For more than 30 years, Americans have turned to the Ford Explorer when they’ve needed a rugged yet family-friendly three-row SUV. The Explorer is America’s all-time bestselling SUV,[1] and it just keeps getting better with the 2022 Ford Explorer — available now at Packey Webb Ford in Downers Grove, Illinois.
Not sure which version of the 2022 Ford Explorer best fits your needs? Here’s a breakdown of this incredibly versatile model range.
Sporting a 2.3-liter EcoBoost® engine, the base trim of the 2022 Ford Explorer packs plenty of power for every trip. It’s also paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission for effortless acceleration. The Explorer seats up to seven passengers, with a second-row bench seat or captain’s chairs and up to 87.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the first row.
The Explorer’s base trim level feels anything but basic — it’s packed with tech and amenities, like FordPass™ Connect, which allows for remote access features and greater connectivity. The Explorer comes standard with Ford Co-Pilot360™, too — a suite of driver-assist tech including the Lane Keeping System, which combines Lane-Keeping Assist, Lane-Keeping Alert, and Driver Alert.
The next trim up from the base Explorer trim is the XLT, which expands on the offerings of the base trim. The XLT has the same powertrain as the base, as well as the same power liftgate and auto high beams. But the XLT offers convenient features like available Remote Start, as well as USB charging ports in the second row.
The XLT also offers available SYNC® 3 with Voice-Activated Navigation, which you won’t find on the base trim. The XLT delivers standard Intelligent Access with Push-Button Start, as well as an available heated steering wheel, adding comfort to your drive and helping you get on the road faster.
Designed to look like the performance-driven Explorer ST without the high-powered performance, the Explorer ST-Line is perfect for drivers who want sporty styling and practical everyday power. The ST-Line also sports the 2.3-liter EcoBoost® engine and 10-speed transmission, which delivers plenty of muscle at 300 horsepower.
With the ST-Line, you get even more amenities than the XLT, like a convenient wireless charging pad. And the ST-Line makes features that were available on the XLT standard, including Remote Start and the heated steering wheel. Like the XLT, the ST-Line offers an available moonroof, letting more light and air into the cabin.
The Explorer Timberline is an off-roading powerhouse, so if you need a comfortable family SUV that also fairs well on the trails, the Timberline is a great option. Intelligent 4WD is available on all the previous trim levels, but it’s the only drivetrain on the Timberline trim. The Explorer Timberline also comes standard with Hill Descent Control, the Terrain Management System™, and Trailer Sway Control.
The Timberline offers a unique interior with Deep Cypress trim and Deep Tangerine stitching. It’s also available with three Outfitters packages that expand on its off-road -readiness with features like all-weather floor mats and crossbars.
The Explorer Limited is the first in the Explorer lineup to offer an available 3.3-liter hybrid engine, alongside the standard 2.3-liter EcoBoost®. Sporting a 10-speed automatic transmission and RWD, the Explorer Limited has all the power of the previous trims and plenty of creature comforts.
The Limited trim delivers tons of amenities you’ll love, like the addition of a Forward Sensing System, multi-color ambient lighting in the cabin, and an Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror. SYNC® 3 with Voice-Activated Navigation System is standard on the Limited trim, and the second-row captain’s seats are heated, so your second-row passengers will stay warm all year round.
Boasting a blacked-out grille and a 3.0-liter EcoBoost® engine that puts out 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, the Explorer ST is the sporty SUV for drivers who want a little thrill with their practical family SUV. The Explorer ST is equipped with a Ford Performance-tuned independent front and rear suspension for a smooth, exhilarating ride.
The Explorer ST offers additional driver-assist tech that adds ease to your drive, including available Active Park Assist 2.0. A PowerFold® third-row is available to easily expand your cargo space. And the ST trim is adorned with special City Silver accent stitching and ST badging you’ll love to show off to your friends.
