The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has announced that the 2027 Ford Explorer will undergo comprehensive safety testing as part of the agency’s annual New Car Assessment Program and 5-Star Safety Ratings initiative. This evaluation marks an important milestone for consumers interested in understanding how this popular midsize SUV performs in real-world crash scenarios and pedestrian protection measures.

What the NHTSA Evaluation Includes

The 2027 Ford Explorer is one of 23 vehicles selected for NHTSA’s upcoming crash testing program. The evaluation will include frontal crash tests, side impact tests, and rollover assessments that have become standard benchmarks for vehicle safety. What sets this year’s evaluation apart is that the Explorer is among 18 models that will be subjected to the agency’s newly developed pedestrian protection assessment.

This pedestrian protection testing is a significant addition to NHTSA’s safety protocols. The new assessment evaluates how well vehicles protect people outside the car in collision scenarios, addressing a growing concern about vulnerable road users. Additionally, the Explorer will be evaluated for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) performance, which includes automatic emergency braking, pedestrian automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, blind spot warning, and blind spot intervention capabilities.

What This Means for Shoppers

NHTSA crash test facility
Photo by analogicus

For consumers considering a 2027 Ford Explorer purchase, this NHTSA evaluation provides valuable, independent safety data. The resulting 5-Star Safety Ratings will be published on NHTSA.gov/Ratings once testing and quality control are complete, allowing potential buyers to compare the Explorer against competing models in its class. These ratings also appear on new vehicle window stickers, making it easy to spot safety information during the shopping process.

The emphasis on pedestrian protection testing is particularly relevant for family buyers. Parents and guardians purchasing an SUV often navigate busy urban and suburban environments where pedestrian encounters are common. Understanding how a vehicle protects both occupants and people outside the vehicle should factor into your purchase decision. Safety ratings help shoppers make informed choices about vehicle reliability and protection features.

Recent Safety Recognition

The 2027 Explorer’s incoming NHTSA evaluation follows strong safety performance from the 2026 model year. Earlier this year, the 2026 Ford Explorer earned a Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). That recognition was based on good ratings in small overlap front crash tests, modern overlap front crash tests, and side crash testing. The vehicle also demonstrated strong performance in headlight effectiveness and front crash prevention systems.

However, the 2026 model did receive acceptable rather than good ratings in seat belt and child restraint ease of use, as well as head and neck protection for rear seat occupants. These findings suggest that while the Explorer excels in crash prevention and overall structural protection, there may be room for improvement in some occupant comfort and restraint features.

Broader NHTSA Program Context

advanced driver assistance display
Photo by Randy Tarampi

The NHTSA’s 5-Star Safety Ratings program has been helping American families make vehicle choices for more than 30 years. According to NHTSA Administrator Jonathan Morrison, the program serves as a tool for consumers while also rewarding automakers that prioritize safety innovation. The vehicles selected for testing in each annual cycle represent approximately 87 percent of all new vehicles sold in the United States, ensuring that most buyers can access comparable safety data for their preferred models.

This year’s testing cohort includes 10 additional models being evaluated specifically for advanced driver assistance systems performance. ADAS technologies continue to evolve rapidly across the automotive industry, and NHTSA’s evaluation helps establish baseline performance standards that consumers can rely on. The agency’s structured testing methodology ensures that claims about automatic emergency braking, lane keeping, and blind spot detection systems are verified through independent assessment rather than manufacturer claims alone.

What to Expect Next

Shoppers interested in learning how the 2027 Ford Explorer performs in NHTSA testing should plan to check NHTSA.gov/Ratings once results are published. The agency prioritizes thorough quality control of test data before releasing ratings, so there may be a waiting period between the announcement of testing plans and the publication of actual results. Understanding safety ratings and recalls helps buyers stay informed about vehicle performance.

For those currently shopping or planning a future purchase, monitor these rating releases closely. The combination of NHTSA crash test results and IIHS recognition provides a comprehensive picture of the Explorer’s safety capabilities. Prospective buyers should review ratings across multiple safety categories rather than focusing on a single metric, as different vehicles may excel in different areas of protection and technology.