Used 2022 Ford Explorer

The 2022 Ford Explorer is a 3-row midsize SUV/crossover with all the right ingredients to appeal to the average family. Yet it can also appeal to anyone but the average family with a special off-roading version, an exceptionally sporty ST model, a hybrid variant, and not one but two high-class/leather-clad versions.

Anyone buying a new Explorer can be as mainstream as they like, enjoying a roomy cabin, several standard driver assistance features, and a punchy yet fuel-efficient engine. Or they can take an Explorer to places where rivals pale in comparison.

This is the sixth generation of Explorer, a consistent best-seller for Ford. This latest generation debuted in 2020.

For most tastes and conditions, there’s nothing wrong with the base turbocharged 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine. It’s gutsy enough to move a full 2022 Explorer without too much effort.

Serving as an excellent complement is the pleasantly precise 10-speed automatic transmission. The top three ratios are really overdrives that come into their own on a freeway.

Reassurance comes with excellent outward vision, enhanced by standard-issue blind-spot monitoring. There’s a natural feel to the steering, and the ride quality balances comfort and control in a well-judged manner.

Whenever Ford makes an ST model, driving enthusiasts take notice. The Explorer ST has a sport suspension and a wonderfully muscular 400-horsepower turbocharged V6. It’s a true performance SUV and there’s nothing else among the usual suspects to match it. We would look at something like the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 with only 29 more horsepower, but a starting price that’s about $25k higher.

The optional all-wheel-drive system in the 2022 Explorer comes with terrain response modes like Slippery, Deep Snow/Sand, and Tow/Haul. Under normal conditions, it disconnects the front axle automatically to keep fuel economy in check, but can send up to 50 percent of available drive to the front wheels within milliseconds if necessary.

The most basic 2022 Explorer has a 7-seat configuration with a 3-person bench in the second row. The next trim up, XLT, already brings a pair of captain’s chairs for that row, reducing the occupant count to six. However, that bench can be reinstated in any of the higher trims at no extra cost. The captain’s chairs can slide back for maximum legroom (an impressive 39 inches) or forward to optimize cargo space.

Overall, the cabin is acceptably quiet and comfortable, though not particularly attractive in basic form. There’s a rotary gearshift, 10 cup holders, and five 12-volt outlets (including one in the cargo area).

Higher trims liven things up. For example, the new ST-Line brings ambient cabin lighting, along with red stitching and simulated suede panels in the upholstery. The Timberline has Tangerine stitching, while the King Ranch has 2-tone light brown/dark brown leather upholstery.

Back in the third row, 32.2 inches of rear legroom and low-slung seat cushions make this space most suitable for the youngest family members.

Cargo space goes from 18.2 cubic feet behind the third row to a maximum of 87.8 cubic feet. That applies to the hybrid version as well. It’s a simple thing, but we also like the reversible vinyl/carpet cargo floor covering.

Buying a midsize 3-row SUV/crossover entails far more than outward appearances. But we’d argue that the 2022 Explorer’s exterior stylists were as risk-averse as its interior designers. Compared with something like the Kia Telluride or Hyundai Palisade, it comes across as somewhat tepid.

Also like the cabin, it requires a higher trim to spark some interest. The new ST-Line mimics the more powerful ST with a black grille mesh, along with a “blackout” treatment to the headlights and taillights.

The Timberline version has actual steel skid plates instead of the plastic “skid plate look” of other SUVs. It also has a slightly raised suspension for a little extra ground clearance, front tow hooks, plus model-specific alloy wheels, badges, and grille. It also comes with wiring for an optional grille-mounted off-road light kit.

Platinum trim elevates the classiness with satin aluminum exterior elements.

This year sees the introduction of Burgundy Velvet Metallic Tinted Clearcoat and Stone Blue Metallic color choices. Along with the departure of Infinite Blue Metallic and Stone Gray Metallic.

12.3-INCH DIGITAL INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
This configurable driver information display becomes standard at the ST level, adding to the high-tech ambiance. One of the modes is a Calm Screen, showing just the essentials to reduce driver distraction.

400-HORSEPOWER V6
This is where the Explorer breaks away from the mainstream pack. Even some luxury midsize 3-row crossovers don’t offer this much power. Now it comes in the top three trims. The ST version also offers the option of stronger brakes.

Starting with the base 2022 Explorer, the inventory of standard equipment includes 18-inch alloy wheels, LED exterior lighting, powered tailgate, keyless entry/ignition, tri-zone automatic climate control, cloth upholstery, and an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat.

Safety levels are enhanced by the Co-Pilot360 driver assistance features that include forward collision warning and blind-spot monitoring (see our Safety Technology section below for more deals). The Explorer also comes with trailer sway control, hill start assist, post-collision braking, and a comprehensive set of airbags.

The infotainment system has an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android smartphone integration, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-A port, USB-C ports, satellite radio, and a 6-speaker audio setup.

One of the main options for a 2022 Explorer is all-wheel drive. Another is the Class IV trailer tow package (standard in the Timberline).

The next-up XLT trim gains things like extra USB ports (A and C), second-row captain’s chairs, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and heated/power-adjustable front seats. It also qualifies for simulated leather upholstery, heated steering wheel, LED fog lights, remote start, entry keypad, a Sport Appearance package that includes 20-inch alloy wheels, and the Co-Pilot360 Assist+ array of driver aids that includes adaptive cruise control and navigation (see the Safety Technology section below for more details).

The new-for-2022 Explorer ST-Line has the looks of the more powerful ST model, but retains the basic engine. It does raise the appointments, however, with 20-inch alloy wheels, simulated leather upholstery, self-dimming rearview mirror, rain-sensing wipers, 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, wireless charging, and the Co-Pilot360 Assist+ driver aids.

The Timberline also comes with simulated leather upholstery, heated second-row seats, and extra driver aids. This is an off-road-focused model with 18-inch alloy wheels wearing all-terrain tires, plus all-wheel drive as standard, and a torque-sensing (Torsen) limited-slip rear differential.

It’s back to 20-inch alloys and the B&O system for Limited trim, adding front parking sensors, leather seating surfaces, heated/ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, a universal garage door opener. This trim level also offers the hybrid drivetrain.

A Convenience package for Limited trim brings memory settings for the driver’s seat, hands-free tailgate operation, power-folding third-row seats, power-adjustable steering column, and a 110-volt power outlet.

The ST represents the more thrilling side of the 2022 Explorer range, with a sport-tuned suspension and a 400-horsepower engine exhaling through a quad exhaust system. This version is also eligible for 21-inch alloy wheels, stronger brakes, 12.3-inch digital driver information display, dual-pane moonroof, a 10.1-inch touchscreen with pinch-to-zoom capability, rear-seat entertainment system, and a 980-watt/14-speaker B&O system.

King Ranch brings its own Western-themed additions inside and out, plus the bigger touchscreen and B&O system, massaging front seats, and automatic emergency braking in reverse.

Platinum tops the range, rolling on 21-inch alloy wheels and sporting adaptive LED headlights, memory settings for both massaging front seats, real wood cabin trim, and a self-parking function. On the options list are the hybrid drivetrain, dual-pane moonroof, and a rear-seat entertainment system.

A turbocharged 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine propels most versions of the 2022 Explorer. It makes 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, a higher output than the standard V6 engines in many rivals. A new option for 2022 is the deletion of the automatic stop/restart function for this engine that saves fuel while idling but irritates some drivers when it kicks back in.

A hybrid drivetrain is offered in the Limited and Platinum models. It pairs a naturally aspirated (no turbochargers or superchargers) 3.3-liter V6 with an electric motor for a total of 318 horsepower.

A turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 developing 400 horsepower is newly standard in the King Ranch and super-luxurious Platinum trims, and has always been part of the exceptionally sporty ST variant.

Unlike most rivals that are front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive (RWD) is the standard setup across the board for the Explorer, with all-wheel drive (AWD) available as an option. The exceptions being the Timberline off-road specialist version and the Platinum Hybrid, which have all-wheel drive as standard. Every 2022 Explorer has a 10-speed automatic transmission. And regular gasoline works fine for every engine.

The EPA fuel economy figures for the 2.3-liter Ford Explorer are estimates. All Explorer V6 fuel economy figures are official EPA data for 2022.

2.3-liter turbocharged inline-4 (base, XLT, ST-Line, Timberline, Limited)
300 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
310 lb-ft of torque @ 3,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/28 mpg (RWD), 20/27 mpg (AWD)

3.3-liter V6 + electric motor (Hybrid: Limited & Platinum)
318 horsepower
322 lb-ft of torque
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 27/28 mpg (RWD), 23/26 mpg (AWD)

3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 (ST, King Ranch & Platinum)
400 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
415 lb-ft of torque @ 3,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/26 mpg (RWD), 18/24 mpg (AWD)