Like the ST, the King Ranch trim comes with the powerful 3.0-liter® EcoBoost engine. It has a lot in common with the Limited trim when it comes to features, but with the power of the ST and an available Premium Technology Package. This package includes a 14-speaker audio system and multi-contour seats with Active Motion®.
A hands-free foot-activated liftgate is standard on the King Ranch and only available on the Limited trim, and other luxurious accents, like the steering wheel with Mesa Del Rio Leather and Norias stitching. The Remote Keyless Entry System and SecuriCode Keyless Entry Keypad add security and convenience, helping you keep your valuables safe.
The highest trim level on the 2022 Explorer is the Platinum trim, which comes with your choice of the 3.3-liter Hybrid engine or the available 3.0-liter EcoBoost® engine. The Explorer Platinum offers standard Active Park Assist 2.0, super breathable Tri-Diamond Perforated Leather Seating Surfaces, and Adaptive Headlamps with signature LED lighting that swivel when you turn the wheel for better visibility.
The Platinum offers all the same performance tech as the King Ranch, like Trailer Sway Control and the available Terrain Management System. Whether you opt for the standard hybrid engine or the regular gas EcoBoost, the Explorer Platinum has the power you need for everything from daily driving to towing, plus all the luxuries you want.
On the Limited and Platinum trims, the 2022 Explorer is available with a 3.3-liter hybrid engine. The hybrid engine can tow up to 5,000 pounds and gives the Explorer a boost in fuel economy to 24 mpg[2] in the city. So if saving fuel and reducing your emissions are high priorities for you, consider getting the Explorer Hybrid.
There’s a lot to love about the 2022 Ford Explorer, but the best way to find it all out is for yourself. Schedule a test drive at Packey Webb Ford in Downers Grove, Illinois, and you’ll soon see why the Explorer is the standard for SUVs.
[1] Based on IHS Markit, 1946-Current U.S. Total New Cumulative Registrations, for all vehicles identified as SUVs.
[2] EPA-estimated city/hwy mpg for the model indicated. See fueleconomy.gov for fuel economy of other engine/transmission combinations. Actual mileage will vary. On plug-in hybrid models and electric models, fuel economy is stated in MPGe. MPGe is the EPA equivalent measure of gasoline fuel efficiency for electric mode operation.
The Ford Explorer is fresh off a complete redesign last year. The 2021 Ford Explorer adds a new appearance package along with few minor changes to features. It is ready to continue the tradition of being America’s bestselling SUV of all time. There are five trim levels available: base, XLT, Limited, ST, and Platinum.
There are three engine options on the Explorer. Most trims are powered by a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine rated at 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. If you are looking for more performance, the top trims come with a powerful 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine that delivers 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. If you are looking to maximize your efficiency, the Explorer is available with a 3.3-liter hybrid engine with a total output 318 horsepower and 322 lb-ft of torque.
Rear-wheel drive comes standard on the Explorer. All-wheel drive is available as an option. When properly equipped, the Explorer can tow up to 5,600 pounds. The Explorer is also ideal for off-road adventure, especially when equipped with the available Intelligent 4WD with Terrain Management System.
The Explorer has enough room for the whole family with three rows of seats for up to seven passengers. The interior comes well-equipped with comfort and convenience features including an 8-inch touch screen, in-vehicle wi-fi capabilities, Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, a power driver’s seat, and tri-zone automatic climate control.
You can feel confident driving the Explorer through Downers Grove, Illinois and beyond. All models come standard with advanced driver safety aids including a frontal collision mitigation system, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, trailer sway control, and lane keeping assist. For even more security, this rugged SUV is available with front parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree parking camera system, a lane centering system, and an automated parking system.
The Ford Explorer is a staple of the SUV segment. Whether you need cargo-hauling capability, lots of space for passengers, or the latest tech features, the Explorer delivers. Visit Packey Webb Ford in Downers Grove, Illinois, to get behind the wheel of this all-time great SUV.
