2022 Ford Explorer

2022 Explorer Photos
 Editors' Pick
Autoblog Rating
7.5

Ford made the 2020 Explorer better in every possible way. The diverse range of powertrains, impressive technology and superb design all combine to make an excellent SUV.

Industry
7.5
No other three-row SUV offers the variety of options as the 2022 Ford Explorer. Want something to take on family adventures off the beaten path? There's the new Explorer Timberline. How about something to get your blood pumping because the rest of the family hauler choices are, well, a bit of a bore? Come on down ST and the less powerful, new-for-2022 ST-Line. Finally, there's the luxurious and muscular Explorer King Ranch and Platinum. Ultimately, we think these various niche choices within the Explorer lineup are the most compelling because they offer things that few other competitors can match. That goes for towing capacity, too. However, if you're looking more for a function-first family hauler – and most three-row SUV shoppers are – the Explorer isn't quite as strong as other choices like the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade. Its interior quality and space in particular hold it back. The Explorer Hybrid's emphasis on performance over fuel economy is also a bit puzzling, falling substantially short of the Toyota Highlander Hybrid. Basically, the Explorer will be the just-right choice for a relatively small number of niche buyers, and a decent one for everyone else.   Interior & Technology   |   Passenger & Cargo Space   |   Performance & Fuel Economy What it's like to drive   |   Pricing & Features   |   Crash Ratings & Safety Features What's new for 2022? The Explorer trim lineup gains the ST-Line for 2022, but this is also the first full year for the Explorer Timberline and King Ranch. The ST-Line gets the regular ST's design and chassis upgrades but sticks with the base four-cylinder engine (the regular ST can also now be paired with rear-wheel drive). The Explorer King Ranch is consistent with the F-150 and Expeditions of the same name: special badging and interior color schemes applied to a range-topping trim level. In this case, it's on par with the Platinum, including its standard turbo V6. Finally, there's the new Timberline that provides the Explorer with some long-missing off-road chops by hiking up the ride height and clearance angles, and adding a Torsen limited-slip diff, a recalibrating suspension, all-terrain tires, under-body protection and the beefy dampers from Explorer Police Interceptors (albeit retuned). It also gets special exterior and interior design flourishes. What are the Explorer interior and in-car technology like? We're happy Ford has introduced the Timberline and King Ranch versions (pictured above) because both add a much-needed pop of color and visual interest to what is otherwise a pretty drab interior. Some may even call it a bit ugly, especially when the big vertically oriented touchscreen is slapped to the dash. It looks awfully low rent compared to a Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade or Toyota Highlander, and the materials quality does little to change that perception. Every Explorer comes standard with Ford's Sync3 infotainment interface. It responds well to inputs and swipe gestures, icons are easily read and pressed, and feature content is typically robust for this segment. That includes Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, …
Full Review
No other three-row SUV offers the variety of options as the 2022 Ford Explorer. Want something to take on family adventures off the beaten path? There's the new Explorer Timberline. How about something to get your blood pumping because the rest of the family hauler choices are, well, a bit of a bore? Come on down ST and the less powerful, new-for-2022 ST-Line. Finally, there's the luxurious and muscular Explorer King Ranch and Platinum. Ultimately, we think these various niche choices within the Explorer lineup are the most compelling because they offer things that few other competitors can match. That goes for towing capacity, too. However, if you're looking more for a function-first family hauler – and most three-row SUV shoppers are – the Explorer isn't quite as strong as other choices like the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade. Its interior quality and space in particular hold it back. The Explorer Hybrid's emphasis on performance over fuel economy is also a bit puzzling, falling substantially short of the Toyota Highlander Hybrid. Basically, the Explorer will be the just-right choice for a relatively small number of niche buyers, and a decent one for everyone else.   Interior & Technology   |   Passenger & Cargo Space   |   Performance & Fuel Economy What it's like to drive   |   Pricing & Features   |   Crash Ratings & Safety Features What's new for 2022? The Explorer trim lineup gains the ST-Line for 2022, but this is also the first full year for the Explorer Timberline and King Ranch. The ST-Line gets the regular ST's design and chassis upgrades but sticks with the base four-cylinder engine (the regular ST can also now be paired with rear-wheel drive). The Explorer King Ranch is consistent with the F-150 and Expeditions of the same name: special badging and interior color schemes applied to a range-topping trim level. In this case, it's on par with the Platinum, including its standard turbo V6. Finally, there's the new Timberline that provides the Explorer with some long-missing off-road chops by hiking up the ride height and clearance angles, and adding a Torsen limited-slip diff, a recalibrating suspension, all-terrain tires, under-body protection and the beefy dampers from Explorer Police Interceptors (albeit retuned). It also gets special exterior and interior design flourishes. What are the Explorer interior and in-car technology like? We're happy Ford has introduced the Timberline and King Ranch versions (pictured above) because both add a much-needed pop of color and visual interest to what is otherwise a pretty drab interior. Some may even call it a bit ugly, especially when the big vertically oriented touchscreen is slapped to the dash. It looks awfully low rent compared to a Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade or Toyota Highlander, and the materials quality does little to change that perception. Every Explorer comes standard with Ford's Sync3 infotainment interface. It responds well to inputs and swipe gestures, icons are easily read and pressed, and feature content is typically robust for this segment. That includes Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, …
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Retail Price

$35,510 - $55,630 MSRP / Window Sticker Price
Engine , 2.3L I-4, 3.0L V-6
MPG Up to 25 city / 28 highway
Seating 7 Passengers
Transmission 10-spd auto w/OD, 10-spd w/OD
Power 300 - 400 hp
Drivetrain four-wheel, rear-wheel
Curb Weight 4,345 - 5,076 lbs
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