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2022 Ford Explorer

Starting at $37,005

7.5/10 C/D RATING
Specs
2022 ford explorer stline front exterior
Ford
7.5/10 C/D RATING

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  • Highs Comfortable on-road ride, enough space for people and their cargo, accommodating seats.
  • Lows Only kids will fit in the third row, interior materials could use some polish, high-end models push the envelope on price.
  • Verdict While it's comfortable and practical for families, the Explorer falls behind class leaders in terms of refinement.
By Drew Dorian

Overview

Among 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.

What'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 Buy

    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 Performance

    Base, 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.

    2022 ford explorer st line rear exteriorView Photos
    Ford

    Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

    Due 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 Cargo

    While 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 Connectivity

    An 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 Features

    Ford 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:

    • Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
    • Standard blind-spot monitoring and rear-cross-traffic alert
    • Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist

    Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

    Ford 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.

    • Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
    • Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
    • No complimentary scheduled maintenance
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    Specifications

    Specifications

    2022 Ford Explorer Timberline
    Vehicle Type: front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 7-passenger, 4-door wagon

    PRICE
    Base/As Tested: $48,040/$48,555
    Options: Timberline off-road light kit, $515

    ENGINE
    turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
    Displacement: 138 in3, 2264 cm3
    Power: 300 hp @ 5500 rpm
    Torque: 310 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm

    TRANSMISSION
    10-speed automatic

    CHASSIS
    Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink
    Brakes, F/R: 13.6-in vented disc/12.6-in disc
    Tires: Bridgestone Dueler A/T Revo 3
    P265/65R-18 112T M+S

    DIMENSIONS
    Wheelbase: 119.1 in
    Length: 198.8 in
    Width: 78.9 in
    Height: 70.7 in
    Passenger Volume: 156 ft3
    Cargo Volume: 18 ft3
    Curb Weight: 4565 lb

    C/D TEST RESULTS
    60 mph: 6.0 sec
    1/4-Mile: 14.5 sec @ 95 mph
    100 mph: 16.4 sec
    Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
    Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 7.1 sec
    Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 3.6 sec
    Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 4.8 sec
    Top Speed (gov ltd): 113 mph
    Braking, 70–0 mph: 168 ft
    Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.81 g

    C/D FUEL ECONOMY
    Observed: 18 mpg

    EPA FUEL ECONOMY
    Combined/City/Highway: 21/19/22 mpg

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    C/D TESTING EXPLAINED

    -

    2020 Ford Explorer ST

    VEHICLE TYPE
    front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 6-passenger, 4-door hatchback

    PRICE AS TESTED
    $62,020 (base price: $55,835)

    ENGINE TYPE
    twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve V-6, iron-and-aluminum block and aluminum heads,  direct fuel injection
    Displacement
    180 in3, 2956 cm3
    Power
    400 hp @ 5500 rpm
    Torque
    415 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm

    TRANSMISSION
    10-speed automatic with manual shifting mode

    CHASSIS
    Suspension (F/R): multilink/multilink
    Brakes (F/R): 14.3-in vented disc/13.8-in vented disc
    Tires: Michelin Latitude Sport 3, 275/45R-21 107Y

    DIMENSIONS
    Wheelbase: 119.1 in
    Length: 199.3 in
    Width: 78.9 in
    Height: 70.2 in
    Passenger volume: 149 ft3
    Cargo volume: 18 ft3
    Curb weight: 4853 lb

    C/D TEST RESULTS
    60 mph: 5.2 sec
    100 mph: 13.3 sec
    Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 5.9 sec
    Top gear, 30–50 mph: 3.2 sec
    Top gear, 50–70 mph: 3.8 sec
    ¼-mile: 13.8 sec @ 101 mph
    Top speed (govenor limited): 146 mph
    Braking, 70–0 mph: 161 ft
    Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad*: 0.86 g
    *stability-control-inhibited

    C/D FUEL ECONOMY
    Observed: 21 mpg

    EPA FUEL ECONOMY
    Combined/city/highway: 20/18/24 mpg 

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