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2022 Ford Explorer

OEM Exterior
OEM Interior Primary
OEM Exterior Standard
OEM Exterior
OEM Interior
Photos Colors
Used Car Price Range
$27,700 - $50,330
$27,700 $50,330
Select a Trim
Select a Trim
2022 Base 4dr 4x2
most popular
Price:   -  From $35,510
2022 Base 4dr 4x4 Price:   -  From $37,510
2022 XLT 4dr 4x2 Price:   -  From $38,570
2022 XLT 4dr 4x4 Price:   -  From $40,570
2022 ST-Line 4dr 4x2 Price:   -  From $45,760
2022 Limited 4dr 4x2 Price:   -  From $47,070
2022 ST-Line 4dr 4x4 Price:   -  From $47,760
2022 Timberline 4dr 4x4 Price:   -  From $48,320
2022 Limited 4dr 4x4 Price:   -  From $49,070
2022 ST 4dr 4x2 Price:   -  From $49,260
2022 ST 4dr 4x4 Price:   -  From $51,260
2022 Platinum 4dr 4x2 Price:   -  From $52,375
2022 King Ranch 4dr 4x2 Price:   -  From $53,630
2022 Platinum 4dr 4x4 Price:   -  From $54,375
2022 King Ranch 4dr 4x4 Price:   -  From $55,630
Expert Rating
3.4 (Good)

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

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Overview

What's New

The 2022 Ford Explorer continues to expand its lineup. This year, the ST-Line is new and offers the performance looks of the ST without the expense of the powertrain upgrades. The ST line is made more affordable by offering it in rear-wheel drive, and the King Ranch and Platinum trims gain the high-power engine tune from the ST trim.

Choosing Your Ford Explorer

The Ford Explorer midsize SUV is available in eight trims this year: Base, XLT, ST-Line, Timberline, Limited, ST, King Ranch, and Platinum, and prices range from $35,185 to $55,680.

Engine Choices

The Explorer lineup includes three different powertrains.

The base, XLT, ST-Line, Timberline, and Limited trims feature a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque.

A 3.3-liter V6 paired with a hybrid powertrain is available on the Limited and Platinum trims and has a combined output of 318 horsepower and a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 serves up 400 horsepower and is included in the ST, King Ranch, and Platinum trims.

All powertrains use a 10-speed automatic transmission and power is routed to the rear wheels (a new configuration for the ST trim) with all-wheel drive as a $2,000 option. The off-road-themed Timberline features all-wheel drive as standard and also includes shorter gearing and a limited-slip rear differential for enhanced traction. The Platinum Hybrid model is also AWD-only.

The Explorer receives EPA fuel economy estimates that range from 27 miles per gallon combined for the hybrid RWD, to 20 mpg combined for the big turbo with AWD. The most popular configuration, a four-cylinder with AWD, earns 23 mpg combined.

Passenger and Cargo Capacity

The Explorer can seat six or seven passengers, depending on second-row seat configuration and its length of 198.8 inches is about half a foot shorter than the Chevrolet Traverse and right in line with the Honda Pilot, as is its 79-inch width. It’s also about a foot shorter than the next-level-up Expedition and Tahoe.

The second and third-row legroom is 39 and 32.2 inches, respectively, and cargo volume behind the third row measures 18.2 cubic feet which expands to 47.9 cubic feet with the third row folded and 87.8 cubic feet with both rows folded. Compared to the Pilot, the Explorer provides marginally more space.

Towing ratings are 5,600 pounds when the Explorer is equipped with the 3.0-liter turbo, 5,300 pounds with the 2.3-liter turbo, and 5,000 pounds in the hybrid configuration when fitted with the $545 towing package, which is standard on the Timberline, ST, and King Ranch trims.

Ford Explorer

Safety Features

All Explorers are equipped with Ford’s Co-Pilot360 that includes automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane keep assist, and a backup camera with a washer. Additional safety features include automatic high beams and an SOS post-crash alert system.

Adaptive cruise control, lane centering, and speed sign recognition are available through the Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package which is offered for $995 on the XLT and ST and standard on the ST Line, Timberline, Limited, King Ranch, and Platinum trims.

The Explorer earns the 2021 Top Safety Pick+ designation from IIHS and its headlights were rated as Acceptable. The government (NHTSA) awards the Explorer with five stars.

Connectivity

The base trim is equipped with an eight-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM compatibility as well as FordPass Connect with a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. The XLT trim adds two additional USB ports, the ST-Line, Limited, King Ranch, and Platinum also include a wireless charging pad as standard, and the King Ranch and Platinum trims feature a 110V AC power outlet.

