Is a Used Ford Explorer a Safe Vehicle?

One reason you may be apprehensive about buying a used vehicle is the issue of safety. How do you know this particular model is safe? Does the newer version have a better safety rating or more safety features? If you buy used, will your family, friends, or cargo be as safe as they can possibly be? Take a look at a used Ford Explorer for sale––are Ford Explorers safe?

The answer is a resounding yes. Ford’s reputation for safe, reliable vehicles has remained intact due to its stringent standards, the integration of new technology, and the continued improvement of its entire range of models, from the Explorer to the F-150. Not only does Ford adhere to current safety rules, but they also go above and beyond to provide its customers with the highest level of safety possible.

The Ford Explorers most often seen on our lot range from a few years old to ten or fifteen years old, and even though there might be a new feature here or there every model year, you’ll be safe in the Ford Explorer no matter which year you opt for. So what can you expect from a used Ford Explorer regarding safety standards, equipment, and tech? Keep reading to find out.

Airbags

It’s always a good idea to inquire as to the history of the vehicle prior to purchase––you’ll want to know if there are intact airbags or if you’ll need to replace them after the sale has been completed. The 2017 Ford Explorer has several airbags positioned all throughout the vehicle body, including overhead, front, and side airbags, as well as a passenger knee airbag and dual-stage airbags, all of which come together to provide cushioning for low, medium, and high impact accidents, should that ever happen.

Even though the goal is never to be part of a crash, bump, or scrape incident, it’s a relief to know that your vehicle is well-equipped with enough safety features to prevent quite a lot of damage. We can’t plan for these sorts of things, but we can prepare for them, and Ford’s Explorer comes packed not only with the basics but extra precautions so that you don’t have to worry about leaving a space unprotected. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave their highest rating to the 2017 Ford Explorer, specifically for driver injury measures in the moderate overlap front and side.

Body Structure

The Ford Explorer hasn’t undergone any large changes to the body since 2013, so if you’re looking at a range of model years, the current safety information still applies. The Explorer is made of aluminum and steel, resulting in a strong, light body. Here again, Ford’s winning formula earned high marks for the SUV, particularly in roof strength. This is helpful not only for a potential rollover situation but also for people who live in areas that experience heavy hail. The Explorer also did well in the side body evaluation, earning the highest marks possible.

By combining ultra-high-strength boron steel and aluminum, magnesium, and plastic since 2020, Ford has been able to place stronger materials in key areas while maintaining a lighter weight and better control, all of which combine to create a powerful, protective exterior built to keep driver, passengers, and cargo safe while en route to the next errand, appointment, job, or social event.

If you have questions regarding the percentage of materials used on a particular model year, you can speak with a dealership associate via a site chat window, over the phone, or in person. While minor changes have occurred over the years, they are always meant to improve safety above all else.

Tech Safety Features

Along with a staunch body structure and multiple airbags, the Explorer is equipped with a Personal Safety system, along with other tech safety features that can include cruise control, a backup camera, electronic stability control, traction control, and brake assist, among others. Fully equipped to take on the highway, back road, or even dirt and gravel paths, the Ford Explorer will not only keep you safe, it will do so in addition to providing driver and passengers with a smooth, quiet ride.

The Ford Personal Safety system is an intelligent system with the means to analyze and enact specific levels of safety based on individual passengers. Instead of having a feature set only to one mode, which could be harmful to one person and helpful to another, there’s a range of power to work with, so adjustment from person to person is simple. Tools utilized by this system include supplemental restraints, dual-stage airbags, crash severity sensors, safety belt usage sensors, and a restraints control module. With such a wealth of features monitoring you and your passengers’ safety, you can sit back and rest in the knowledge that should anything ever occur, your Explorer has your back.

NHTSA Rating

There are two main entities that provide safety information to the public––the previously mentioned Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and National Highway Traffic Safety & Administration (NHTSA). In 2014, the NHTSA gave the Ford Explorer its highest rating of five stars overall, highlighting the safety canopy, available second-row inflatable safety belts, and the dual-stage airbags as particularly worthy of recognition. The NHTSA is a federal entity, backed by the U.S. government in its testing and rating of vehicles Americans drive every day, and with accolades by the U.S. government, backing from multiple insurance companies, and rave reviews from happy customers; it’s easy to see why the Explorer is so appealing.

The Ford Explorer has garnered the highest ratings and awards from national groups multiple years in a row, which has benefitted not only the Ford company but its customers as well. Through rigorous testing, design updates with stronger materials, and continual integration of new safety procedures and technology, Ford has created a safe, strong SUV in which families can enjoy their trips worry-free, knowing that their vehicle is always monitoring safety issues so that in the rare event something occurs, all safety aspects are deployed to protect precious cargo.

You Can Trust in the Safety of a Used Ford Explorer

If you’re looking for a used, safe family vehicle that’s also fun to drive, you can’t do better than the Ford Explorer. Modern safety features, rigorous testing, and additional safety precautions made the Explorer an excellent choice for the modern family. With high praise from both insurance companies and the federal government, the Explorer sits high on the list of safe, affordable family vehicles. Whether you’re looking for your first big family vehicle or you need to replace the old one, a used Ford Explorer is just the thing to keep things fresh while also maintaining high safety standards.

Knowing what safety measures have been taken and what safety features you’re interested in will go a long way toward figuring out what vehicle works best for you. The Explorer is meant to be an adventurous companion for you and your family, even if you don’t get to adventure as often as you want to. It’s a large, comfortable space in which your family can make plenty of new, happy memories, and when you do have a three-day weekend, you can take off and enjoy the ride. Take a look at the next Ford Explorer you see, and it will be clear why so many people clamor for new and used models. It’s truly one of a kind.