The Ford Explorers safety rating is a common topic for those shopping for a 3rd-row crossover. Thankfully, the answer is more uplifting than worrisome, as there’s really nothing negative to report.
What is the 2020 Ford Explorers safety rating?
The 2020 Ford Explorers safety rating sits at a solid 5-Stars overall from the NHTSA and the highest score of “Good” by the IIHS.
Now, these numbers and ratings look good, but does the Ford Explorer really perform the way you want it to? To find out, we’ll break down those test scores for you here and also look at the safety tech that’s built into this SUV.
2020 Ford Explorer Safety Rating – Crash Test Results
IIHS
The IIHS offers some solid insight into the car’s crashworthiness. They give the Ford Explorer safety rating a score of “Good” across the board, including roof strength, side, head restraints, and other areas. This is solid when you compare it to the vehicle’s competitors.
The organization rated the headlights as an “Acceptable” level, which is slightly lower as it did the overall ease of use of the LATCH child seat anchors. Front crash prevention received a “Superior” for vehicle-to-vehicle and pedestrian. The optional system received slightly lower at “Advanced.”
NHTSA
The NHTSA also provides ratings for safety for this vehicle. The Overall Front crash rating was a solid 5 stars including both the front driver and passenger sides. It also received the highest marks across the board for side crash results, including barrier and pole ratings.
The only deviation in these ratings comes in the Rollover Star rating, which was just a 4. The vehicle did not tip in the dynamic tip test, which is a good thing. However, according to the agency, the rollover risk is 15.10%, which is a bit higher than the competition.
Ford Explorer Safety Rating – The Tech that Makes it Possible
There are some outstanding tech features on the Ford Explorer that make it an ideal choice for those desiring a bit more confidence. With sensors throughout the vehicle and cameras in place, it is possible to significantly minimize the risk of accidents.
Then there’s Ford Co-Pilot360, which takes the Ford Explorers safety rating to the next level. It is a suite of features that include both standard and optional features. These are designed to help drivers stay safe by providing more data and features than ever before. At the same time, these features don’t hinder driving quality. Here are some of them.
Auto Headlamps with Auto High Beams
This is a standard feature on all 2020 models and newer. It helps to improve visibility at night by automatically turning on your headlamps. If it detects a car in front of you, it automatically turns them down, eliminating the risk of blinding other drivers.
Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert
This feature helps you know where other cars are including in your blind spot. It flashes a yellow warning on the side mirrors so you know whenever someone is approaching or moving towards you – helping you avoid a collision if you change lanes.
The Cross-Traffic Alert feature warns you when someone is driving behind your car, such as when you are pulling out of the parking lot. This can help you to avoid collisions common in reverse.
Lane-Keeping System
Tired? If so, the system knows it and will warn you by monitoring your position in the lane you are driving in. If you cross over, it can steer you back in while also vibrating the steering wheel.
If you do this multiple times, a coffee cup icon will appear encouraging you to take a break.
Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control with Speed Sign Recognition
This is an advanced feature on some models of the Explorer. It will keep the distance desired between vehicles while in cruise control. It also automatically adjusts the speed when the posted speed limit changes. It can read those signs and make adjustments right away.
Pre-Collision Assist
Pre-Collision Assist comes standard on 2020 models, and is a semi-autonomous feature that adds a lot to the Ford Explorers overall safety rating. What’s more, not all brands offer it in this segment offer it, a real boasting point for Ford. How does it work? It will apply automatic emergency braking if there’s a risk of a collision occurring. It features Pedestrian Detection, a feature that responds when sensors pick up a person nearby.
In addition, the forward collision warning and dynamic brake support are designed to minimize risk by automatically slowing the car down if there’s a risk. Warnings are always given but, if you don’t stop, the car will stop for you.
