New Model Walkthrough: The 2022 Ford Explorer; is it Right for You?
Here at Advantage Ford Calgary, we are excited to announce Ford’s new 2022 model line-up. If you do not see your vehicle in our new inventory, please reach out to our team for more information.
If you do not see your model in stock, please contact our team. Check out our available new vehicle inventory here.
At Advantage Ford Calgary, we offer a plethora of vehicles (new and used). In this blog, we’re taking a look at another new addition in the lineup; introducing… the 2022 Ford Explorer.
Review
Within Ford’s extensive listing of pickups and SUVs, the 2022 Explorer is hands down the best for family commitments. Outfitted with three rows of seats in addition to a commodious cargo room, the Explorer is multifaceted for consumers hauling children around as well as their corresponding gear.
The majority of drivers will be happy with the Explorer’s base motor—a turbocharged 2.3-litre four-cylinder boasting 300 horsepower—but a hybrid powertrain and a 400-hp twin-turbo V-6 motor are offered as well.
What’s New for 2022?
The lineup for the Explorer now offers a new ST-Line model, which blends the appearance of the top-class ST model with the more effective turbocharged four-cylinder powertrain. The ST-Line trim rides on 20-inch wheels and sports black exterior badging and accents.
The cabin offers a presentation-oriented appearance as well, with faux-suede cushioning with scarlet stitching, a sport-inspired steering wheel, and door-jamb safeguard plates displaying the ST-Line emblem.
Speaking of ST, the Explorer’s most trendy trim now offers rear-wheel drive. High-end Platinum trims get bumped to 400 horsepower and can be armed with either a second-row seat or a couple of captain’s chairs at no additional cost.
Cost and Which Trim to Purchase
The mid-level Limited trim is the most practical Explorer for the price. We found the conventional turbocharged four-cylinder motor to be adequately robust and more effective on the freeway. It can haul a decent 5300lbs when armed with the towing bundle. We’d also attach AWD for $1920. Aside from that, the Limited model’s attractive standard attributes should make the grade.
These include, but are not limited to, 20-inch wheels, Bang & Olufsen audio system, a heated and adjustable steering wheel, leather padding for the seats, and more.
With that said, the Base model – on the lower end of the spectrum – tops out at $43,320, with the recommended Limited trim at $53,545, and the Platinum Hybrid on the opposite end of the spectrum estimated at $69,000.
Motor, Performance, and Transmission
Base, XLT, and Limited models come standard with a 300-hp turbocharged 2.3-litre four-cylinder motor, and it invigorates the Explorer with power. The adrenaline junkies among us will lean more toward the Platinum or ST trims, which are charged by a 400-hp twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V-6.
A hybrid joined the Explorer listing back in 2020. It couples a 3.3-litre V-6 motor with an electric engine for a combined yield of 318 horsepower. When correctly armed, the Explorer can haul as much as 5600lbs. The Explorer cruises on an RWD platform, but AWD is still discretionary. Generally, a 10-speed transmission is a conventional feature.
Both handling and ride quality is pleasant and controlled. The Explorer ST trim is much more sporty, and its additional power and rigid suspension make it a genuine performance SUV.
Fuel Efficiency and Economy
Because of its selection of powertrain and drivetrain blends, the Explorer has various EPA fuel-economy rankings. The rear-drive hybrid trim is ranked as the most prudent, with calculations of up to 43km per gallon in the city and 46.7km on the highway.
Incorporating AWD minimizes the hybrid’s rankings by 4.8km (city) and 6.4km (highway). We assessed one on our 120km highway routes, where it pulled off only 38km per gallon.
Comparably, the 400-hp Explorer ST garnered 40km per gallon in our evaluation, which trumps its EPA ranking by 1.6. Additionally, we also assessed the four-cylinder Explorer with AWD.
Interior, Cargo, and Comfort
The Explorer’s cabin is practical and snug. Jumping into the third row is quite easy due to an apparatus that adjusts the second-row seat; clearing it entirely with the simple press of a button. Additionally, we happened to place four carry-on suitcases in the back of the third row, and if that weren’t enough for a spacious ride – we also crammed in 31 bags while both of the rear rows were folded flat.
Infotainment and Connectedness
An 8.0-inch touch panel infotainment system comes standard and also includes a Wi-Fi hotspot in addition to Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capability. The system is alluring and reactive. Getting the discretionary 10.1-inch upright positioned screen will require you to upgrade to a more luxurious model.
Each trim comes with voice-activated navigation in addition to a rear-seat entertainment system. Aside from the base Explorer, a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo system comes as standard equipment.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Attributes
Ford arms each Explorer with a myriad of standard driver-assistance technology and additional upgrades and safety additions. Key safety attributes are as follows:
- Standard forward-collision alert and automated emergency braking
- Standard blind-spot monitoring and rear-cross-traffic warning
- Standard lane-departure alert and lane-keeping assist
Maintenance and Warranty Coverage
Ford offers adequate limited and powertrain warranties that align with most competitors’ packages.
- The limited warranty will cover up to 60,000km (3 years)
- Powertrain warranty will cover 100,000km (5 years)
