Ford Explorer
2022 Ford Explorer Review in Goodyear, AZ
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New Ford Explorer Review | Ford Explorer Platinum
What makes people like the 2022 Ford Explorer? Is it just its reputation? Some reviewers praise its excellent interior space and its roomy cargo area. Others suggest it is the powertrain choices, the rear-wheel-drive platform, or the available all-wheel drive.
Kelley Blue Book suggests that the SUV is appealing for another reason. It is made to make a family happy, but it also offers so many additional choices: a hybrid, sporty ST, off-roading trim, and two luxury-level versions.
In this new Ford Explorer Review, we’ll discuss the trim levels, specifications, powertrains and other details important to shoppers. Keep scrolling to find what interests you the most.
Performance by Trim Level
The base level powertrain for this midsize SUV is a turbocharged 2.3-liter engine. This remarkable four cylinder engine has an output that is worthy of a V6. Output is 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.
The turbo four is paired with Ford’s 10-speed automatic transmission. This combination makes it highly capable at all speeds and in all situations. It’s standard on the XLT, ST-Line, Timberline and Limited.
The Explorer’s Ecoboost choices offer more power while preserving fuel economy. Active grille shutters and a front air curtain improve aerodynamics.
The 3.3L hybrid engine is available on the Limited and Platinum. The combination of a V6 engine and an electric motor increase output to 318 horsepower and 322 lb-ft of torque.
For driving enthusiasts, the Explorer ST is enough to rival the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 while costing $25,000 less easily. You’ll also get this fantastic engine if you choose the King Ranch or Platinum.
The turbo V6 spits out 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft. In other words, it acts like a V8 while sipping fuel more conservatively. With your ST purchase, Ford is offering a complimentary driving adventure at the Ford Performance Racing School ST SUV Experience.
Drivetrains and Handling
Rear wheel drive is standard on most trims, including the sporty ST. This is the sportier drivetrain for this large SUV, and it is preferred over the front-wheel drivetrain found on many rivals.
Intelligent All Wheel Drive is available on all trims and standard for the Platinum Hybrid and Explorer Timberline. This Ford all-wheel drive system will disconnect the front axle during normal conditions. When 4WD is needed, it will reconnect and send the torque to all wheels equally. For bad weather or difficult terrain, it has a slippery mode and a deep snow/sand mode. For trailering, it has a tow-haul mode.
Off-roading Capability
If you are thinking about off-roading, the Explorer has 7.9 inches of minimum running ground clearance with RWD. The intelligent four-wheel drive models increase clearance to 8.2 inches and add more capability if the terrain is muddy or rough.
Ford’s terrain management includes a trail mode and a sand mode. It also has Hill Descent Control.
The true off-roader is the 2022 Explorer Timberline. Ford has given it a suspension lift that helps it claim extra ground clearance. The revised fascia improves its approach and departure angles.
There are front, rear and underbody steel skid plates for protection. Red Ember tow hooks aren’t just sporty. They can actually handle up to 150 percent of the truck’s weight.
Size and Specifications
Large and spacious, the cabin has 152.7 cubic feet of passenger space for seven. The Platinum offers 146.8 cubic feet for six.
This large three-row ride has 39 inches of second-row legroom and 32.2 inches on the third row. It has almost five inches more for third-row riders than the Toyota Highlander.
Similar to a large sedan’s trunk, the Explorer has 18.2 cu ft of cargo space behind the third row. However, it quickly grows to 47.9 if the third row is folded. Beyond the first row, it can be as much as 87.8 cu ft.
Tow ratings can be as much as 5,300 or 5,600 pounds. A trailer tow package may be required to achieve the best ratings.
Explorer Interior Colors and Trim Levels
The base edition is packed with essentials that parents and kids will appreciate. The driver seat is an 8-way power chair. The kids will like the E-Z entry function. Everyone will appreciate the tri-zone automatic climate controls with auxiliary rear controls.
Technology includes the CoPilot360 system with automatic emergency braking, a blind spot monitor and much more. The Sync3 touch screen includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The power liftgate helps you into the cargo hold.
