> 2012 Explorer Features: Smart

Introducing the world’s first automotive production inflatable rear safety belts. Available in the Explorer XLT and Limited models (second-row outboard seating positions), the inflated belt helps distribute crash force energy across more of the occupant's torso than a traditional belt, which helps reduce the risk of injury while providing support to the head and neck. In the event of a frontal or side crash, the inflatable safety belts hold the passenger in the appropriate seating position, helping to reduce risk of injury. These safety belts are compatible with child safety seats. In consumer tests, most respondents said the inflatable rear safety belts felt similar or softer and more comfortable than conventional safety belts. This can help encourage safety belt usage.

The available BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) with cross-traffic alert uses sensors in the rear quarter panels to monitor your blind spots and will illuminate an alert display on the appropriate exterior mirror if another vehicle is detected there before you change lanes. Cross-traffic alert can detect approaching vehicles while you’re slowly backing up. BLIS with cross-traffic alert is included in the BLIS Plus Inflatable Rear Safety Belt Package.

A "heads-up" display, simulating brake lights, flashes on the windshield. If you don't react in time, the brakes will precharge and increase brake assist sensitivity, providing full responsiveness when you brake.

The available rain-sensing wipers utilize optical sensors that look for evidence of moisture, signaling the wipers when to wipe, and how quickly. With five sensitivity settings, the wipers speed up or slow down depending on the amount of moisture. Or, if you prefer, you can exit rain-sense mode and simply use the HI and LO speed settings.

Standard trailer sway control can detect if trailer sway is occurring and automatically decrease engine speed and apply asymmetric braking to help correct the situation.* This provides more control to help you safely tow a boat or trailer.

*Remember that even advanced technology cannot overcome the laws of physics. It's always possible to lose control of a vehicle due to inappropriate driver input for the conditions.

Standard AdvanceTrac with RSC is the industry’s only electronic stability control system that uses two gyroscopic sensors to monitor both yaw rate and roll rate. This allows AdvanceTrac with RSC to help you maintain control whenever it detects wheel slip, understeer, oversteer or roll motion. It also helps maintain control in adverse road conditions such as ice, gravel or rain.* AdvanceTrac with RSC also features Curve Control, which will slow the vehicle down when it senses that it is going too fast for a particular curve. It’s always active in helping you maintain control around the curves.

*Remember that even advanced technology cannot overcome the laws of physics. It’s always possible to lose control of a vehicle due to inappropriate driver input for the conditions.

The available rear view camera provides a video image of the area behind your vehicle on the center console screen. The screen features guides and a zoom feature that help you align your vehicle with a trailer when you want to tow.