The ST-Line and Limited trims feature a 12-speaker Bang and Olufsen stereo that is upgraded further in the King Ranch and Platinum trims with a more powerful unit and 14 speakers. The ST with the Premium Technology Package, King Ranch, and Platinum trims get a larger 10.1-inch portrait-style touchscreen. Navigation is included in the Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package.

Ford Explorer

Explorer Base – MSRP From $35,185

The entry-level Explorer is equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, LED automatic low beam headlights, LED taillights, a power tailgate, black door handles, a capless fuel filler, a tri-zone climate control system, and one-touch auto up/down driver’s and passenger’s windows.

Explorer XLT – MSRP From $37,685

The XLT adds a black mesh grille with chrome bars, LED signature lighting, body-color door handles, chrome bodyside cladding accents, heated mirrors with approach lighting, proximity entry, black roof rails, a cloth interior with a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, second-row captain’s chairs, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The 202A Package is available for $3,540 and adds synthetic-leather seating surfaces, a heated steering wheel, Remote engine start, and LED fog lights.

New for 2022 is the Sport Appearance Package ($1,795) that adds gray-themed styling with 20-inch gray wheels, a grille with gray-painted mesh and bars, a gray faux skid plate, a gray tailgate applique, gray bodyside cladding inserts, a gray EXPLORER hood decal, gloss-black mirror caps, chrome dual exhaust outlets, unique interior trim, and gray seat coverings with contrast stitching.

The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ and the Sport Appearance Package require the selection of the 202A Package before they can be added. A $1,695 panoramic sunroof is a stand-alone option.

Explorer ST-Line – MSRP From $46,685

The ST-Line is a new trim for 2022 and it takes the performance looks of the ST trim but does without the expensive (and less fuel-efficient) powertrain upgrades. That means 20-inch wheels, LED fog lights, headlights and taillights with blackout housings, a black tailgate applique, an Explorer hood decal, chrome exhaust outlets, and power-folding mirrors are all featured. The interior gains synthetic leather with microfiber inserts and red stitching, ambient lighting, a heated steering wheel with red stitching, carpet with red stitching, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a surround-view camera system.

Explorer Timberline – MSRP From $48,185

The Timberline trim saw its debut with the 2021 model and the off-road themed trim carries into 2022 with a unique gray grille, blackout headlight and taillight housings, a unique front fascia with tangerine highlights, steel skid plates underneath, off-road shocks, and 18-inch high-gloss black wheels with laser-etched Timberline logo. Synthetic-leather seating with tangerine contrast stitching, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, an eight-way power passenger seat, a surround-view-camera system, and special Timberline logos make up the notable interior upgrades.

Explorer Limited – MSRP From $47,435

The Limited builds off of the mainstream XLT trim and adds bright 20-inch wheels, a grille with silver painted grille mesh and chrome bars, chrome bodyside cladding accents, dual chrome exhaust outlets, silver roof rails, power-folding mirrors with integrated turn signals, and parking sensors in the front bumper. Perforated leather seats, a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated second-row seats, second-row sunshades, and ambient lighting give the interior a more luxurious atmosphere.

The Limited Convenience Package (also known as the 301A Equipment Group) is available for $700 and includes a hands-free power tailgate, mirrors with gloss-black caps, and driver’s side auto-dimming, power-fold third-row seats, driver’s seat position memory, and a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel.

The 310A Equipment Group adds the hybrid powertrain, unique 20-inch bright polished wheels, and the Limited Convenience Package for a total of $4,785.

Explorer ST – MSRP From $49,185

The ST takes the styling of the ST-Line and adds more than just power. It also features a sport-tuned suspension, upgraded transmission cooling, quad chrome exhaust outlets, power-folding mirrors with gloss-black caps and an ST logo projection, leather seats with perforated microfiber inserts, a sport steering wheel with an ST logo and paddle shifters, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, and second-row sunshades. The ST offers several packages. The ST Street Pack is available for $995 and includes 21-inch black wheels, performance brakes, and red brake calipers.

The ST High Package is even more substantial in its price and equipment. For $4,995, it includes Co-Pilot360 Assist+, active parking assist, a surround-view-camera system, a hands-free power tailgate, exterior mirrors with integrated turn signals and auto-dimming, rain-sensing wipers, an upgraded sound system, ambient lighting, heated and ventilated seats with driver’s seat position memory, and a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel.

With the ST High Package selected, the Premium Technology Package opens up for $1,295 and includes the larger touchscreen, the premium B&O sound system, and massaging front seats.

