For any indication of just how long the Explorer has been in Ford’s lineup, consider that it was the first four-door SUV created by the automaker, and now, Ford only sells SUVs and trucks in the U.S. Debuting in 1991, the Explorer was a major player in driving the mainstream popularity of SUVs that began picking up steam in the ‘90s.
And due to the popularity of SUVs to consumers — and their benefits to manufacturers over more expensive-to-produce sedans —the Explorer could be, in a roundabout way, the root cause for Ford no longer offering sedans or hatchbacks.
The Explorer has changed dramatically over the last three decades, becoming bigger, more powerful, and of course, far more tech-laden.
But what has remained is a focus on the model being a pragmatic family SUV that can still tackle some unpaved paths when called upon without necessarily breaking the bank. For 2022, Ford's SUV lineup has grown even further, making available a seven-seat variant available, that can suit the needs of most buyers.
2022 Ford Explorer
- 400-Horsepower Turbocharged V-6
- Available 10.1-Inch Touchscreen
- Ford SYNC3
- Heated And Ventilated Front Seats
- Wi-Fi Hotspot
- Automatically Sliding Second-Row Captain's Chairs
- Model: 2022 Ford Explorer
- Engine:: 2.3L Turbo I4/3.0L Turbo V-6/3.3L V-6 Hybrid
- Power Output: 300-400 HP
- Torque: 310-415 LB.FT.
- Range: 19-27 Combined MPG
- Transmission: 10-Speed Automatic
- Driveline: RWD/AWD
- Powerful Engine Options
- Plenty Of Trim Levels
- Agile Handling
- Cargo Space Behind Third Row Lacks Competitors
- Rivals Offer More Standard Features
- Lackluster Interior Materials
2022 Ford Explorer Performance And Capability
The 2022 Explorer is available in a bevy of trim levels, including:
- Base
- XLT
- ST-Line
- Limited
- Timberline
- ST
- Platinum
- King Ranch
- Limited Hybrid
- Platinum Hybrid
Three engines are offered depending on trim, and all pair with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Base, XLT, Limited, Timberline, and ST-Line Explorer are powered by Ford’s 2.3-liter EcoBoost inline-four engine that puts out 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The ST, King Ranch, and Platinum models pack a sizeable punch with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 delivering 400 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque.
The more economic-focused hybrid Explorer models are fitted with a 3.3-liter V-6 and an electric motor for a total of 318 horsepower, which is the most efficient of the bunch offering an EPA-rated 27 combined mpg. The EcoBoost inline-four will manage 24 combined mpg with rear-wheel drive while the twin-turbo V-6 tops out at 21 combined mpg.
Despite being down 100 horsepower down to the V-6 engine, the EcoBoost inline-four is sprightly in its power delivery and can zip the hefty Explorer from 0-60 mph in six seconds. The Explorer with its base engine can also tow up to 5,300 pounds when properly equipped, which is just slightly below the 5,600-pound towing capacity of models fitted with the twin-turbo V-6. The upper-trim models do offer more notable acceleration and grunt, as expected, shaving the Explorer’s 0-60 mph time to 5.2 seconds.
The hybrid Explorer is still rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds. On the road, the Explorer provides notable cornering verve and a relatively smooth ride. Those looking to increase its athleticism should consider the ST model, which is available in either rear- or all-wheel drive. The Explorer ST features sportier suspension tuning, a tweaked steering system, summer tires, and, of course, the 400-hp twin-turbo V-6 that gives the sportier model a top speed of 143 mph.
While the ST is at home on the road, the AWD-only Timberline trim is suited for those who have travels off the beaten path. The Timberline adds some all-terrain capability to the Explorer with an increased ride height, improved approach and departure angles (23.5 and 23.7 degrees, respectively), a Torsen limited-slip rear differential, underbody skid plates, and Bridgestone all-terrain tires.
Engine Type | 2.3L Turbo I4/3.0L Turbo V-6/3.3L V-6 Hybrid |
|---|---|
Horsepower | 300-400 HP |
Torque | 310-415 LB.FT. |
Transmission | 10-Speed Automatic |
Drive | RWD/AWD |
Mileage | 19-27 Combined MPG |
Towing Capacity | 5,600 pounds |
Exterior Design
The Explorer was overhauled for the 2020 model year, and the 2022 iteration hits the pavement with no significant changes to the styling. And that’s not necessarily a criticism. The Explorer has a commanding presence, and its sloping front fascia, strong and rising character line below its beltline, and angled C-pillar makes the SUV look as if it were constantly in forward motion.
Of course, the final look of the Explorer is dependent on trim. For instance, the Timberline sports an updated front fascia more conducive to off-roading along with its chunkier all-terrain tires while the ST wears a more aggressive lower front bumper, a mesh-insert grille, and can be fitted with red brake calipers. Base models are fitted with 18-inch wheels while upper models sport either 20- or 21-inch iterations.
