“Great option, good sight lines, good mileage per gallon and comfortable to ride in.”
2022 Ford Explorer: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 13, 2026
The biggest change for 2022 is the new ST-Line trim, which gives the four-cylinder Explorer the ST’s sporty look without its V6. This is otherwise a light update, not a redesign.
About the 2022 Ford Explorer
6th generation (2020-2024), third model year, pre-refresh
Ford positions the Explorer as a three-row family SUV that covers a wide range of needs without leaving the core formula of space, towing ability, and everyday usability. Compared with many rivals, the Explorer leans harder into variety: there is a basic family version, a more upscale comfort trim, a hybrid, a real performance model, and a rugged off-road-oriented version. Its rear-drive-based layout, broad trim spread, and strong towing capability are key parts of its identity.
The 2022 lineup covers several distinct roles: XLT is the practical family trim, while Timberline adds standard 4WD, a raised suspension, skid plates, and other trail-focused hardware. ST is the performance model with a 400-horsepower turbo V6, while King Ranch and Platinum emphasize upscale cabins with features such as a portrait touchscreen and massaging front seats. The new ST-Line sits between those themes by pairing ST-inspired styling with the regular 2.3-liter turbo four-cylinder.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
Rear-wheel drive became standard on the ST. Four-wheel drive shifted to an extra-cost configuration for that trim.
Styling
The new ST-Line brought ST-inspired body details, 20-inch wheels, and quad exhaust outlets to the four-cylinder Explorer. Ford also revised the tailgate appliqué across the lineup.
Tech
Equipment packaging changed on several upper trims. Premium audio moved from standard to optional on King Ranch, Platinum, and Platinum Hybrid, while automated parking did the same on both Platinum models. On ST, adaptive cruise control, navigation, and the surround-view camera moved from standard to optional, while ventilated front seats became standard.
2022 Ford Explorer specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, EcoBoost, Twin Turbo, 3.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, EcoBoost, Turbo, 2.3 Liter | 4-Cyl, EcoBoost, Turbo, 2.3 Liter / V6, Flex Fuel, 3.3 Liter | 4-Cyl, EcoBoost, Turbo, 2.3 Liter | 4-Cyl, EcoBoost, Turbo, 2.3 Liter | V6, EcoBoost, Twin Turbo, 3.0 Liter | V6, EcoBoost, Twin Turbo, 3.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, EcoBoost, Turbo, 2.3 Liter | V6, Hybrid, 3.3 Liter | V6, Hybrid, 3.3 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 10-Spd w/SelectShift | Automatic, 10-Spd | Automatic, 10-Spd | Automatic, 10-Spd | Automatic, 10-Spd | Automatic, 10-Spd | Automatic, 10-Spd | Automatic, 10-Spd w/SelectShift | Automatic, 10-Spd Hybrid Modular | Automatic, 10-Spd Hybrid Modular |
| Drivetrain | 4WD | 4WD | RWD / 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas / Flexible Fuel | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| MPG City | 18 mpg | 21 mpg | 16–21 mpg | 21 mpg | 21 mpg | 18 mpg | 18 mpg | 19 mpg | 27 mpg | 25 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 25 mpg | 28 mpg | 24–28 mpg | 28 mpg | 28 mpg | 26 mpg | 26 mpg | 22 mpg | 28 mpg | 26 mpg |
| Horsepower | 400 hp | 300 hp | 285–300 hp | 300 hp | 300 hp | 400 hp | 400 hp | 300 hp | 318 hp | 318 hp |
| Torque | 415 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft | 260–310 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft | 415 lb-ft | 415 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft | 322 lb-ft | 322 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 5600 lb | 5300 lb | 5300 lb | 5300 lb | 5300 lb | 5600 lb | 5600 lb | 5300 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 87.8 cu-ft | 87.8 cu-ft | 87.8 cu-ft | 87.8 cu-ft | 87.8 cu-ft | 87.8 cu-ft | 87.8 cu-ft | 87.8 cu-ft | 87.8 cu-ft | 87.8 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 32.2 in | 32.2 in | 32.2 in | 32.2 in | 32.2 in | 32.2 in | 32.2 in | 32.2 in | 32.2 in | 32.2 in |
| Seats | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||||||||
| Adaptive Headlights | ||||||||||
| Alarm System | ||||||||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||||||
| Cruise Control | ||||||||||
| Front & Rear Parking Sensors | ||||||||||
| Hill Descent Control | ||||||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||||||||
| Park Assist | ||||||||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||||||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||||||
| 360 Camera | ||||||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | ||||||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||||||||
| LED Headlights | ||||||||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||||||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||||||||
| Power Close Liftgate/Trunk | ||||||||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||||||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||||||
| Roof Rails | ||||||||||
| Tow Hooks | ||||||||||
| Trailer Hitch Receiver | ||||||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||||||
| Rear DVD Entertainment System | ||||||||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||||||
| Subwoofer | ||||||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||||||||
| Folding Rear Seat | ||||||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||||||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | ||||||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||||||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||||||||
| Power Folding Rear Seat | ||||||||||
| Power Folding Third Row Seat | ||||||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||||||||
| Remote Start | ||||||||||
| Third Row Seat | ||||||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2022 Ford Explorer?
The biggest change is the addition of the ST-Line trim. It combines ST-inspired exterior styling and added technology with the regular 2.3-liter turbo four-cylinder engine.
Was the 2022 Ford Explorer redesigned?
No, the 2022 Explorer was not redesigned. It remained part of the sixth generation introduced for 2020 and received a light set of trim, styling, drivetrain, and equipment changes.
How is the 2022 Explorer ST-Line different from the ST?
The ST-Line has the ST’s sporty appearance but uses the 2.3-liter turbo four-cylinder engine. The ST is the performance model, with a 400-horsepower twin-turbo V6 and sport suspension.
Is every 2022 Ford Explorer ST four-wheel drive?
No, rear-wheel drive became standard on the 2022 Explorer ST, while four-wheel drive shifted to an extra-cost configuration. A used ST may have either drivetrain, so its equipment should be checked individually.
Did the 2022 Ford Explorer get major new safety or infotainment systems?
No, the 2022 Explorer did not receive a lineup-wide safety-suite or infotainment overhaul. The technology changes mainly involved how existing features were packaged on ST and the upper luxury trims.
2022 Ford Explorer Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2022 Ford Explorer.
4.2
2022 Ford Explorer
(333 reviews)
“Good visibility from inside the vehicle. Lots of great safety features which is why we chose this particular vehicle. Good power in spite of the smaller engine. Good gas mileage. Smooth ride that handles very well.”
“Overall its a great vehicle, not too into the amount of money Ford dumped into the latest presedential campaign. Check the tires before you leave. My Explorers tires were BEAT, like needed to replace them immedatley.”
Sources
- media.ford.com — Product / 2022 / Ford 2022MY Whats New Product Guide
- media.ford.com — 2021 / Explorer / 2021 Explorer Whats New
- media.ford.com — 2021 / Explorer / 2021 Explorer Order Guide
- media.ford.com — 05 / 05 / New Ford Explorer Timberline
- ford.com — Cpo / Pdf / 2022 Ford Explorer Towing Info r2 Aug8.pdf?srsltid=AfmBOopuF axsbq s4ZUkscwcHPrgiXFUyoLB69JdZKuk33QBTonUJ4i