Explorer King Ranch – MSRP From $55,550

The King Ranch trim builds on the Limited trim with the Convenience Package and adds a southwestern feel with unique Del Rio-brand leather-covered seats and (heated) steering wheel, open-pore real wood trim, and plenty of King Ranch logos, even within the 20-inch wheels’ center caps, while its black mesh grille with chrome bars is unique among the Explorer lineup. This luxurious trim is also equipped with the Premium Technology Package, active parking assist, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, and power-folding third-row seats.

Explorer Platinum – MSRP From $55,680

Sitting atop of the Explorer lineup, the Platinum trim is obviously well equipped and distinguishes itself from the King Ranch trim with unique 21-inch wheels, adaptive headlights, satin aluminum finishes on the grille, lower bodyside cladding, tailgate trim, door handles, and roof rails, illuminated front door scuff plates, diamond-patterned perforated leather seats, and floor mats with unique stitching patterns.

The Platinum trim also offers the hybrid powertrain, for what is, effectively, $375.

Compare Explorer Trims Side-By-Side

CarsDirect Tip

The XLT trim is a well-rounded trim that features the essential active safety gear, a convenient level of connectivity, and enough creature comforts to make daily commutes and long drives a bit easier to manage.

author image
Automotive Editor
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Expert Review

Pros
  • Tons of powertrain options
  • Stylish inside and out
  • Performance-oriented ST trim
Cons
  • Unrefined hybrid model
  • Tight third row and tough-to-fold second row
  • Limited value
Expert Rating
3.4 (Good)

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

author image
Automotive Editor

A great crossover but imperfect. The Ford Explorer is one of the more SUV-like midsize crossovers on the market today, but its interior and ride feel far more car-like than it looks. That said, it has struggles with value, third-row space, and its hybrid model’s refinement. Find out below if the Explorer can overcome this and beat the competition.

Plenty of engine options, but the hybrid disappoints. The Ford Explorer has no shortage of engine options for all types of buyers, starting with its base 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that injects an ample 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque.

There is also a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 with 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque in the ST, Platinum, and King Ranch models. In the ST, Ford claims a sub-six-second 0-60 time, but the clumsy 10-speed automatic makes it feel slower.

There’s also a 3.3-liter hybrid setup with 318 hp and 322 lb-ft of torque. It delivers an impressive 27 miles per gallon combined, but it’s jittery and unrefined on city streets. The latter is likely due to it being tuned for towing.

Nothing in its class offers this kind of buffet of powertrain options. However, there are many competitive engine options, including the Traverse’s 310-hp V6. Alternatively, Toyota offers sine of the segment's favorite choices with both the Highlander and Highlander Hybrid.

Ford Explorer

Stylish design, but the second and third rows have trouble. The 2022 Explorer looks excellent from all angles inside and out. It picks up well on the classic SUV looks while remaining approachable. It’s an outstanding balance.

The first and second rows have ample room for all size occupants, making this a great SUV for a family of four or five. The only issue with the second row is the standard bench makes accessing the third row tricky, and the captain's chairs make third-row access easier but have a complex folding mechanism.

The third row’s 32.2 inches of legroom makes it a no-go for adults. Kids will likely find it OK, though. Though, third-row legroom is a sore spot across the entire class. The Traverse, however, has a slight leg up with 33.48 inches.

Lots of safety gear but limited bang for your buck. The 2022 Explorer is an IIHS Top Safety Pick+, making it a safe option. Plus, it comes standard with automatic emergency braking and has available active lane control, adaptive cruise control, and evasive steering assist.

On the fun side, it includes a standard eight-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and all the other features you’d expect. However, at $34,540, the Explorer is quite pricey for the features you get. Plus, it only gets worse as you move up in trims.

The Chevy Traverse, for example, has all the same features as the Explorer, plus standard automatic headlights and active lane control. It starts from $34,895, just $355 more than the Explorer.

Final thoughts. The 2022 Ford Explorer is a sharp-looking crossover with plenty of features and some excellent engine options. Inside, it’s also quite sharp. Buyers looking for a roomier third row may prefer the Traverse, though the entire class suffers from limited legroom back there.

The Explorer also misses the mark in value with a high base price tag and no standard advanced safety features. Buyers looking for a crossover with plenty of standard advanced safety gear for about the same price can find it in the 2022 Traverse.