Length | 198.8 in. |
|---|---|
Width | 78.9 in. |
Height | 70.2 in. |
Wheelbase | 119.1 in. |
Ground Clearance | 7.9 in. |
Curb Weight | 4,345-4,969 lbs. |
Exterior Paint Colors |
|---|
Atlas Blue |
Iconic Silver |
Carbonized Grey |
Agate Black |
Forged Green |
Oxford White |
Stone Blue |
Burgundy Velvet |
Rapid Red |
Star White |
Jewel Red |
Interior Quality And Technology
The Explorer’s cabin puts a premium on function over form — its design is hardly the most attractive in its segment. However, the dash’s relatively mundane presentation makes it easy to use with an array of physical switches on the center stack below the standard 8.0-inch touchscreen (a 10.1-inch screen is fitted to upper trims).
Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Waze navigation connectivity are standard along with a Wi-Fi hotspot. Ford’s SYNC3 infotainment system is attractive, but there is a learning curve as it’s not the most intuitive system.
Cloth seats are standard in the Base and XLT trim with the ST-Line sporting faux-leather trimmed seats and upper trims wearing full leather. A sticking point of the Explorer’s cabin is lackluster interior materials, which are mostly hard plastics.
The interior experience is helped by a long list of available features like heated and ventilated front seats, wireless charging, a digital gauge cluster, diamond-perforated leather seats, aluminum trim, and other features, but many desirable amenities are locked away in upper trims or in options packages that increase the SUVs price.
The Explorer can seat up to seven passengers, but only in its base trim — all other models are six-seaters with standard second-row captain’s chairs. Passenger space is ample for those in the front, and most adults will sit comfortably in the second row, though some competitors offer more space.
Accessing the rear seats is made easier by a button that automatically slides the captain’s chairs out of the way for accessing the third-row seats, but the space offered in the back is cramped for anyone other than smaller kids. Then again, that’s fairly standard in the mid-sized, three-row segment.
Seating Capacity | 7 |
|---|---|
Headroom (front) | 40.7 in. |
Headroom (second row) | 40.5 in. |
Legroom (front) | 43 in. |
Legroom (second row) | 39 in. |
Shoulder room (front) | 61.8 in. |
Shoulder room (second row) | 61.9 in. |
Cargo room | 18.2 cubic-feet |
2022 Ford Explorer Price And Availability
The 2022 Ford Explorer is available now with prices ranging from $35,510-$55,270 The Explorer’s price points are on par with the popular Kia Telluride and its sister offering, the Hyundai Palisade, along with the Toyota Highlander, Chevrolet Traverse, and the Honda Pilot.
Build your 2022 Ford Explorer here.
Trim | Price |
|---|---|
Base | $35,510 |
XLT | $38,570 |
ST-Line | $45,760 |
Limited | $47,070 |
Timberline | $48,320 |
ST | $49,260 |
Limited Hybrid | $53,555 |
Platinum | $52,375 |
Platinum Hybrid | $53,870 |
King Ranch | $55,270 |
Safety
The Ford Explorer comes standard with safety features and driver’s aids included in Ford’s Co-Pilot360 suite. These include features like blind-spot warning with cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, automatic high beams, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and forward collision warning.
Also available is a parking assist system, a 360-view camera, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, a trailer blind-spot monitor, and other features. The 2022 Explorer is an IIHS Top Safety Pick+, earning a score of “good” in all overall crashworthiness ratings.
Main Competition
With much of the Explorer’s competition ringing in at similar pricing, it’s tough sledding for the Blue Oval. Cargo space behind the Explorer’s third row is 18.2 cubic feet, which is about five cubic feet less than what’s offered in the Chevrolet Traverse, three cubes fewer than the Kia Telluride, and slightly less than the 18.6 cubes behind the rear seats in the Honda Pilot. The Ford offers 48 cubic feet behind the second row, which is slightly more than the Honda or Kia, but it’s still well behind the 57 cubes of the Traverse.
Many of the Explorers rivals also offer more standard creature comforts or safety features throughout their ranges, and the Ford’s rather bland and plasticky interior is lacking against some more upmarket cabins in the segment. Ford’s warranty coverage is also just so-so against the likes of the Kia and Hyundai.
However, the Explorer’s engines stand out, with the peppy 2.3-liter inline-four still offering a notable 300 horsepower, which is more than most rivals with that are fitted with a less-economical V-6. The 400-horsepower V-6 is also among the most powerful in the segment. The Explorer also beats out the towing capacities of many competitors, even with its smaller standard engine.
The Explorer also has the distinction of offering several specialty models, like the performance-oriented ST and the off-road capable Timberline. So, while the Explorer may lack its rivals in some key areas, it can still fit the bill for many dependent on their wants and needs.
FAQ
Q: Is Ford making 2022 Explorers?
For the time being, 2022 Ford Explorers are still available at dealerships, until the Blue Oval rolls out the updated 2023 model.
Q: Are there any problems with the 2022 Ford Explorer?
Ford Explorers built between 2020-2022 have been recalled for a defective driveshaft, which can cause the SUV to roll over. Up to 252,000 vehicles are affected by this recall.
Q: How much is a Ford Explorer?
The top-of-the-line Ford Explorer King Ranch Edition has a starting MSRP of $55,270. With optional extras, you be looking at a price close to $70,000 for a fully loaded Ford Explorer.
Q: Is the 2022 Ford Explorer worth buying?
Although the competition does better in terms of cabin quality and tech on offer, the 2022 Explorer remains competitive when it comes to capability and pricing across several trims that it offers and is hence worth buying.
Q: Is Ford Explorer a 7 seater?
The Ford Explorer offers a 7-seater three-row option in the base trim.