The Ford Expedition is renowned for its spacious interior, powerful performance, and versatility. However, when it comes to purchasing a family SUV, understanding the Ford Expedition safety ratings is crucial. This article dives deep into everything you need to know about the safety features and ratings of this popular SUV, ensuring you can make an informed decision.
Understanding Ford Expedition Safety Ratings
When evaluating the Ford Expedition safety ratings, it’s essential to consider the assessments from both governmental and independent organizations. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) play pivotal roles in providing reliable safety ratings for vehicles.
NHTSA Ratings Overview
The NHTSA is a trusted authority that provides comprehensive safety ratings based on crash tests. The Ford Expedition safety ratings from NHTSA typically include:
- Frontal Crash Rating: This test evaluates the safety of the vehicle during head-on collisions.
- Side Crash Rating: This assessment looks at the protection offered by the vehicle in the event of a side impact.
- Rollover Resistance: This rating determines the likelihood of the vehicle tipping over during sudden maneuvers.
Historically, the Ford Expedition has performed well in these categories, often earning high marks due to its robust construction and advanced safety features.
IIHS Ratings Overview
The IIHS offers a different approach by testing based on varying crash scenarios and evaluating crash avoidance and mitigation systems. The key areas of Ford Expedition safety ratings by IIHS include:
- Moderate Overlap Front: Evaluates how well the vehicle protects the driver during a front-end crash involving a portion of the vehicle.
- Side Impact: Assesses vehicle safety when hit by another vehicle or obstacle from the side.
- Roof Strength: Measures the vehicle’s ability to support itself during a rollover accident.
- Head Restraints and Seats: Defines how well seats, head restraints, and seat belts protect passengers from neck injuries.
The Ford Expedition frequently secures good ratings from the IIHS in these critical areas, particularly in terms of its roof strength and head restraint performance.
Safety Features Enhancing Ford Expedition Safety Ratings
The high Ford Expedition safety ratings can be attributed in part to its advanced safety features. These systems are designed to prevent accidents and protect passengers when collisions are unavoidable.
- Ford Co-Pilot360™: This suite of driver-assist technologies includes a pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot information system, and lane-keeping system.
- Adaptive Cruise Control: Alters your speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front.
- Enhanced Active Park Assist: Aids in parallel and perpendicular parking by controlling steering while the driver manages the gear shift, accelerator, and brake.
- 360-Degree Camera: Offers a bird’s-eye view of the vehicle, making maneuvering in tight spaces safer.
These technologies not only improve safety but also contribute to the ease and confidence of driving a Ford Expedition.
Recent Improvements in Ford Expedition Safety
The Ford Expedition safety ratings have witnessed improvements over recent model years, thanks to continuous advancements in safety technologies and design enhancements. The latest models come with updated features such as:
- Reverse Brake Assist: Helps prevent rear-end collisions when operating in reverse by automatically braking if an object is detected.
- Intersection Assist: Alerts drivers of oncoming traffic while turning left at intersections, reducing the risk of side-impact collisions.
These improvements highlight Ford’s commitment to evolving safety standards and ensuring that the Expedition remains one of the safest vehicles in its class.
Conclusion: Making Safety a Priority
In conclusion, understanding Ford Expedition safety ratings is vital for prospective buyers who prioritize the well-being of their family on the road. With high scores from both the NHTSA and IIHS, along with state-of-the-art safety features, the Expedition stands out as a robust choice among large SUVs. Its advanced safety technologies provide peace of mind while its spacious Ford Expedition interior design ensures comfort and luxury for all passengers. Whether you’re navigating city streets or embarking on a cross-country journey, the Ford Expedition offers a blend of safety and functionality that few other vehicles in its category can match.