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OverviewAmong Ford's vast lineup of trucks and SUVs, the 2022 Explorer is the one that's best suited for family duty. With three rows of seats and generous cargo space, the Explorer is versatile for buyers toting kids and all of their associated gear. Most drivers will be satisfied with the Explorer's base engine—a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder with 300 horsepower—but a hybrid powertrain and a 400-hp twin-turbo V-6 engine are also available. Although the Ford offers plenty of tech features and driver assists, its overall package isn't as polished as other mid-size rivals that simply offer more refinement, such as the Kia Telluride, the Hyundai Palisade, and the Jeep Grand Cherokee L. Where This Vehicle RanksWhat's New for 2022?The Explorer lineup now includes a new ST-Line trim, which combines the looks of the high-performance ST trim with the more efficient turbocharged four-cylinder powertrain. The ST-Line model rolls on 20-inch wheels and wears black exterior accents and badging. The cabin sports a performance-oriented look as well, with faux-suede upholstery with red stitching, a sport steering wheel, and door-jamb protector plates bearing the ST-Line logo. Speaking of ST, the Explorer's sportiest model now can be had with rear-wheel drive. High-end King Ranch and Platinum models get a bump to 400 horsepower and can be equipped with either a second-row bench seat or a pair of captain's chairs for no charge. The Timberline model, which joined the lineup last year, is now available with a second-row bench as well. Pricing and Which One to BuyBase $37,005 XLT $40,065 ST-Line $47,255 $48,565 Timberline $49,815 ST $50,755 Limited hybrid $51,000 (est) Platinum $53,870 Platinum hybrid $55,000 (est) King Ranch $55,125 We think the mid-level Limited model is the best Explorer for the money. While the hybrid makes sense for people who can take advantage of its lofty EPA-rated city mpg, we found the standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine to be sufficiently potent and more efficient on the highway. It can tow a sizeable 5300 pounds when equipped with the towing package. We'd also add all-wheel drive for $1920. Apart from that, we think the Limited trim's desirable standard features should suffice. These include a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, 20-inch wheels, a heated and power-adjustable steering wheel, leather upholstery, a power-folding third row, and upgraded driver assists such as adaptive cruise control. Engine, Transmission, and PerformanceBase, XLT, and Limited trims come with a 300-hp turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine, and it motivates the Explorer with authority. The lead-foot drivers among us will prefer the King Ranch, Platinum or ST models, which are powered by a 400-hp twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6. A hybrid joined the Explorer lineup back in 2020. It pairs a 3.3-liter V-6 engine with an electric motor for a combined output of 318 horsepower. When properly equipped, the Explorer can tow up to 5600 pounds. The Explorer rides on a rear-wheel-drive platform, but all-wheel drive is still optional. A 10-speed automatic transmission is standard across the board. Ride and handling are agreeable and composed but far from entertaining; the Explorer ST is far more athletic, and its extra power and stiffer suspension make it a real performance SUV. Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGDue to its myriad powertrain and drivetrain combinations, the Explorer has varying EPA fuel-economy ratings. The rear-drive hybrid model is rated as the thriftiest overall, with estimates of up to 27 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. Adding all-wheel drive reduces the hybrid's ratings by 3 and 4 mpg, respectively. We tested one on our 75-mph highway route, where it managed only 24 mpg. Comparatively, the 400-hp Explorer ST earned 25 mpg in our testing, which beat its EPA rating by 1. We also tested the four-cylinder Explorer with all-wheel drive. The government estimates that version will earn 20 mpg city and 27 highway; we saw 28 mpg. For more information about the Explorer's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website. Interior, Comfort, and CargoWhile the interior design may border on uninspired, the Explorer's cabin is functional and comfortable—at least for those in the first two rows. Getting into the standard third row is fairly easy thanks to a mechanism that moves the second-row seat out of the way at the touch of a button. Once back there, however, older kids and adults will find that the seat is too close to the floor to be comfortable. Rivals such as the Chevrolet Traverse and the Volkswagen Atlas provide more comfort in the third row. We managed to fit four carry-on suitcases behind the Ford's third row, and we fit a total of 31 bags with both back rows folded flat. Infotainment and ConnectivityAn 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment is standard and includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The system is both attractive and responsive but not as intuitive as we'd like. A rotatory controller would help in that regard. To get the optional 10.1-inch vertically oriented screen, you'll need to upgrade to one of the Explorer's most expensive trims. Still, every model is available with voice-activated navigation as well as a rear-seat entertainment system. Apart from the base Explorer, a 12-speaker B&O stereo system comes standard. Safety and Driver-Assistance FeaturesFord outfits every Explorer with a host of standard driver-assistance technology and offers upgrades such as self-parking assist. For more information about the Explorer's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
Warranty and Maintenance CoverageFord provides wholly average limited and powertrain warranties that align with most competitors' plans. However, the company doesn't provide the complimentary maintenance that Toyota and Chevy do.
SpecificationsSpecifications 2022 Ford Explorer Timberline PRICE ENGINE TRANSMISSION CHASSIS DIMENSIONS C/D TEST RESULTS C/D FUEL ECONOMY EPA FUEL ECONOMY - C/D TESTING EXPLAINED - 2020 Ford Explorer ST VEHICLE TYPE PRICE AS TESTED ENGINE TYPE TRANSMISSION CHASSIS DIMENSIONS C/D TEST RESULTS C/D FUEL ECONOMY EPA FUEL ECONOMY More Features and Specs Advertisement - Continue Reading Below Advertisement - Continue Reading Below Does the Ford Explorer hybrid plug in?And yes, this is the first time that the large SUV (by European standards) has traveled across the Atlantic since several years ago, and more importantly, it's only available as a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV).
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Gallery: 2020 Ford Explorer PHEV (Euro-spec). What is the gas mileage on a Ford Explorer hybrid?This hybrid earns an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway in models with rear-wheel drive. With four-wheel drive, that drops to 23 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. Virtually every hybrid SUV offers better fuel economy.
Are there any problems with the 2022 Ford Explorer?Another common issue involves warping and bubbling paint. This can be pretty frustrating because you don't want your new 2022 Ford Explorer to have chipped paint. This also could lead to rust and corrosion. The Ford Explorer can also be hot in an unwanted way.
What is the Platinum package on Ford Explorer?The most luxurious and sophisticated trim level is the 2022 Ford Explorer Platinum, with tri-diamond perforated leather, contour seating, and cutting-edge features like Active Park Assist 2.0.
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