Brand hub · IIHS data updated 2026-09-04
Ford Safety Ratings (2026)
Every current Ford model in IIHS records, scored with the same formula as our main ranking, plus real-world death rates for used Ford models where the data exists.
The safest current Ford is the 2026 Ford Mustang Mach E, scoring 95.6/100 with an IIHS Top Safety Pick award, #19 of 137 in our overall ranking. Ford has 12 current models in IIHS records, 6 with complete crash-test results; 0 earned a 2026 Top Safety Pick+ and 2 earned a Top Safety Pick. Older Ford models (2017 to 2020 model years) had a sales-weighted driver death rate of 36.4 per million registered vehicle years, grade C on our brand ranking. That is context from older models and is not part of the score.
Every current Ford ranked by safety
Where two vehicles score the same, the injury measures behind that score break the tie; vehicles matching on both share a rank. The score is 55% primary IIHS tests, 25% selected occupant-protection details, 10% pedestrian front crash prevention, and 10% class context. Missing evidence never counts as passing. Class rank compares each model with every vehicle in its IIHS class, not just other Ford models.
| Rank | Vehicle | Class | Class rank | IIHS award | Starts at | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2026 Ford Mustang Mach E | Midsize SUVs | 6 of 32 | TSP | ~$37,795 | 95.6 |
| 2 | 2026 Ford Explorer | Midsize SUVs | 7 of 32 | TSP | ~$38,465 | 94.3 |
| 3 | 2026 Ford Bronco | Midsize SUVs | 27 of 32 | No award | ~$40,795 | 77.8 |
| 4 | 2026 Ford Maverick | Small pickups | 4 of 7 | No award | ~$27,145 | 74.2 |
| 5 | 2026 Ford Bronco Sport | Small SUVs | 22 of 29 | No award | ~$31,845 | 69.1 |
| 6 | 2026 Ford F 150 | Large pickups | 5 of 6 | No award | ~$46,730 | 57.5 |
Prices are approximate base MSRPs excluding destination. TSP+ is IIHS Top Safety Pick+; TSP is Top Safety Pick. Full weights and rules are on the methodology page.
6 Ford models still waiting on complete IIHS results
These are listed so you can see what has been tested. A missing result is never treated as a pass or a fail, so they are not ranked.
| Vehicle | Class | Primary tests reported | Detail results reported | IIHS award |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Ford Escape | Small SUVs | 4/4 | 4/4 | No award |
| 2026 Ford Expedition | Large SUVs | 3/4 | 4/4 | No award |
| 2026 Ford F 150 | Large pickups | 3/4 | 3/4 | No award |
| 2026 Ford F 150 Lightning | Large pickups | 2/4 | 2/4 | No award |
| 2026 Ford Mustang | Midsize cars | 1/4 | 1/4 | No award |
| 2026 Ford Ranger | Small pickups | 4/4 | 4/4 | No award |
Real-world death rates for used Ford models
Driver deaths per million registered vehicle years from the IIHS driver death rate study, compared with the average for each model's class. Lower is better. These are older model years and are separate from the crash-test scores above.
| Vehicle | Model years | Driver death rate | Class average | Used price range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Edge 4WD | 2019-20 | 6 | 24.9 | $17,000 to $28,000 |
| Ford Ranger Crew Cab 4WD | 2019-20 | 14 | 28.0 | n/a |
| Ford Explorer 4WD | 2020 | 22 | 24.9 | n/a |
| Ford F-250 SuperCab 4WD | 2017-20 | 22 | 37.1 | n/a |
| Ford Fusion hybrid | 2019-20 | 25 | 58.1 | n/a |
| Ford F-150 SuperCab 4WD | 2019-20 | 29 | 28.5 | n/a |
| Ford F-350 Crew Cab 4WD | 2017-20 | 29 | 37.1 | n/a |
| Ford F-150 SuperCrew 2WD | 2019-20 | 30 | 28.5 | n/a |
| Ford F-150 SuperCrew 4WD | 2019-20 | 30 | 28.5 | n/a |
| Ford F-250 Crew Cab 4WD | 2017-20 | 32 | 37.1 | n/a |
| Ford Escape 4WD | 2020 | 43 | 42.6 | n/a |
| Ford Edge 2WD | 2019-20 | 49 | 24.9 | n/a |
| Ford Mustang coupe | 2017-20 | 59 | 77.7 | n/a |
| Ford EcoSport 4WD | 2018-20 | 67 | 42.6 | n/a |
| Ford Fusion | 2019-20 | 67 | 58.1 | n/a |
| Ford Mustang GT coupe | 2017-20 | 77 | 77.7 | n/a |
| Ford EcoSport 2WD | 2018-20 | 84 | 42.6 | n/a |
| Ford Mustang convertible | 2017-20 | 97 | 77.7 | n/a |
Green means at or below the class average; red means above it. Every used model is on the safest used cars page.
Older Ford model years
Earlier model years with IIHS results on this site. They are not part of the current ranking.
Questions people ask about Ford safety
Is Ford a safe brand?
Ford has 12 current models in IIHS records, 6 with complete crash-test records. 0 earned a 2026 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and 2 earned a Top Safety Pick. The best current Ford is the 2026 Ford Mustang Mach E at 95.6/100, #19 of 137 in our overall ranking. Older Ford models (2017 to 2020 model years) had a sales-weighted driver death rate of 36.4 per million registered vehicle years, grade C; that is historical context and not part of the score. Safety varies more between models than between brands, so pick the model first.
What is the safest Ford?
The safest current Ford in our 2026 ranking is the 2026 Ford Mustang Mach E (midsize suvs), scoring 95.6/100 with an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. It ranks #6 of 32 in its class.
Which Ford models earned Top Safety Pick+ in 2026?
No current Ford model earned a 2026 Top Safety Pick+, but 2 earned a Top Safety Pick: Ford Mustang Mach E, Ford Explorer.
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