the crashworthiness of the 2020 Ford Explorer at “G” for good. In crash avoidance, headlights rank “A” for acceptable. LATCH ease of use also ranks “A” for acceptable.

In initial tests for the 2020 model, the crash dummies did suffer high forces on their legs. So, Ford modified the vehicle (which is why the May 2020 model is used).

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Test/Results

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gives the Ford Explorer five out of five stars on its crash test. It gives an overall front star rating of five stars, an overall side star rating of five out of five stars, and a rollover rating of four out of five stars.

The dynamic tip result showed no tip, but the rollover risk was set at 15.10%. Overall, the vehicle scored well and has good protective measures for people anywhere in the vehicle.

Other Reputable Tests/Results

At J.D. Power and the NADA Guides, the 2020 Ford Explorer was given an overall five-star rating. The overall frontal barrier crash rating was scored at five stars, and the overall side crash rating also received five stars. The side barrier rating scored five out of five.

These ratings were based on the base four-wheel-drive Explorer and may vary slightly between trims. However, the overall vehicle does score well across the board through multiple safety tests with various organizations.

2020 Ford Explorer Available Safety Tech

Forward Collision Warning

Car Detecting Pedestrians While Driving

Forward collision warning comes standard with the 2020 Ford Explorer. It uses a series of forward-facing sensors to let the driver of the vehicle know if there is an impending collision. The driver may then take action to steer away or avoid the collision.

This system does not maneuver the vehicle for the driver.

Crash Imminent Braking

Crash imminent braking is designed to help drivers brake when they don’t take steps to do so on their own. When the sensors realize that your vehicle is approaching another object, person or vehicle too quickly, then the system kicks in.

The crash imminent braking system automatically applies the brakes to slow or stop the vehicle.

Lane Departure Warning

With lane departure warning, a series of camera systems monitor the area around your vehicle. The camera system tracks where you are in the lane. If you start to drift out of your lane without using a turn signal, then the technology will let you know.

It is not designed to keep you in the lane, but the warning system can help you stay on the road with alerts.

Dynamic Brake Support

This semi-autonomous feature is designed to help drivers brake more effectively. Dynamic brake support automatically supplements the braking the driver is already doing to assist in crash avoidance.

For example, if a driver taps the brakes but needs to put them on completely to stop, the system will take over and apply the heavy brake instead.

Here’s What Other People Also Ask:

Is the Ford Explorer reliable?

The Ford Explorer is a popular choice because it has a good infotainment system, good cargo capacity and excellent handling. It is a top safety pick, which makes it safer for families and individuals, which is also something to consider.

Ford Explorers are expected to last between 10 and 17 years with regular maintenance, based on 12,000 miles being driven annually.

Which year Ford Explorer is best?

The 2011 Ford Explorer is considered to be the most reliable Ford Explorer. It was the first model that was part of the fifth generation, and it was the first seen as a crossover SUV.

However, the 2020 model is completely redesigned, and it has won excellent safety ratings and awards as a result. The Ford Explorer has a general 3.5 out of 5-star rating for reliability regardless of year.

What year Ford Explorers have transmission problems?

Several years of Ford Explorers have had transmission problems. The vehicles are most likely to have transmission failure, exterior body problems and transmission issues. The 2020 model does not have any recalls for transmission problems, but there are seven recalls on the model.

Those recalls are for fuel line issues, seat belt problems and airbag concerns.

avatar Catrina C
Catrina C. is a former auto auction block clerk and current freelance automotive industry writer. She enjoys writing, taking long trips in her Ford and providing solid automotive advice.
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