2022 Ford Explorer Review
2022 Ford Explorer Review
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The Ford Explorer has uncommonly good balance and poise for a midsize three-row SUV. It's not the roomiest, but its standard infotainment and safety tech offerings are competitive. Two things hold it back: subpar materials quality and high pricing.
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- SUV
- Hybrid
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2022 Ford Explorer Review
byReese Counts
Vehicle Test Editor
Reese Counts has worked in the automotive industry since he started as an intern at Edmunds in 2015. He has written or edited thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Reese is a vehicle test editor at Edmunds and has also contributed to Autoblog. Reese has also been featured on Yahoo! Finance, Engadget and AOL reviewing cars and covering automotive technology, auto shows and more. Reese learned to drive in his father's C4 Chevrolet Corvette and now owns his grandfather's 1999 Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG. A love for cars runs deep in his family.
Pros
- Strong engines for quick acceleration
- Rear-wheel-drive platform improves handling and towing
- Roomy cargo area
Cons
- Too much wind noise at highway speeds
- The price can get frighteningly expensive in a hurry
- Lackluster interior material quality
What's new
- ST trim now available with rear-wheel drive
- New ST-Line trim with sporty styling
- Minor changes to standard and optional feature availability
- Part of the sixth Explorer generation introduced for 2020
Overview
While it may not be as revered as the Mustang or Bronco, the Ford Explorer earns plenty of credit for being one of Ford's most versatile vehicles. Slotting between the midsize five-passenger Ford Edge and full-size Expedition, the three-row Explorer is well suited for family hauling duty. It also boasts strong towing capabilities for its class and an engine lineup that should satisfy whether you're looking for high fuel efficiency or sporty performance.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2022 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 10A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$181/mo for Explorer Base
Explorer Base
vs
$254/mo
Avg. Large SUV
Since the Explorer debuted more than 30 years ago, SUVs are more popular than ever. With just about every automaker in America offering at least one SUV in its lineup, the Explorer has plenty of competition. Some of Edmunds' midsize three-row favorites include the Honda Pilot, Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride and Mazda CX-9. The Explorer isn't quite as polished as the class leaders, and prices can get into luxury-car territory on higher trim levels. Still, the Explorer's mix of talents make it worth a look. Check out our test team's Expert Rating to learn more.
Edmunds Expert Rating
Our VerdictThe Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.
Average
7.4
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
The Ford Explorer has uncommonly good balance and poise for a midsize three-row SUV. It's not the roomiest, but its standard infotainment and safety tech offerings are competitive. Two things hold it back: subpar materials quality and high pricing.
Rated for you by America's best test team.Performance
8.0/10
How does the Explorer drive? The Explorer is the three-row SUV to get if your priorities include balanced handling and strong acceleration. Unlike a lot of other SUVs in this class, it feels eager and light as you drive around turns. There's a lot of grip too.
The latest Explorer can handle lots of power, and Ford takes full advantage. The sturdy turbocharged four-cylinder base engine easily outpaces the competition. And there's a bonkers turbo V6 in the Explorer ST for those who believe too much is never enough. Both are helped along by a 10-speed transmission. It kicks down faithfully when you need it to, but in city traffic, when you're just lightly getting on and off the gas, its shifting is too indecisive.
The latest Explorer can handle lots of power, and Ford takes full advantage. The sturdy turbocharged four-cylinder base engine easily outpaces the competition. And there's a bonkers turbo V6 in the Explorer ST for those who believe too much is never enough. Both are helped along by a 10-speed transmission. It kicks down faithfully when you need it to, but in city traffic, when you're just lightly getting on and off the gas, its shifting is too indecisive.
Comfort
7.0/10
How comfortable is the Explorer? The Explorer's front seats are nicely shaped and comfortable. But we don't recommend the optional massaging ones — the mechanism behind the massaging can make the seats feel lumpy when it's off. Seat comfort gets progressively less cushiony as you move back to the second and third rows. Our Explorer Limited test vehicle rode smoothly most of the time, but smaller road imperfections were a little more noticeable than in some other SUVs.
Operating the automatic climate control system can require more manual adjustments than expected; the air vents won't pump out as much air as you want when you lower the temperature, for instance. Another drawback is that the Explorer isn't as quiet as it should be. The sound of the engine isn't well masked, and you can hear gusty wind noises at even moderate highway speeds.
Operating the automatic climate control system can require more manual adjustments than expected; the air vents won't pump out as much air as you want when you lower the temperature, for instance. Another drawback is that the Explorer isn't as quiet as it should be. The sound of the engine isn't well masked, and you can hear gusty wind noises at even moderate highway speeds.
