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    • 2020 Ford Explorer  RealSafeCars88Safety Rating

    #17 of 2020 SUVs

    #26 of all 2020 vehicles


    The Explorer, part of Ford's lineup since 1991, is a three-row midsize SUV with seating up to 7. Having better than average EPA (miles per gallon) for its class, it reduces fuel costs and pollution. It has technology that is now expected: Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The Ford Explorer provides superior horsepower for its class, offering great power. With optional all-wheel drive (AWD), it can easily handle mud, snow, and sand. Ford offers a 3-year, 36,000-mile basic warranty, and a 5-year, 60,000-mile powertrain warranty on its lineup.

    The 2020 Ford Explorer is safe compared to all vehicles.

    Comparison to all vehicles.  This plot shows RSC safety scores on the horizontal axis vs. the number of vehicles with each safety score (depicted by bar height and percentages at the bottom). Colors reflect vehicle safety, ranging from red (not that safe) to green (safer). For reference, a score of 0 implies a 0.15% chance of driver death (13% chance of driver injury) over 15 years, and a score of 100 reflects a 0.016% chance (1.4% chance of driver injury). The 2020 Ford Explorer has a score of 88, implying a 0.031% chance of driver death (2.8% chance of injury). If equipped with optional advanced driver safety features, the chance of death falls to 0.027%, and the chance of injury falls to 2.4%.

    We estimate that the 2020 Ford Explorer has a vehicle lifetime fatality chance of 0.0308% and a vehicle lifetime injury chance of 3.5194%, meaning the average driver has a 0.0308% chance of dying in an accident if they drive the car under regular conditions for fifteen years, and a 3.5194% chance of being injured.

    Compared to the average vehicle, the 2020 Ford Explorer is 34% less likely to result in a fatal accident. Compared to other suvs, the 2020 Ford Explorer is 24% less likely to result in a fatal accident.

    2020 Ford Explorer offers AEB optionally. With AEB, the vehicle lifetime fatality chance drops by 14%.

    Ford's Co-Pilot360 active safety features can protect loved ones by reducing accident severity and preventing accidents. Active safety systems that are standard on the Ford Explorer include: Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keeping System, and BLIS Blind Spot Detection with Cross-Traffic Alert.

    Another advanced safety feature --- while not cutting edge --- can still improve vehicle safety. Side mirror turn signals are optional on the Ford Explorer. They alert other vehicles of your intention to switch lanes, which allows the other vehicle's driver to prevent an impending accident with you.

    But it is about as safe as many comparable models.

    9773Nissan PathfinderChrysler PacificaToyota HighlanderV. Atlas Cross SportHyundai PalisadeToyota SiennaMazda CX-9Volkswagen AtlasFord ExplorerHonda PilotSubaru AscentKia TellurideComparison to similar models.  This plot compares the RSC rating of the 2020 Ford Explorer with its main competition. Models are plotted on a scale from 73 to 97. The 2020 Ford Explorer is safer than the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder, the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica, and the 2020 Toyota Highlander and less safe than the 2020 Mazda CX-9. It is about as safe as the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, the 2020 Hyundai Palisade, the 2020 Toyota Sienna, the 2020 Kia Telluride, the 2020 Subaru Ascent, the 2020 Honda Pilot, and the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas.

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