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2022 Ford Explorer review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
7 photos

Ford Explorer highlights

Customer rating

Pros

  • Strong engine options
  • Rear-wheel-drive platform
  • Lots of cargo space

Cons

  • Noisy at highway speeds
  • Climate control doesn't feel intuitive
  • Lackluster interior feel

Mileage (EPA estimate)

16 city, 22 highway, 19 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

7 photos
Price
Year

All Ford Explorer years

What is new for the 2022 Ford Explorer?

  • The Explorer is available in a new trim called the ST-Line.
  • Explorer trims have been upgraded with Leatherette Seats, Seat Massagers, Leather & Suede Seats, and Run Flat Tires as standard equipment this year.
  • Flex Fuel Vehicle features are now available as options on select trims.
  • The King Ranch trim now comes with Fold-Away Third Row as standard equipment.
  • The Base trim now comes with Smart Key and Remote Start as standard equipment.
  • The Timberline trim now comes with Cloth Seats as standard equipment.
  • The ST trim now comes with Bang & Olufsen Audio as standard equipment.

2022 Ford Explorer trims

Curious how Ford Explorer trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

Base:

  • 300-hp, 310-lb-ft of torque 2.3L
  • 285-hp, 260-lb-ft of torque 3.3L
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Remote Start
  • Rear Air Conditioning
  • Rear Defroster
  • Cruise Control
  • Third Row Seat
  • Cloth Seats
  • View our Ford Explorer inventory

XLT:

Limited:

  • Includes all features available on the XLT
  • 318-hp, 322-lb-ft of torque 3.3L
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Leatherette Seats
  • Leather Seats
  • Rear Seat Heaters
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Rear Sunshade
  • 20 Inch Plus Wheels
  • Navigation System
  • View our Ford Explorer Limited inventory

Platinum:

  • Includes all features available on the Limited
  • 365-hp, 415-lb-ft of torque 3.0L
  • 318-hp, 322-lb-ft of torque 3.0L
  • Memory Seats
  • A/C Seats
  • Power Folding Third Row
  • Automated Parking
  • Tow Hitch
  • Seat Massagers
  • Run Flat Tires
  • View our Ford Explorer Platinum inventory

Timberline:

ST-Line:

ST:

King Ranch:

Ford Explorer photos

5 reasons to buy the 2022 Ford Explorer

1. Maximum SUV versatility

The 2022 Ford Explorer delivers traditional SUV versatility, making it a great choice for families, weekend adventurers, and city commuters. With three rows of seating for up to seven, ample cargo space, an available cargo management system, and available all-wheel drive, the Explorer is capable of handling a variety of tasks and weather conditions. From garage sale finds to moving your kid into college dorms, the Explorer helps with 87.8 cu-ft of cargo space behind the standard power liftgate.

2. Advanced technology

The 2022 Explorer has a host of standard advanced features, such as a large touchscreen display, smartphone integration, and the Ford Co-Pilot360® suite of driver-assist technologies that make driving more convenient. King Ranch and Platinum trims offer the available technology package, with contoured massaging front seats, a larger 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen® sound system. Features like the available 12.3-inch driver's digital gauge cluster and a wireless smartphone charging pad also add to the Explorer's tech-forward appeal.

3. Powerful engine options

The 2022 Ford Explorer offers several powertrain options to match your driving style, including a standard turbocharged 2.3L inline four-cylinder engine that produces 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. An optional 3.0L V6 puts out 365 hp, and the ST trim bumps it up to an even 400 hp. Additionally, the Explorer offers a hybrid powertrain option that doesn't sacrifice performance with 318 hp and 322 lb-ft. These powerful engines make the Explorer easy to drive in urban traffic or when you need highway passing power.

4. Stylish design

The 2022 Explorer features a bold, athletic design that stands out on the road. With sleek lines, chromed headlights, and a bold front grille with the classy "EXPLORER" script above, the Explorer looks both modern and timeless. Available 21-inch alloy wheels add visual pop, while the available ST-Line trim turns up the sporty look with tinted headlights, LED fog lamps, and chrome exhaust tips. Note that this sleek design removes the roof rails. For a more rugged look, the Timberline trim is ready for adventure, with skidplates, tow hooks, and black wheels.

5. Tow like a truck

The Explorer has an impressive towing capacity to meet all your hauling needs. The 2022 Ford Explorer with the 3.0L V6 can tow up to an estimated maximum of 5,600 pounds when properly equipped.

This makes it an excellent choice for drivers who need to tow trailers, boats, UTVs, or heavy equipment. If you know you will regularly tow, look for the available Class III Trailer Tow Package which includes a tow hitch, trailer sway control, and brake light connections, making towing as easy as a drive to the lake.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

2.5 out of 5

2 customer reviews
3
1
2
Above Average

RepairPal gave the Ford Explorer an overall reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Ford Explorer 23rd out of 32 among Midsize SUVs.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Ford Explorer

Ford Explorer features and specs

ST-Line 2WD 4D Sport Utility

Standard Features

  • 20 Inch Plus Wheels
  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Android Auto
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Bang & Olufsen Audio
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Cloth Seats
  • Fold-Away Third Row
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Leatherette & Cloth
  • Navigation System
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Hatch/Deck Lid
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Air Conditioning
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear View Camera
  • Remote Start
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Sync System
  • Third Row Seat
  • Traction Control
  • Turbo Charged Engine
  • Full Roof Rack
  • Leatherette Seats
  • Panoramic Sunroof
  • Power Hatch/Deck Lid
  • Quad Seats
  • Rear Entertainment System
  • Running Boards
  • Tow Hitch

Drive Wheels

Rear Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

2.3L

Horsepower

300

Torque (ft-lbs)

310

Engine type

Turbo Gas

Fuel capacity

17.9

Wheelbase

119.1"

Overall length

198.8"

Width

78.9"

Height

70.2"

Leg room

F 43"/M 39"/R 32.2"

Head room

F 40.7"/M 40.5"/R 38.9"

Front tires

P255/55VR20

Rear tires

P255/55VR20

Seating capacity

6

Max towing capacity

530/5300 lbs.

Transmission

Automatic

2022 Ford Explorer FAQ

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