Interior
7.5/10
How’s the interior? Things look decent from the driver's perspective. Front seat space is abundant, and the driving position is nicely adjustable. It's generally easy to see out thanks to adequate glass area and good-size mirrors.
But middle- and rear-seat passengers aren't as well taken care of. Middle-row knee room and legroom are not up to the standard set by others in the class, and the third row is unlikely to impress taller-than-average adults. Rear door access can be clumsy if the doors can't be opened past the first detent because space is tight between the large door map pockets and the prominent rear wheel arches. The third-row power-folding mechanism is nice, but raising the row for passengers must be done from the hatch area.
But middle- and rear-seat passengers aren't as well taken care of. Middle-row knee room and legroom are not up to the standard set by others in the class, and the third row is unlikely to impress taller-than-average adults. Rear door access can be clumsy if the doors can't be opened past the first detent because space is tight between the large door map pockets and the prominent rear wheel arches. The third-row power-folding mechanism is nice, but raising the row for passengers must be done from the hatch area.
Technology
7.5/10
How’s the tech? Every Explorer comes with an 8-inch touchscreen, the Sync 3 infotainment system, and support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone compatibility. The Limited comes with built-in navigation and a strong-sounding Bang & Olufsen premium audio system. Do not be tempted by the optional 10.1-inch vertical touchscreen. Its skinnier profile does not work well with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and the display of the rearview camera.
The Explorer is well equipped with driving safety aids. All Explorers come standard with automated emergency braking, lane keeping assistance, cross-traffic and blind-spot monitoring, and automatic high beams. The Limited also has adaptive cruise with lane centering. These systems work well. However, the alerts sound overly similar, and the lane centering system may falsely accuse you of taking your hands off the wheel.
The Explorer is well equipped with driving safety aids. All Explorers come standard with automated emergency braking, lane keeping assistance, cross-traffic and blind-spot monitoring, and automatic high beams. The Limited also has adaptive cruise with lane centering. These systems work well. However, the alerts sound overly similar, and the lane centering system may falsely accuse you of taking your hands off the wheel.
Storage
8.0/10
How’s the storage? The Explorer's cargo hold is generous. With the third-row seats up, it's a bit tighter than in some other SUVs, but you can still fit three or four rolling suitcases back there. There's a good amount of small-item storage up front for your odds and ends, and child seats are easy to install in the middle row.
The Explorer's rear-drive architecture makes it especially well suited to towing, even if the rating of 5,000 pounds isn't particularly distinctive. The trailer tow package comes with an easily accessed receiver hitch, four- and seven-pin wiring, full support for an add-on electric trailer brake controller, a tow-haul transmission mode, and an enhanced blind-spot monitoring system that covers the length of the trailer.
The Explorer's rear-drive architecture makes it especially well suited to towing, even if the rating of 5,000 pounds isn't particularly distinctive. The trailer tow package comes with an easily accessed receiver hitch, four- and seven-pin wiring, full support for an add-on electric trailer brake controller, a tow-haul transmission mode, and an enhanced blind-spot monitoring system that covers the length of the trailer.
Fuel Economy
7.0/10
How’s the fuel economy? On paper, the turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine has slightly better EPA fuel economy estimates than its closest competition. The rear-wheel-drive version gets 24 mpg combined, and the all-wheel-drive model gets 23 mpg combined. Depending on what you compare it to, that's generally 1 or 2 mpg better.
But we could not match these figures in practice, possibly because this turbocharged engine feels overeager. Our test average was 21.1 mpg, and our driving included a long freeway stretch. This number lined up more or less exactly with lower-rated competitors that we drove in the same way.
But we could not match these figures in practice, possibly because this turbocharged engine feels overeager. Our test average was 21.1 mpg, and our driving included a long freeway stretch. This number lined up more or less exactly with lower-rated competitors that we drove in the same way.
Value
6.0/10
Is the Explorer a good value? You don't have to look very far or very hard to see plasticky interior plastics, unsightly gaps and mediocre design details. These would be understandable if this vehicle was a bargain, but it's not. The competition's very well-equipped top-level models cost less than a lowly Explorer XLT with minimal options. What's more, the Explorer's stiffest competition offers stronger warranty coverage.
You'd have to be the sort who puts a high premium indeed on mountain road agility and powertrain performance to offset these drawbacks. On paper at least, the 2.3-liter EcoBoost will reward you with better fuel economy. But we found it hard to replicate the EPA ratings in the real world, and in our tests the Explorer came out no better than its rivals.
You'd have to be the sort who puts a high premium indeed on mountain road agility and powertrain performance to offset these drawbacks. On paper at least, the 2.3-liter EcoBoost will reward you with better fuel economy. But we found it hard to replicate the EPA ratings in the real world, and in our tests the Explorer came out no better than its rivals.
Wildcard
8.0/10
You'll still peg the latest model as an Explorer, but this new one has a strong stance and sleek proportions that suggest motion. And this is no hollow promise because it offers a much better driving experience than any previous Explorer — or the majority of its competition. It's fast, it has poise and balance, and it likes to be hustled through corners. This Ford is the one to get if your daily drive includes mountain roads or interesting corners.
Which Explorer does Edmunds recommend?
There's a lot on offer even on base Explorer models, but we suggest stepping up to the XLT trim. It adds a few more features, including heated seats and keyless entry, for not much more money.
2022 Ford Explorer models
The 2022 Ford Explorer SUV is a midsize SUV with three rows of seating. It comes in eight trim levels: base, XLT, Limited, ST-Line, Timberline, ST, King Ranch and Platinum. Most models come standard with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, though a hybrid V6 powertrain and a high-performance V6 are found on higher trims. Feature highlights include:
Base
Comes standard with:
- Turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine (300 horsepower, 310 lb-ft of torque)
- 10-speed automatic transmission
- Rear-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive
- LED headlights
- Power liftgate
- Tri-zone automatic climate control
- Power-adjustable driver's seat
- 35/30/35-split folding second-row bench seat
- 50/50-split folding third-row seats
- 8-inch touchscreen
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
- Six-speaker sound system
Every Explorer also comes with these advanced driver aids:
- Frontal collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
- Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing)
- Lane keeping assist (steers the vehicle back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)
- Trailer sway control (adjusts vehicle brakes to help control trailer movement if a trailer begins to sway)
XLT
Has a few extra enhancements, including:
- Roof rails
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Upgraded interior trim
- Heated front seats
- Power-adjustable driver's seat
- Second-row captain's chairs (reduces seating capacity from seven to six people)
- Second-row USB ports
ST-Line
The ST-Line is equipped similarly to the XLT but has a sportier appearance thanks to:
- 20-inch wheels
- Black grille and tinted headlights and taillights
- Black interior trim
- Simulated leather upholstery with microfiber inserts
- Navigation system with voice control
- Wireless smartphone charging pad
- 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system
The ST-Line also has extra driver assist features, including:
- Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
- Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the vehicle and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
- Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front)
- Evasive steering assist (enhances the forward collision mitigation system with steering-based collision avoidance)
Timberline
This is the off-road-oriented Explorer. It comes with the extra technology and driver assist features of the ST-Line plus:
- Standard all-wheel drive
- Specialized suspension with higher ride height
- All-terrain tires
- Limited-slip rear differential (helps maximize available traction)
- Underbody skid plates
- Front tow hooks
- Standard trailer tow package
- Revised grille and bumpers
- Simulated leather upholstery
Limited
Compared to the XLT, the midrange Limited is more luxurious thanks to:
- Interior ambient lighting
- Leather upholstery
- Heated steering wheel
- Ventilated front seats
- Power-folding and heated second-row seats
- Second-row sunshades
- Extra technology and driver assist features from the ST-Line/Timberline
The Limited is also available as the Limited Hybrid. It has a V6-based hybrid powertrain that produces a combined 318 hp. It also gets the best fuel economy of the Explorer lineup with up to an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in combined city/highway driving.
ST
The ST is the performance Explorer. It has the sporty styling elements of the ST-Line but further backs them up with:
- Turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine (400 hp, 415 lb-ft)
- Sport suspension
- Paddle shifters
- Digital instrument panel
- Sport front seats
King Ranch
Builds off the Limited with features such as:
- Turbocharged V6 engine
- Wood interior trim
- Digital gauge cluster display
- Unique leather upholstery
- Upgraded front seats with massage
- 10.1-inch touchscreen
- 14-speaker B&O sound system
- Rear automatic braking (brakes if sensors detect an imminent collision with an object behind the vehicle)
Platinum
Ups the luxury quotient over the King Ranch with:
- Adaptive headlights (swivel as you turn the steering wheel for better illumination in curves)
- 21-inch wheels
- Automated parking system
- Extended leather upholstery
You can also get the Platinum as the Platinum Hybrid that has the hybrid powertrain.
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
3.5 out of 5 stars3.5/5Above Average
#23 out of 32 among Midsize SUVs
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Ford Explorer from 2008-2022.$556/yr
vs. $485/yr
for Average Midsize SUV
for Average Midsize SUV
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).1.07x/yr
vs. 1.18x/yr
for Average Midsize SUV
for Average Midsize SUV
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).16.8%
vs. 13.5%
for Average Midsize SUV
for Average Midsize SUV
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2022 Ford Explorer.
