The Ford Explorer has many loyal fans, and even though the Explorer has undergone several transformations since its introduction in 1990, it remains a comfortable, spacious vehicle, perfect for a small family. During the week, it can handle school, errands, and work, and on the weekend, it is ideal for camping, day trips, and other excursions. The newest iteration, the 2022 Ford Explorer, has been upgraded with plenty of features. With all the new information regarding its updates being discussed among fans online and in person, it’s no wonder it has caused quite a stir.
Have you heard about the additional horsepower for two of the upper trim levels? What about the new sporty ST-Line trim level that promises to be an exciting addition to the family? Or the Wilderness trim level that serves as an option for more rough and tumble adventures? There’s plenty to learn about the 2022 model, its trim levels, and what each has to offer. What are all the changes made to the 2022 Ford Explorer? What sort of things can we look forward to? Read on to learn about what the latest Explorer has to offer.
More Horsepower for the King Ranch and Platinum
The Ford Explorer now has a total of eight trim levels, from the Base trim to the Platinum. There are two trim levels that offer hybrid engine options: the Limited and the Platinum. But one of the changes made for the 2022 model is a boost in horsepower for the regular Platinum and the King Ranch. These two trims now have the 3.0L EcoBoost from the ST trim. They went from 365 hp to 400 hp, which is definitely enough to feel and see the difference.
The reasoning behind this is simple: with more horsepower, vehicles can not only tow more, but they also have a little more speed, which is helpful for those who need their vehicles to carry heavy loads while still maintaining a reasonable pace on the highway. With an extra 35 hp, these SUVs are a bit beefier than before, which will no doubt excite drivers who have been looking forward to bigger, better numbers when it comes to raw power. I know plenty of drivers who wish they had just a bit more horsepower so they could rest assured their vehicles can handle just about anything they throw at them.
If you’re in the market for a Ford SUV, it’s worth considering moving up the trim levels to the Platinum or King Ranch, especially if you’re going to be towing things like a camper, a boat, or a trailer full of horses. You’ll need that extra horsepower boost to ensure that your SUV is capable of doing the job you need it to do. However, some changes have been made to other trim levels as well, so if you’re curious about what updates have been implemented for this model year on specific trim levels, then you’re in the right place. Let’s see what else Ford has decided to offer in some of the Explorer’s other trim levels.
Second Row Captain’s Chairs Standard on Most Trim Levels
If you’re debating between getting a second-row bench seat or a pair of captain’s chairs, you’ll usually have to figure out which trim levels allow you to do so, and not every vehicle offers the choice. Luckily, all but the Base trim of the 2022 Ford Explorer will enable you to choose between the two seating options at no additional cost. You can have a bench seat in the second row, or you can choose a pair of captain’s chairs, both of which have pros and cons depending on what you’re looking for. The only exception is the Base trim, which comes standard with a bench seat and does not have the option for captain’s chairs.
Whether you’re eyeing the XLT, Timberline, ST, or Platinum trim level, you’ll be able to customize the seating arrangements so that you get exactly what you need. If you’ve got a smaller family or work crew, you might want to opt for the captain’s chairs, which allow for more room to maneuver around. However, if you have an additional passenger, you’ll want to go for the bench seat, which provides more seating at the expense of some wiggle room. You may also want to consider which option is more flexible, allowing you to go from work to play quickly without having to adjust too much.
The New ST-Line Trim Level
If you’re looking for a sportier Explorer, I’ve got some good news for you. Along with all the other changes for the 2022 model year, the Explorer now has an additional trim level, the ST-Line, which promises to be a sportier version of the Explorer for drivers who don’t need the full 400 hp of the ST trim. The ST-Line is sportier inside and out, with the exterior boasting black accents and badges, as well as 20-inch or 21-inch wheels.
The interior includes ActiveX upholstery with red stitching, door jamb protector plates, and a flat-bottom sport steering wheel. There is also a high-quality 12-speaker sound system by Bose, which means you’ll be able to blast your tunes as you hit the road. If you’ve never experienced a Bose sound system, you’re in for a treat. Do yourself a favor and put on your favorite soundtrack when you take the Explorer out for the first time.
The ST-Line trim was built for fun, sporty types, but don’t let its looks fool you––it’s just as tough as the other trim levels, and even has a few things the rest of the trim levels don’t have, as we’ve seen with the steering wheel and upholstery. There’s also the decision of whether to get the vehicle with rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. Having the power sent to the rear wheels alone means an even more fun driving experience, with a bit more speed and sophistication, as the front wheels take care of steering, and the back wheels are used to accelerate. Just be sure that when you’re having fun driving, you’re also being safe, as rear-wheel drive is best used in dry conditions. You’ll never regret being as safe as you can.
The 2022 Ford Explorer Wants You to Have More Fun
No matter where you take the Ford Explorer, you’re going to have fun. There are plenty of features for everyone to enjoy, lots of space to relax in, and you can be with your family and friends, creating memories that you’ll share for years to come. You’ll be able to enjoy the excellent stereo system as you explore new places with your nearest and dearest, whether the beach, the mountains, or the wide open plains. The 2022 Ford Explorer is built to last, built to keep you safe, and built to encourage family and friend outings of all types.
You can host a tailgate party one weekend and then attend a family sporting event the next. If you’re looking for an extra bit of horsepower, more room, or a sportier version of the family car, you’ll want to run, not walk, to check out the latest iteration of one of America’s favorite midsize SUVs. Whether you are looking at the Wilderness, ST-Line, or King Ranch trim level, the 2022 Ford Explorer is worth taking for a test drive.
