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    • 2021 Ford Explorer  RealSafeCars88Safety Rating

    #14 of 2021 SUVs

    #22 of all 2021 vehicles


    Pictured: 2020 Ford Explorer
    The Explorer, a mainstay of Ford's lineup since 1991, is a three-row midsize SUV with seating up to 7. The Ford Explorer has exceptional horsepower for its class, packing substantial oomph. Exceeding the average MPG (miles per gallon) for its class, it reduces fuel costs and the carbon footprint. It has technology that is now expected: Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. With optional all-wheel drive (AWD), it handles mud, snow, and sand with ease. Ford offers a 3-year, 36,000-mile basic warranty, and a 5-year, 60,000-mile powertrain warranty on its lineup.

    The 2021 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 2021 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 2021 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 2021 Ford Explorer is 34% less likely to result in a fatal accident. Compared to other suvs, the 2021 Ford Explorer is 24% less likely to result in a fatal accident.

    2021 Ford Explorer offers AEB optionally. With AEB, the vehicle lifetime fatality chance drops by 14%.

    Active safety features with Ford's Co-Pilot360 can substantially reduce the risks of harm to vehicle occupants by preventing severe accidents. All trims and versions of the 2021 Ford Explorer include the following active safety systems: Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keeping System, and BLIS Blind Spot Detection with Cross-Traffic Alert.

    Another safety feature seems simpler but should still be considered. Optional side mirror turn signals alert others of your intention to turn or switch lanes allowing them to react accordingly, which can prevent accidents caused by not seeing a vehicle in the blind spot.

    But it is about as safe as many comparable models.

    9675Chrysler VoyagerChrysler PacificaKia SedonaVolkswagen AtlasHyundai PalisadeDodge DurangoMazda CX-9Toyota HighlanderFord ExplorerSubaru AscentHonda PilotKia TellurideComparison to similar models.  This plot compares the RSC rating of the 2021 Ford Explorer with its main competition. Models are plotted on a scale from 75 to 96. The 2021 Ford Explorer is safer than the 2021 Chrysler Voyager, the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica, and the 2021 Kia Sedona and less safe than the 2021 Mazda CX-9. It is about as safe as the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas, the 2021 Hyundai Palisade, the 2021 Dodge Durango, the 2021 Kia Telluride, the 2021 Honda Pilot, and the 2021 Subaru Ascent.

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