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    • 2023 Ford Explorer  RealSafeCars88Safety Rating

    #29 of 2023 SUVs

    #40 of all 2023 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 provides superior horsepower for its class, offering great power. Having better than average EPA (miles per gallon) for its class, it reduces fuel costs and pollution. 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 2023 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 2023 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 2023 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 2023 Ford Explorer is 34% less likely to result in a fatal accident. Compared to other suvs, the 2023 Ford Explorer is 24% less likely to result in a fatal accident.

    2023 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 preventing accidents and reducing accident severity. The following active safety systems are included even on lower trims/versions of the 2023 Ford Explorer: Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keeping System, and BLIS Blind Spot Detection with Cross-Traffic Alert.

    Some safety features still may make a vehicle safer, even if not at the forefront of technological advances. 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. Automatic High Beam Headlamps are optional on the 2023 Ford Explorer. This feature recognizes oncoming traffic and shuts off high beam headlights until the oncoming traffic has passed.

    But it is about as safe as many comparable models.

    9776Chrysler PacificaKia CarnivalNissan MuranoBuick EnclaveFord EdgeFord ExplorerMazda CX-9Volkswagen AtlasHonda OdysseyV. Atlas Cross SportNissan PathfinderToyota HighlanderComparison to similar models.  This plot compares the RSC rating of the 2023 Ford Explorer with its main competition. Models are plotted on a scale from 76 to 97. The 2023 Ford Explorer is safer than the 2023 Chrysler Pacifica, the 2023 Kia Carnival, the 2023 Nissan Murano, and the 2023 Buick Enclave and less safe than the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, the 2023 Honda Odyssey, the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas, and the 2023 Mazda CX-9. It is about as safe as the 2023 Ford Edge.

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