Safety
If you want the safest possible vehicle, choose the 2016 Ford Explorer. Besides higher crash test scores, it also introduces some safety refinements that weren't available in previous years. Its 180-degree camera makes it easy to navigate tight parking lots. The newly upgraded automated parking system helps you ease the Explorer into parallel and perpendicular parking spaces - a feature that didn't exist in 2012.
In government crash tests, the 2016 Ford Explorer earned a perfect five-star rating for overall protection. Compare that to the used 2012 Ford Explorer, which only got four stars overall. Of course, both models earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's top score of "Good." Still, the 2016 Ford Explorer is guaranteed to give you improved peace of mind on the highway, especially when you've got family members on board.
Of course, the two models have some impressive features in common. Ford's MyKey system is unlike anything else on the market - it lets you set speed and stereo volume limitations for second-party drivers like valets or teenagers. Advanced systems actively scan the road around you and warn you of potential problems. Perhaps the most important of these is forward collision alert. If you fail to heed its warnings, it can prime the brakes to mitigate damages or help you avoid a crash.
Trade-In Value
Although you may not think of it at first, trade-in value should be an important part of your car-buying considerations. That's because your Explorer won't last forever - even if it is an excellent crossover. When you purchase your next vehicle, you'll want your trade-in value to be as high as possible. By buying new, you'll guarantee an improved rate over the used 2012 Ford Explorer. That's because newer model years offer higher trade-in values. Since you'll be the only owner of your 2016 Ford Explorer, you can be sure you're taking good care of it. You probably won't be so certain about the previous owner of a 2012 Explorer, however.