The 2006 Ford Explorer marked a significant redesign for this popular SUV, and safety is a key aspect for any family vehicle. This model year and those closely related (2006-2010) have been evaluated for crash safety, providing valuable insights for potential buyers and current owners. This article delves into the safety ratings of the 2006 Ford Explorer, focusing on the moderate overlap frontal crash test results.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducted evaluations, with Ford providing the test data for the moderate overlap frontal crash. The 2006 Ford Explorer, specifically the XLT 4-door 4wd model, received an overall rating of Good in this critical assessment. This rating extends to other models built on the same platform, including the Mercury Mountaineer and the Ford Explorer Sport Trac (from the 2007 model year onwards, as no 2006 Sport Trac was available). The Explorer Sport Trac, while sharing similarities with the standard Explorer, features a longer wheelbase and a pickup truck bed instead of the traditional SUV cargo area.
In the detailed evaluation criteria, the 2006 Ford Explorer consistently achieved “Good” ratings across the board. Key areas assessed include:
- Structure and Safety Cage: The structural integrity of the Explorer’s safety cage was rated as Good, indicating it effectively maintained its shape during the crash test, providing crucial protection for occupants.
- Driver Injury Measures: All driver injury measures were also rated as Good. This encompasses protection for the head and neck, chest, and legs and feet. Specifically, measurements for head/neck, chest, left leg/foot, and right leg/foot all received the top “Good” score.
- Driver Restraints and Dummy Kinematics: The performance of the safety restraints, including seatbelts and airbags, in controlling the dummy’s movement during the crash was also deemed Good.
The technical measurements from the crash test provide further detail. Intrusion into the occupant compartment was minimal on the driver’s side. For example, footwell intrusion measurements ranged from 8 to 9 cm, and instrument panel rearward movement was only 3 to 4 cm. Steering column movement was also well-controlled.
Looking at driver injury measures, the Head Injury Criterion (HIC-15) was measured at 353, and chest compression was 34 mm, both within acceptable limits. Femur forces and tibia index values for both legs were also low, indicating good protection for the lower extremities.
In conclusion, the 2006 Ford Explorer demonstrated a strong safety performance in the moderate overlap frontal crash test, earning an overall “Good” rating from the IIHS based on Ford’s test data. This “Good” rating across all evaluated categories for structure, injury measures, and restraints suggests that the 2006-2010 Ford Explorer models offer a solid level of safety for occupants in this type of frontal crash scenario. This information can be valuable for anyone considering purchasing or currently owning a 2006 Ford Explorer and prioritizing vehicle safety.
