Hyundai Tucson Vs. Nissan Rogue: Compare Cars
In a few short years, what difference. Now, the set of compact crossovers is superior, and some of... Read More
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Top Safety Pick
Sightlines are pretty good out front but there is a large blind spot at the C-pillar.
...Depending on the option package, you can order adaptive cruise control and a blind- spot warning system.
SAFETY | 9 out of 10
Expert Quotes:
Not yet rated
NHTSA
Top Safety Pick
IIHS
Sightlines are pretty good out front but there is a large blind spot at the C-pillar.
Automobile
...Depending on the option package, you can order adaptive cruise control and a blind- spot warning system.
Popular Mechanics
With a model year under its belt, the 2012 Ford Explorer still hasn't seen complete crash-test results.
The latest Explorer gets the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick award, which means it earns good scores for all the agency's vital tests, and offers standard stability control. While it's a winner on that scale, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) hasn't yet published Explorer crash scores--likely because it changed its testing criteria and calculations for 2011, and is busy updating scores. We'll let you know when they do.
The promising safety scores are largely the result of the Explorer's comprehensive safety package. Not only does the Explorer offer standard curtain airbags and traction control, as well as "curve control" that adapts throttle and brake to upcoming corners, it's been outfitted with a slew of available safety technologies that Ford believes are important to family car shoppers.
On that list, we'd include Bluetooth, which allows drivers to take phone calls without using a handset, as well as all-wheel drive and a rearview camera. New for this year are optional inflatable rear-seat belts, which come bundled with blind-spot monitors. MyKey lets parents set volume and speed controls for kids who may borrow the Explorer. Adaptive cruise control is available--and every Explorer comes with great outward visibility, thanks to a high seating position, except to the rear quarters where thick C-pillars create a rather large blind spot.
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Conclusion
The 2012 Ford Explorer has a Top Safety Pick award under its inflatable rear seat belt, and more safety options than any other crossover we know.
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