Check 2022 Ford Explorer Prices Near You

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Specs & Features

Highlights
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Not Available
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
2.3L I-4 / 300 HP / 310 ft.lbs.
Transmission
10-spd auto w/OD
Drive Type
Rear-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined
21 / 28 / 24 Mpg
Passenger Capacity
7
Bumper to Bumper Warranty
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Mechanical Specs
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
2.3L I-4 / 300 HP / 310 ft.lbs.
Drive Type
Rear-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined
21 / 28 / 24 Mpg
Brakes
4-wheel Disc
Front Suspension
Strut
Rear Suspension
Independent Multi-link
Spare Tire And Wheel
Compact Steel
Fuel Tank
17.9 Gal.
Recommended Fuel Type
Premium Unleaded
Average Cost To Fill Tank
$68
Dimensions & Capabilities
Maximum Cargo Volume
87.8 Cu.ft.
Passenger Volume
153 Cu.ft.
Exterior Length
198.8 "
Exterior Width
78.9 "
Exterior Height
70.2 "
Front Headroom
40.7 "
Rear Headroom
40.5 "
Front Legroom
43.0 "
Rear Legroom
39.0 "
Front Shoulder Room
61.8 "
Rear Shoulder Room
61.9 "
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight
4,345 Lbs.
Wheel Base
119 "
Turning Radius
Exterior Features
Door Count
4 Doors
Wheels
18.0 " Silver Aluminum
Paint
Clearcoat Monotone
Exterior Mirrors
Dual Power Remote
Bumpers
Body-colored
Grille Moldings
Black
Rear Spoiler
Lip
Exhaust
Stainless Steel
Interior Features
Seating
Passenger Capacity
7
Seat Trim
Cloth
Front Seat Type
Bucket
Heated Front Seats
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls
(8-way Power)
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls
4-way
Front Armrests
(8-way Power)
Rear Armrests
Rear Seats
35-30-35 Split-bench
Radio & Infotainment
Radio
Siriusxm Am/fm/satellite, Clock, Seek-scan / Am/fm, Seek-scan
Speakers
6
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
Apple Car Play
Android Auto
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity
Convenience Features
Steering Wheel Type
Telescopic Tilt
Climate Control
Automatic Air Conditioning
Cruise Control
With Steering Wheel Controls
Sun Roof
Rearview Mirror
Day-night
One Touch Open Window
Driver And Passenger
Tinted Windows
Deep
Vanity Mirrors
Dual Illuminated
Remote Keyless Entry
Keyfob (all Doors)
Power Outlets
5
Safety Features
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating
Rollover Crash Safety Rating
Front Impact Airbags
Driver And Passenger
Driver Side Impact Airbags
Seat Mounted
Knee Airbag
Driver And Passenger
Passenger Side Impact Airbag
Seat Mounted
Rear Side Airbag
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Front
Anti-Lock Brakes
4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs)
Forward Collision Warning
Ford Co-pilot360 - Pre-collision Assist With Pedestrian Detection Forward Collision Mitigation
Blind Spot Sensor
Ford Co-pilot360 - Blis (blind Spot Information System) Blind Spot
Lane Departure Warning
Lane Keeping Alert Lane Departure
Autonomous Cruise Control
Pedestrian Detection
Ford Co-pilot360 - Pre-collision Assist With Pedestrian Detection Front Pedestrian Detection Prevention
Driver Attention Alert
Driver Alert Driver Attention
Daytime Running Lights
Auto High Beams
Ford Co-pilot360 - Auto High Beam Auto High-beam
Adaptive Headlights
Parking Sensors
Reverse Sensing System Rear
Security Systems
Panic Alarm
Ignition Disable
Securilock
Warranty
Bumper To Bumper Months Miles
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Major Components Months
60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Included Maintenance Months
Roadside Assistance Months
60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Corrosion Perforation
60 Months / Unlimited Miles
Accessories Months
36 Months / 36,000 Miles

Used 2022 Ford Explorer for Sale

16 vehicles found within 50 miles of your area
Ford
XLT
Color: Oxford White
Price

$27,700

Mileage

39,944 mi

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Cerritos Nissan (18 mi)

Ford
XLT
Color: Silver
Price

$28,886

Mileage

41,391 mi

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Hertz Car Sales Inglewood (3 mi)

Phone: (888) 281-7263
Ford
Limited
Color: Silver
Price

$29,000

Mileage

28,015 mi

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Anaheim Hyundai (31 mi)

Phone: (714) 956-1820
Ford
Limited
Color: Black
Price

$30,255

Mileage

33,820 mi

Map location icon

Hertz Car Sales Inglewood (3 mi)

Phone: (888) 281-7263
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