2026 Ford Explorer vs 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander:
Safety comparison — crash avoidance & crash test ratings
Side-by-side comparison of standard crash-avoidance technologies and NHTSA/IIHS crash test ratings. Driver assistance and convenience features are covered in the full comparison.
Quick take
The Ford Explorer holds a modest edge in overall safety (99 vs 95), reflecting slightly stronger crash-avoidance equipment or crash-test performance. Both vehicles are evenly matched on the 4 core crash-avoidance technologies. The Ford Explorer achieves a higher IIHS designation (Top Safety Pick vs Not awarded). Overall, the Ford Explorer has the stronger safety package, leading on 1 of 6 measured features versus 0 for the Toyota Grand Highlander (5 tied). Check the full comparison for cost of ownership, powertrain, and livability scores — safety is one of five pillars in the MotiveGrid Score.
Crash avoidance(0–0–4)
(Wins–Losses–Ties for Ford Explorer vs Toyota Grand Highlander)
Crash test ratings(1–0–1)
(Wins–Losses–Ties for Ford Explorer vs Toyota Grand Highlander)
Data reflects standard equipment at the base MSRP. Optional packages like Ford BlueCruise, GM Super Cruise, and Tesla FSD are not scored (Tesla FSD is the lone curated exception). Crash test data from NHTSA and IIHS. ADAS data verified against manufacturer spec pages.
See the full Ford Explorer vs Toyota Grand Highlander comparison — all five pillars including cost of ownership, powertrain, driver assistance, and livability: