Ford Explorer ST: This SUV goes all-in on space, comfort, and practicality with an impeccable feel on the road.
PROS:
CONS: The third row is small and narrow; the interior could use some polish and a modern touch; high-end models are expensive.
VERDICT: The 2022 Explorer is great for families. It is roomy, comfortable, and has a lot of practical elements. It does fall behind leaders in its class regarding some of the more refined interior elements.
Does it have any competitors or rivals?
Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, and the Jeep Grand Cherokee
What’s interesting about the 2022 Explorer?
· The ST trim features a more efficient turbocharged four-cylinder powertrain
· ST-Line trim has a sporty styling options
· ST trim comes with rear-wheel drive
· High-end models boast a 400-horsepower engine
How about the prices and trims?
The 2022 Ford Explorer has ten trims for this model year. The Base trim is the most cost-effective and starts at $35,040, and the top-end trim is the King Ranch which starts at $55,290. The other trims fall between $38,540 (XLT) and $55,000 (Platinum Hybrid). The ST version starts at $49,040. The ten variants are as follows: Base, XLT, ST-Line, Limited, Timberline, ST, Limited Hybrid, Platinum, Platinum Hybrid, and the King Ranch.
The Base, XLT, and Limited trims boast a 300-horsepower turbocharged engine. The King Ranch, Platinum, and ST trim feature a 400-horsepower twin-turbocharged V6 engine. The hybrid version of this lineup has a 3.3-liter V6 engine with an electric motor that puts out a combined output of 318 horsepower.
Which one do we recommend?
We recommend Limited trim. This is the mid-level version of the lineup of the 2022 Explorer and it is the best bang for the buck. The Limited offers a great audio system, 20-inch wheels, a heated steering wheel, leather upholstery, and comes with a lot of the great performance features that some of the higher-end trims have. We recommend Limited trim. It is the mid-level version of the lineup of the 2022 Explorer, and it is the best bang for the buck. The Limited offers a great audio system, 20-inch wheels, a heated steering wheel, leather upholstery and comes with a lot of the excellent performance features that some of the higher-end trims have.
What about its availability?
The ST and other trim types have been available since the beginning of the 2022 model year. The hybrid version joined the lineup in 2020.
What about its performance and handling?
· The ST has rear-wheel-drive capability
· The ST trim boasts a 400-horsepower, twin-turbocharged V6 engine
· The ST has a 10-speed automatic transmission with a manual shifting mode
· The ST and its sister trims have impeccable handling and quick acceleration ability.
How’s the interior?
Interior Details:
The interior of all these trims, including the ST, can leave a lot to be desired. The design elements are pretty uninspired with some outdated materials and nothing genuinely unique or extraordinary to separate it from previous model years. The third row is pretty tight and small; it is great for kids but not full-grown adults. The Chevrolet Traverse and Volkswagen Atlas have third rows that are far better for adults to sit in than any 2022 Explorer trim. Beyond the limitations of the materials and the third row, there is a lot of cargo room, and the second and first-row seats are incredibly comfortable. Overall the interior has some things left to be desired, but it is a strength of this lineup.
Infotainment and connectivity synopsis:
The 2022 Explorer ST offers a standard 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities. A Wi-Fi hotspot is also standard with this trim and the 2022 lineup. The more expensive trims offer an optional 10.1-inch vertical screen. Every trim comes with voice-activated navigation, a rear-seat entertainment system, and other than the base model, boast a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system. Overall the infotainment and connectivity within these vehicles are impressive.
LIKES: The Wi-Fi hotspot, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay features are standard; the 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo system; the standard voice-activated navigation system.
DISLIKES: It would have been nice to have the 10.1-inch vertical touchscreen be available on more than just the expensive trims.
How about the technology and features?
The heated, power-adjustable steering wheel is an excellent touch, as is a power-folding third row. While the interior can be a bit uninspired with its materials, the features and technologies are not.
LIKES: Many of the best technological features come standard and are available in all trims; a second-row seat that folds up at the touch of a button; did we mention how excellent the 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system is because it is super cool.
DISLIKES: We do not have many, and perhaps this goes into the infotainment category, but, unfortunately, the standard touchscreen system is only 8.0-inches.
Quick Quirks: That only the Base trim lacks a 12-speaker sound system, in many ways, this trim is the black sheep of the lineup, and while base models generally lack the premium options of more expensive trims, Ford seems to have been a bit too punitive with its low-cost version. |
Some additional features:
· Maximum torque of 322 at 2,500 RPM for the ST
· Maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds
· There is a leather upholstery option and faux-suede upholstery options
· Sport steering wheel
How’s the exterior?
The exterior of the ST and the other vehicles in the 2022 Explorer lineup are sleek and good-looking. Ford does a great job giving its Explorer lineups smooth lines and gorgeous frames, not just in 2022. The Explorer boasts LED fog lamps and tail lamps, a liftgate, automatic LED low-beam headlamps, and power fold mirrors. Quad chrome exhaust tips round out the incredible design elements of this lineup. We liked how Ford went about building the ST trim and the lineup. We consider the exterior one of the biggest strengths of this vehicle.
What warranty and safety features does it offer?
The 2022 Explorer offers AdvanceTrac technology with Roll Stability Control, a front passenger knee airbag, a post-crash alert system, a lane-departure warning system, and a blind-spot monitoring system. All these features come standard, and security features like a tire-pressure warning system, keyless entry system, and perimeter alarm are some of the standard features that round out the safety and security aspects of the 2022 Explorer lineup. Ford's warranty options are pretty limited compared to the competition. A limited warranty option covers three years or 36,000 miles. The powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first, and there is no complimentary scheduled maintenance available.
Are there any incentives and rebates on the EV?
Federal and state governments provide incentives to promote EV purchases. It would be best to consider these incentives before finalizing the purchase of any EV, hybrid, or any other Alternatively Fueled Vehicle (AFV).