The base Explorer interior color is Sandstone. However, the XLT lets you choose between Sandstone and Ebony. With the black interior, the headliner, pillars, visors, and grab handles are a light slate color. The XLT Sport Appearance package has light slate seats with medium slate stitching and soft door trim panels.
Stepping up to the XLT, families will appreciate the 4-door Intelligent Access system. Drivers get push button start and a larger productivity screen. Seating is upgraded with a unique cloth or ActiveX upholstery, and the front seat passenger gets a power chair.
The ST-Line has second-row captain’s seats and dual front power chairs. Accented by sporty red stitching, the upholstery combines ActiveX with soft Miko inserts.
Timberline cabins have ActiveX vinyl and cloth upholstery that is easy to clean. The distinctive green upholstery has a deep tangerine accent stitch. The front seats and steering wheel are heated.
Explorer Limited
Explorer Limited models have ambient lighting, second-row sunshades, and a heated steering wheel. Seating upgrades include micro-perforated leather with accent stitching. Color schemes include a choice of Sandstone or Ebony with light slate. This is the first Explorer to offer ventilated seats, always a favorite in Phoenix!
There are also more driver assistance standards on this Ford Explorer for sale. This includes Adaptive Cruise Control and Evasive Steering Assist. Parking aids include front and rear sensors.
Dash technology on the Ford Explorer Limited is excellent. It includes a touch screen navigation system, a 12-speaker premium sound system and a wireless charging pad.
ST Trim Level
Declaring its sporty intentions, the Ford Explorer ST has unique bodyside cladding, a grille mesh insert, and unique skid plate elements. Special ST projection lamps on the mirrors welcome you to the vehicle at night.
An Ebony color scheme features Hexacut accent appliques, and the leather seats have a silver accent. Kids will like second-row Captain’s Chairs with armrests and a center console. The third-row has a Power-fold function to allow it to fold flat without any exertion on your part.
Drivers will appreciate having a memory-enabled chair and mirrors plus a power-adjustable steering column. The ST dash features Ford’s 12.3-inch productivity screen and large navigation touch screen.
Ford Explorer Platinum and King Ranch
Platinum Explorers and King Ranch styles build on the ST and Limited trims, adding more amenities and upgrading the material quality and style.
This means there are top technologies for driver assistance and dash entertainment. Standard features include multi-color ambient lighting, the power-adjustable steering wheel, hands-free liftgate, and extra-large digital instrumentation screen.
Technology is upgraded to the 14-speaker 980-watt B&O audio system and a 10.1-inch portrait touch screen. The 360-degree camera offers a perimeter view. Ford’s parking assist system is available at this trim level.
The power-adjustable front captain’s chairs have power-massage as well as power-ventilation. These exclusive Multi Contour Seats have Active Motion capability. Second row captain’s chairs add a power-assist fold to help when loading cargo. The third row also power folds flat. To take care of big families, shoppers may revert back to the second row bench.
The King Ranch slots above the ST. It has luscious Del Rio leather on all three rows. The first two rows have a Mesa/Norias seat color. The seats have lasso-perforated inserts.
The 2022 Ford Explorer Platinum 3.3L V6 Hybrid 4WD SUV is dressed to the nines. The Perforated Leather upholstery has tri-diamond perforated inserts. Contrast stitching accents the upholstery and other soft surfaces. The doors have quilted panels, and the upscale carpeting is made with Brunello stitching.
You can also get a twin panel moonroof and/or a dual-headrest rear seat entertainment system on the 2022 Ford Explorer Platinum for sale.
Explorer Platinum interior colors include ebony or light sandstone. High gloss black provides contrast on many trim elements. The instrument panel has gray ash swirl real wood.
Considering what the Ford Explorer Platinum price saves you when compared to a so-called luxury brand, you’ll love all of the style and how you saved.
Features
- Bluetooth®
- Remote Start
- 4WD/AWD
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Keyless Entry
More Details
-
$37,200 No Bull Price
- MSRP: $41,200
- Rodeo Savings: $4,000
- No Bull Price: $37,200
-
$37,200 No Bull Price
- MSRP: $41,200
- Rodeo Savings: $4,000
- No Bull Price: $37,200
Features
- Bluetooth®
- 4WD/AWD
- Keyless Entry
- Wi-Fi Hotspot
- Emergency Brake Assist
- Lane Departure Warning
More Details
Dealer Comments
4WD.
