Ford Explorer,Sport Trac and Mercury Mountaineer earn highest IIHS frontal crash test rating

Building on a legacy of proven safety, the 2006 Ford Explorer, Sport Trac and Mercury Mountaineer now add the highest frontal offset crash test rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety to their collective trophy case. That case is getting crowded, as all three vehicles recently earned the government’s highest five-star crash test ratings for frontal and side impacts for drivers and passengers.

“We’re pleased that the IIHS has recognized all three vehicles with its highest possible frontal crash test rating,” says Sue Cischke, vice president, Environmental and Safety Engineering. “In addition to more refinement and increased capability, they offer a new package of advanced safety features.”

With 10 advanced safety innovations as standard equipment, Explorer, Mountaineer and Sport Trac offer the most active and passive safety features in their class. Four of these are new adaptive technologies specifically designed for Ford’s stringent internal safety targets.

“Ford Motor Company is building on a legacy of introducing industry-first safety technologies that help provide increased protection in accidents,” Cischke said. “These vehicles offer impressive handling and braking combined with AdvanceTrac with industry-exclusive Roll Stability Control.”

Unlike any other system in the world, Roll Stability Control features roll-rate sensing, offering assistance to the driver in maintaining vehicle control during extreme maneuvers. The system automatically engages countermeasures to help the driver maintain maximum control and further reduce the risk of rollover.

“In the case of an accident, all three offer enhanced rollover side-impact protection, and four new adaptive safety technologies that help tailor frontal-impact protection based on crash severity, occupant size and safety belt usage.”

Ford’s occupant classification system helps tailor air-bag deployment for increased protection. A horizontal stroking adaptive steering column adds to the safety package to further help protect customers.

In the event of a side impact, all three vehicles feature standard side-impact air bags for the driver and front passenger and available Safety Canopy side air curtains that deploy in certain side-impact collisions or if an impending rollover is detected.