The NHTSA awarded it five stars after the crash tests, while the IIHS gave this year's Explorer
a Top Safety Pick+ distinction for both surviving and avoiding collisions.
It received a "Superior" rating for its standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian recognition,
which, coupled with active lane control, blind-spot monitors, and automatic headlights
helps the vehicle receive an 8 in this category.
It cannot get credit for having good outward vision because of the headrests and large back pillars that cover the rearview mirror.
Options include automated rear emergency braking, evasive steering
assistance, and adaptive cruise control.