2022 Ford Explorer

The Base Explorer comes with LED headlights and a power liftgate. Just a step up to the XLT gets you a nicer-looking exterior. It adds to the base with roof rails, LED signature lighting, chrome exterior trim elements, and roof rack side rails. Choose the Limited for 20-inch wheels, upgraded roof rack side rails, a painted silver mesh grille insert, and chrome exhaust tips. Next in the lineup, the King Ranch adds upgrades in the cabin, and the Platinum is a premium SUV that comes with 21-inch wheels and a unique grille. The new ST-Line has 20-inch wheels, a black grille, and tinted headlights and taillights, while the ST adds a sport-tuned suspension.

The Explorer Timberline is different from the rest of the lineup with some off-road capabilities due to its skid plates, all-terrain tires, tow hooks, and off-road suspension with increased ride height.

The base engine for the Explorer is a 2.3-liter turbo four-cylinder with 300 horsepower. The ST, King Ranch, and Platinum have more power with a 3.0-liter turbo V-6 engine under their hoods. It puts out 400 horsepower and generates 415 pound-feet of torque.

The base engine provides plenty of power for the Explorer, and the twin-turbo V-6 is quick off the line and gets you up to cruising speed quickly and efficiently. When properly equipped, the Explorer can tow up to 5,600 pounds.

There are three rows of seats in the Explorer and room for up to seven, but you can reduce this to six with the optional captain's chairs. Cloth upholstery comes standard with leather in the Limited and above. These also get a heated steering wheel and ventilated front seats. You'll get a massaging function for the front seats in the King Ranch, along with wood interior trim elements.

The technology starts with an 8-inch touch screen, USB ports, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a six-speaker stereo. You'll get a 12-speaker stereo system in the ST-Line, which also has navigation and wireless charging. The King Ranch upgrades to a 10.1-inch touch screen, and it has a 14-speaker B&O stereo and a digital gauge cluster display for the driver.

Every 2022 Explorer comes standard with advanced safety systems. You'll get a front collision warning and mitigation system no matter which model you have, and all trims have a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, and trailer sway control. The ST-Line and above add a surround-view camera, adaptive cruise control, and evasive steering assist. Rear automatic braking is an added feature in the King Ranch, while the Platinum adds adaptive headlights and an automated parking system.