The 2024 Ford Explorer Attains Highest Safety Accolade from IIHS

Photo Source: Ford

SNAPSHOT

• Crash test results demonstrate that the Ford Explorer dominates at keeping occupants secure in several impact situations.
• The Ford Explorer is the safest model in Ford’s lineup for 2024, receiving a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS.

With an estimated 40,990 motor vehicle traffic crash-related deaths in 2023 according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), it is essential to be as safe as possible when on the road. Even though remaining vigilant as a driver is perhaps the best way to mitigate any serious incidents, sometimes circumstances are out of the driver’s control. Ensuring the vehicle an owner drives is safe is a crucial consideration, and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts a plethora of tests every year to verify which vehicles provide the best pedestrian and occupant protection.

What is the Safest Ford Vehicle in 2024?

Six months into the year, reliability and safety results for 2024 model-year automobiles are coming in thick and fast. Along with the NHTSA, the IIHS is arguably the premier vehicle safety rating board in the United States, with both performing a wide host of tests to ascertain a safety rating for each new vehicle. Although Ford enthusiasts are admittedly left wanting when it comes to safety, the Ford Explorer is the exception, with the midsize SUV earning an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award for the 2024 model year. Indeed, it is the only Ford model in the entire lineup to win the prestigious honor.

This is a bit of a surprise because informed readers might expect the Ford Edge or Ford Escape to present better results. A few other automakers only had one vehicle earn the Top Safety Pick+ title as well. The Explorer joins the Subaru Ascent, Toyota Prius, and Kia Telluride. Of note, the IIHS recently made it more challenging to earn these titles. For example, the side impact test was updated from receiving a blow with a 3,100-pound sled to a 4,200-pound sled to better reflect the size of today’s vehicles. 

The small overlap test that simulates colliding into a pole or tree was similarly altered. It is now tested on the driver and passenger side. Moreover, the pedestrian avoidance system tests now combine daytime and nighttime scores. If either crash test is failed then the vehicles are not eligible for either award.

How the 2024 Ford Explorer Fares

The Ford Explorer has 38 ‘good’ ratings for its ability to protect passengers, the highest score possible. It only has three ‘acceptable’ scores and did not get any ‘marginal’ ratings. According to J.D. Power, the 2024 Ford Explorer has a reliability rating of 82 out of 100. Anything between 81 and 90 is above average and scores between 91 and 100 are best. That said, the 2020 Explorer earned a 60, so immense improvements have been made.

Stay Safe and Sound with a 2024 Ford Explorer from NYE Ford!

The scores are based on input from actual owners and the issues they encountered. Everything from the transmission, paint, engine, interior quality, and electronics is included. If your confidence is bolstered with the knowledge that the 2024 Ford Explorer is a dependable SUV, please come visit NYE Ford, where we can assist you with any financial help, needs, or suggestions to make paying for a vehicle easier. Allow us the pleasure of helping you today.