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.
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.
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
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.