-
$52,725 No Bull Price
- MSRP: $52,725
-
$52,725 No Bull Price
- MSRP: $52,725
Features
- Bluetooth®
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Keyless Entry
- Wi-Fi Hotspot
- Automatic High Beams
More Details
Dealer Comments
-
$46,230 No Bull Price
- MSRP: $50,230
- Rodeo Savings: $4,000
- No Bull Price: $46,230
-
$46,230 No Bull Price
- MSRP: $50,230
- Rodeo Savings: $4,000
- No Bull Price: $46,230
Features
- Bluetooth®
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Keyless Entry
- Wi-Fi Hotspot
- Automatic High Beams
More Details
Dealer Comments
-
$46,230 No Bull Price
- MSRP: $50,230
- Rodeo Savings: $4,000
- No Bull Price: $46,230
-
$46,230 No Bull Price
- MSRP: $50,230
- Rodeo Savings: $4,000
- No Bull Price: $46,230
Features
- Bluetooth®
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Keyless Entry
- Wi-Fi Hotspot
- Automatic High Beams
More Details
Dealer Comments
-
$46,230 No Bull Price
- MSRP: $50,230
- Rodeo Savings: $4,000
- No Bull Price: $46,230
-
$46,230 No Bull Price
- MSRP: $50,230
- Rodeo Savings: $4,000
- No Bull Price: $46,230
Features
- Bluetooth®
- 4WD/AWD
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Heated Seats
- Keyless Entry
More Details
- MSRP: Call for Current Market Pricing
- MSRP: Call for Current Market Pricing
Features
- Bluetooth®
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Keyless Entry
- Wi-Fi Hotspot
- Automatic High Beams
More Details
Dealer Comments
-
$46,230 No Bull Price
- MSRP: $50,230
- Rodeo Savings: $4,000
- No Bull Price: $46,230
-
$46,230 No Bull Price
- MSRP: $50,230
- Rodeo Savings: $4,000
- No Bull Price: $46,230
Features
- Bluetooth®
- 4WD/AWD
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Keyless Entry
- Wi-Fi Hotspot
More Details
Dealer Comments
4WD.
-
$54,430 No Bull Price
- MSRP: $54,430
-
$54,430 No Bull Price
- MSRP: $54,430
Features
- Bluetooth®
- 4WD/AWD
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Keyless Entry
- Wi-Fi Hotspot
More Details
Dealer Comments
4WD.
-
$54,430 No Bull Price
- MSRP: $54,430
-
$54,430 No Bull Price
- MSRP: $54,430
Features
- 360 Cameras
- Bluetooth®
- 4WD/AWD
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Keyless Entry
More Details
Dealer Comments
4WD.
-
$62,335 No Bull Price
- MSRP: $62,335
-
$62,335 No Bull Price
- MSRP: $62,335
Features
- 360 Cameras
- Bluetooth®
- Keyless Entry
- Keyless Ignition System
- Wi-Fi Hotspot
- Automatic High Beams
More Details
Dealer Comments
- MSRP: Call for Current Market Pricing
- MSRP: Call for Current Market Pricing
Features
- Bluetooth®
- 4WD/AWD
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Keyless Entry
- Wi-Fi Hotspot
More Details
Dealer Comments
4WD.
-
$57,890 No Bull Price
- MSRP: $57,890
-
$57,890 No Bull Price
- MSRP: $57,890
Actual vehicle price and payments may vary for various reasons - including but not limited to - applicable manufacturer rebates, special limited time offers, dealer incentives, taxes, fees, and buyer's credit qualifications, dealer add-ons, market product (or vehicle) scarcity and $599.00 dealer doc fee. Financing on approved credit. Must qualify for some offers. Some offers may not be available with special financing, lease and some other offers.
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Dealer Comments
AWD. 21/28 City/Highway MPG