2022 Ford Explorer: A Trim Comparison
The mid-size Ford Explorer is one of the finest American SUVs on the market. Offering stellar performance and an array of features for comfort and convenience, this SUV is ideal for families and can seat up to seven passengers.
Ford Explorer Trim Options
The Ford Explorer returns for 2022 with eight different trims in the lineup. Reemerging is the ST-Line trim which was previously discontinued. It should be noted that the 365-horsepower V6 option available in 2021 has been dropped this year.
Explorer
The Explorer is the base trim option available starting at $33,245. Its standard engine is a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder that generates 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. This is paired with a standard 10-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is also standard, or you can opt for four-wheel-drive.
Equipment included in the base trim is an infotainment system with 8-inch touchscreen, two USB port, six-speaker audio, satellite radio and smartphone integration features. Other features include tri-zone climate control, a Wi-Fi hotspot, a rearview camera, parking sensors and the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of safety features, some of which includes blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning, and driver attention monitoring.
XLT
The Ford Explorer XLT starts at $36,145. This trim adds comfort and convenience features like heated front seats, second-row captains chairs, and proximity keyless entry. Additional USB ports are also provided.
For an extra $3,540, you can add on the 202A Equipment Group Package with remote start, synthetic leather upholstery, heated steering wheel and eight-way power-adjustable front seats. For $995, you can also add on a suite of safety features called the Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ – includes: adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, traffic sign recognition, lane centering and navigation.
ST-Line
The St-Line starts at $44,745. It includes most of the standard features found in the XLT, including the optional packages, but also adds a flat-bottom steering wheel, a surround-view parking camera, wireless device charging and a crisp 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo for listening to your favorite jams.
Limited
The Limited trim, available starting at $45,495, adds a touch of luxury to your Explorer with genuine leather upholstery with ventilated seats, heated second-row seats, and front parking sensors.
Additionally, you can add a hands-free liftgate and power-folding third-row for $700.
Timberline
The Timberline trim, which starts at $46,245, is an off-road model in the Ford line-up. You won’t get the leather seats in the Limited trim but you will get four-wheel-drive, skid plates, off-road struts and a torque-sensing limited-slip differential.
ST
The ST starts at $47,245 – a trim that ramps up the performance thanks to a twin-turbo V6 engine that generates 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. On top of this, you’ll get sports-tuned suspension and a 12.3 digital gauge. On the downside, this trim omits many of the added features found in the Limited and ST trims.
To get those missing features, along with a few more, you’ll have to purchase the 401A Equipment Group for $4,995. With the Premium Technology package, however, you can add a superior 14-speaker audio system, massaging front seats, and a 10.1-inch touchscreen.
King Ranch
The King Ranch, for $53,610, features the V6 engine and digital gauge, as well as several additions found in the optional ST packages. Most features included in the Limited trim are here too. But unique to this model are the Del Rio leather seats.
Platinum
If you want the top-of-the-line trim, you can get the Platinum for $52,115. It offers most of the features included above and adds tri-diamond leather seats and wood trim for the most luxurious interior possible. Park assist and adaptive headlights are also standard. Purchase it with four-wheel-drive or opt for rear-wheel-drive for about $2,000 less.