MENU
SEARCHThe driver-side small overlap front test was the downfall for the 2020 Ford Explorer and 2020 Lincoln Aviator, as both midsize SUVs failed to capture a prestigious safety award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Ford's 2020 Explorer midsize SUV just missed a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS.
Photo courtesy of IIHS.
The driver-side small overlap front test was the downfall for the 2020 Ford Explorer and 2020 Lincoln Aviator, as both midsize SUVs failed to capture a prestigious safety award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the institute announced.
Both the redesigned Explorer and the all-new Aviator scored just an acceptable rating on the evaluation, but Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ status both require a good rating.
Automaker Ford had expected the Explorer to earn a good rating in the driver-side small overlap test and said it would investigate the shortcomings and implement changes with the aim of improving the vehicle's performance for a future test.
However, the midsize SUV did show some improvement in the test over earlier models, according to IIHS engineers.
Overall, the Explorer's structure held up well. This was a significant improvement over the severe intrusion seen in the Explorer prior to the redesign. Even so, in the test of the 2020 model, there was enough intrusion into the outboard part of the footwell to elevate the risk of injury to the driver's left leg, as indicated by measures taken from the dummy.
On the upside, both Ford vehicles garnered good ratings in four other crashworthiness evaluations including the moderate overlap front, side, roof strength, and head restraint tests.
What's more, both SUVs aced the front crash prevention category. Both the Explorer and Aviator are equipped with a standard vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention system that captured a superior rating — preventing collisions in 12 and 25 mph tests.
The two models got mixed marks for their headlights. While all Explorers built after June earn an acceptable headlight rating, the Aviator's static LED reflector base headlights rate just marginal. However, its available curve-adaptive headlights scored a good rating.
Distracted driving remains one of the most persistent risks in fleet operations. New approaches focus on removing mobile device use entirely while adding real-time safety support.
Read More →
As distraction risks evolve, fleets are turning to smarter, more connected technologies to better understand what’s happening behind the wheel. Part 2 explores how these tools are helping identify risky behaviors and improve visibility across operations.
Read More →
What fleets capture to improve safety can also expose them in litigation, forcing leaders to rethink how data is managed, stored, and shared.
Read More →
Distracted driving is often measured by what we can see—phones in hand, eyes off the road. But what about the distractions we can’t? A recent incident raises a bigger question about awareness, attention, and why subtle risks so often go unnoticed.
Read More →
While serious crashes are declining, a rise in minor incidents and ongoing risk hotspots underscore the need for continued fleet safety investment.
Read More →
Fleets have more driver data than ever, so why isn't behavior changing? Training requires more than reports and coaching — it requires real-world practice.
Read More →
A two-part conversation with Stefan Heck on how AI is transforming the fight against distracted driving. As fleets adopt smarter tools, the focus shifts from reacting to preventing risk. In Part 1, we look at where AI is making an impact for fleets today.
Read More →
More people on foot means more risk for drivers. These pedestrian safety tips can help prevent serious injuries and keep everyone safer on the road.
Read More →
Safer crews. Fewer incidents. Better uptime. Learn how driver-assist technology is changing the way vocational fleets operate.
Read More →
An 11% drop in pedestrian fatalities in early 2025 signals progress in U.S. road safety, but elevated death rates and ongoing risks underscore the need for continued action from fleets and policymakers.
Read More →
