As far as I can tell, even though most vehicles include adjustable headrests, the Ford Explorer and Ford Expedition (amongst others; I’ve also seen Grand Cherokees and Durangos like this too) do not include them.
My first thought about why this might be may be to save money, but this seems unlikely given the price level and relative opulence of the rest of the vehicle.
Also headrests are used to protect against whiplash, which may not be as great a concern in a heavier SUV. Thus, their absence.
But neither of these reasons seems very compelling to me. Can anyone help me out here?
Are you sure about the Explorer and Expedition? A few weeks ago I gave them both a cursory glance when I test-drove an Escape. I could have sworn they both had headrests, on front and back seats.
I drive a 1997 Mazda B-series pickup, which is a clone of a Ford Ranger, which is the platform on which the Explorer is built. (How’s that for degrees of separation?)
The seats in my pickup appear identical to those in the Ranger and Explorer. There is a headrest, but it’s not adjustable - the seat is all one piece.
That would be fine, except that it’s not tall enough for me. I’m about 5’11" - above average for males, but not profoundly so. The integral headrest comes up only a couple of inches on my head, and I’m not at all sure it would do that much to prevent whiplash were I to be rear-ended. My head would have to break the rear window before the headrest came significantly into play.
Does that count as really having a headrest? IMO, no. There’s a vestigal one, that will work fine for some, but will be totally inadequate for many.
I have seen Explorers with adjustable headrests, but very very few. The headrest policy may have changed with the new 2002 model.
Also as far as the Grand Cherokee goes, I didn’t say ALL of them are sans headrest. But it sure seems like a lot. Usually if I see one w/ a headrest it’s equipped with leather as well.
I have never seen an Expedition with an adjustable headrest. Has anyone else?
For the Expedition: fixed headrests on the front seats, adjustable headrests in the second row chairs, no headrests on the third row bench.
For Explorer: fixed headrests in front, adjustable headrests on both rear benches, except no headrest in the center position of the forward bench, probably for driver visibility out the back window.
For Excursion: fixed headrests on the front seats, adjustable headrests in the second row bench (except no headrest in the center position), no headrests on the third row bench.
I agree with brad_d: fixed headrests seem like a stupid idea. They look dumb too.