Some people refuse to buy new vehicles without first understanding just how safe they are on the road. Safety for yourself and passengers is important, and for many consumers, a star or two short in crash test ratings can be a dealbreaker.

For those of you considering a new Ford Explorer, you can breathe easy knowing they are in fact, very safe. But, you certainly don’t have to take our word for it. Today, we’ll outline everything that goes into making the Explorer safe, and you can determine for yourself if it’s a perfect fit in your garage.

What the experts have to say

When it comes to safety, automakers and reviewers can boast and brag all they want about crash tests. It’s the recommendations of the experts, however, that many deem the most credible. According to the IIHS and the NHSTA, the 2020 Ford Explorer safety ratings are good.

• Moderate Overlap Front Test Results – Good
• Side Impact Test Results – Good
• Rear Crash Protection Results – Good
• Roof Strength Test Results – Good
• Small Overlap Front Driver Test Results – Acceptable
• Headlights Results – Acceptable
• Front Crash Prevention Results – Superior

Safety equipment that matters

The 2020 Ford Explorer comes with a host of safety features, some of which are considered an industry standard. You’ll have anti-lock brakes, stability control, and a family of airbags for starters. Front, side, overhead, and knee airbags protect from almost every angle for maximum safety outcomes for everyone in the SUV. These airbags are specifically designed and placed for head, neck, chest, and lower body protection.

Driver assistance features

As the driver, you’re in a position of responsibility for the safety of yourself, others riding with you, and those around you. Ford Explorer brings a series of driver assistance tech and extras to help improve your driving and visibility. You’ll appreciate daytime running lights, blind spot detection signaling, and lane departure warning systems. Parking is made easy with self-parking assist.

Co-Pilot360 Assist (and Plus) for ultimate safety

If you ever imagined a vehicle driving itself, Ford’s Co-Pilot suite of driver assistance features might as close as we can get. While it’s not standard on all vehicles, you can take advantage of it with your 2020 Explorer. Evasive steering assist, adaptive cruise for highway driving, and the previously mentioned self-parking assist are all features you didn’t know you needed.

Safety for the little ones

Many consumers trust Ford Explorers with their families. In terms of safety for the little ones, you’re covered if you’re considering a 2020 model. You’ll have highly rated child latch and anchoring systems, for example. You’ll also have rear child safety locks and occupant safety airbag deactivation.

Hands-free safety connectivity

With your 2020 Ford Explorer, you’ll have access to all things hands-free so that you can stay connected, all while maintaining your ten and two steering wheel position. It offers SYNC 3 infotainment, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto for ultimate connectivity. You’ll also have Waze capability, to pair with your phone and provide the most concise navigational instructions right on your screen. Find your way in an unfamiliar area with ease, make calls, and send texts, all without taking your eyes off the roadway.

If you were concerned about the overall safety of the Ford Explorer, you hopefully feel you have a clearer perspective of the safety features it has to offer. If you’re still unsure, check out what all the IIHS goes on to say about this hearty SUV. Once you feel comfortable with the complete safety overview, there are so many fun features, performance enhancements, and creature comforts you’ll love to learn about as well.