5 star(51%)
4 star(17%)
3 star(3%)
2 star(10%)
1 star(19%)
39 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
2 out of 5 stars
Life Long Ford Owner
J Tolliver, 03/30/2022
2022 Ford Explorer Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 10A)
I purchased my 2022 Ford Explorer Limited at the last of the month in March of 2022. I had been looking for one for some time, but with supply limits it had been a struggle. I held out for the one I wanted - White, no sunroof without having to order it. I had driven a 2015 Ford Explorer XLT prior to buying this one. I'd say they do not have the quality that I would have expected in … the Limited as far as comfort. The 2015 was a better ride and had a more quality feel to it. I had driven the 2022 Explorer Limited for one week and the wrench light showed up, then immediately after that the service engine light lite up. I had no cruse control either. Luckily I was able to get it to the dealership with no problems. With less than 200 miles on the Explorer, I now have to wait (parts supply issues) for a part for Explorer. Who knows how long that will take. I am really disappointed. We also own a 2017 Ford F250 and have spent a ton of money on the "death wobble" issue. Not to mention the frozen door latch and lock issues and the fact that if we plug in to the USB port the truck is prone to not start. As the review title stated "Life Long Ford Owner" may be coming to a quick end if they don't step up their game. I am FRUSTRATED!!!
1 out of 5 stars
Plagued with issues
Michael , 11/25/2022
2022 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 10A)
Check engine lights, vibrations, noises, electrical issues. Everytime I take it to the dealer, it's there for weeks and they never know how to fix it quickly and have no interest in working on it. They state its overegineered and not easily serviceable. Huge mistake buying, going back to toyota
1 out of 5 stars
Can't keep it out of the shop
Buyer beware, 05/02/2023
2022 Ford Explorer XLT 4dr SUV AWD (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 10A)
Had it 6 months. Been in the shop 7 weeks. Network communication errors. Have had 30 check engine lights and 5 transmission faults. Shuts off going down the road. Worst vehicle I've owned by far. Haven't hit 10k miles yet.
4 out of 5 stars
First 1800 miles
Back to a Ford, 02/06/2022
2022 Ford Explorer XLT 4dr SUV AWD (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 10A)
2022 XLT with 202 pkg, All weather mats, Tow and bench seat. I had to order it. Arrived 13 weeks later. Paid MSRP plus tax only which I thought was fair considering the times and there really isn’t much markup in an Explorer anyway. I traded in a 2015 Toyota 4Runner Trail and got fair money for that. I’m very happy with my Explorer and like the handling with the bias towards the rear … drive. Kind of BMW ish for $25k less. Snow and ice are no sweat in Normal setting, even better with Slippery. Comfort is great in the plastic-covered seats and they look durable. I wish they were perforated. Here in CO I keep the seat and steering wheel heaters on most all the time in winters and both are great. Ride is OK, could be a little more Lexus. Quiet, same. Brakes are excellent with good traffic feel. Radio is good, maybe I won’t upgrade the speakers. The instrument panel screen has become intermittent, probably related to cold weather and a dealer service appointment is six weeks away. No screen is very annoying, particularly if you are using the adaptive cruise which is very good by the way. This is a bummer. I knew Ford uses sketchy parts from other purchases (2014 F150 4WD XL, 2006 Explorer XLT) so it was my gamble. Know that I owned the 4Runner for six years and 103,000 miles and it never, ever broke anything. Just routine maintenance. Same with my 2019 Tundra. The Ford had what I needed though. I do love the way this car looks and drives. Overall about 22 mpg so far. I think it runs better on premium but it’s hard to be sure. Power with the turbo 4 cyl is great, fastest car I’ve owned except the exhaust sound will remind you that it’s not a V8.
2022 Explorer Highlights
SUV
Base
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $35,510 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 24 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $181/month |
Seating | 7 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 18.2 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Our experts like the Explorer models:
- Lane Keeping System
- Alerts the driver as the Explorer starts to drift out of its lane. Also applies pressure to the wheel to guide the car back into the lane.
- Post-Collision Braking
- Applies the brakes after a collision to reduce the effects of a secondary collision.
- Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control
- Maintains the distance between the Explorer and the car in front. Also includes a system that keeps the Explorer centered in the lane.
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Side Crash RatingOverall5 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat5 / 5Back Seat5 / 5
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover14.7%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestGood
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedGood
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedGood
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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