2022 Ford Explorer Trims Comparison

2022 Explorer trim level differences

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.

Which 2022 Explorer trim 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.

Compare 2022 Explorer trims side-by-side

Comparing average pricing near
Oxnard, CA
Base
2.3L 4cyl Turbo 10A
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Editors' Pick
XLT
2.3L 4cyl Turbo 10A
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1 for sale near you
ST-Line
2.3L 4cyl Turbo 10A
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Limited
2.3L 4cyl Turbo 10A
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Timberline
2.3L 4cyl Turbo 10A
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ST
3.0L 6cyl Turbo 10A
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Limited Hybrid
3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid 10A
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1 for sale near you
Platinum Hybrid
3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid 10A
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King Ranch
3.0L 6cyl Turbo 10A
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Platinum
3.0L 6cyl Turbo 10A
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Features

Features

Features

Features

Features

Features

Features

Features

Features

Features

standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
Not Available
optional
standard
standard
standard
optional
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
Not Available
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
Not Available
optional
standard
standard
standard
optional
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
cloth
cloth
leatherette
leather
leatherette
leather
leather
leather
leather
leather
Not Available
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
standard
Not Available
optional
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
standard
Not Available
optional
optional
optional
optional
optional
optional
optional
optional
optional

Specifications

Specifications

Specifications

Specifications

Specifications

Specifications

Specifications

Specifications

Specifications

Specifications

United States
United States
United States
United States
United States
United States
United States
United States
United States
United States
rear wheel drive
rear wheel drive
rear wheel drive
rear wheel drive
all wheel drive
rear wheel drive
rear wheel drive
rear wheel drive
rear wheel drive
rear wheel drive
300 hp @ 5,500 rpm
300 hp @ 5,500 rpm
300 hp @ 5,500 rpm
300 hp @ 5,500 rpm
300 hp @ 5,500 rpm
400 hp @ 5,500 rpm
318 hp @ 6,500 rpm
318 hp @ 6,500 rpm
400 hp @ 5,500 rpm
400 hp @ 5,500 rpm
310 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm
310 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm
310 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm
310 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm
310 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm
415 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm
322 lb-ft @ 2,500 rpm
322 lb-ft @ 2,500 rpm
415 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm
415 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm
2.3 l
2.3 l
2.3 l
2.3 l
2.3 l
3.0 l
3.3 l
3.3 l
3.0 l
3.0 l
inline 4
inline 4
inline 4
inline 4
inline 4
v6
v6
v6
v6
v6
10-speed automatic
10-speed automatic
10-speed automatic
10-speed automatic
10-speed shiftable automatic
10-speed shiftable automatic
10-speed automatic
10-speed automatic
10-speed automatic
10-speed automatic
255/65R18
255/65R18
255/55R20
255/55R20
265/65R18
255/55R20
255/55R20
275/45R21
255/55R20
275/45R21
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
painted alloy wheels
painted alloy wheels
painted alloy wheels
painted alloy wheels
painted alloy wheels
painted alloy wheels
polished alloy wheels
painted alloy wheels
polished alloy wheels
painted alloy wheels
Not available
Not available
Not available
Not available
Not available
Not available
Not available
Not available
Not available
Not available

Fuel economy

Fuel economy

Fuel economy

Fuel economy

Fuel economy

Fuel economy

Fuel economy

Fuel economy

Fuel economy

Fuel economy

21 / 28 / 24 MPG
21 / 28 / 24 MPG
21 / 28 / 24 MPG
21 / 28 / 24 MPG
19 / 22 / 21 MPG
18 / 26 / 21 MPG
27 / 28 / 27 MPG
25 / 26 / 26 MPG
18 / 26 / 21 MPG
18 / 26 / 21 MPG
Not applicable
Not applicable
Not applicable
Not applicable
Not applicable
Not applicable
Not applicable
Not applicable
Not applicable
Not applicable
17.9 gal.
17.9 gal.
17.9 gal.
17.9 gal.
17.9 gal.
20.2 gal.
18.0 gal.
18.0 gal.
20.2 gal.
20.2 gal.
376 / 501 miles
376 / 501 miles
376 / 501 miles
376 / 501 miles
340 / 394 miles
364 / 525 miles
486 / 504 miles
450 / 468 miles
364 / 525 miles
364 / 525 miles
regular unleaded
regular unleaded
regular unleaded
regular unleaded
regular unleaded
regular unleaded
regular unleaded
regular unleaded
regular unleaded
regular unleaded

Dimensions

Dimensions

Dimensions

Dimensions

Dimensions

Dimensions

Dimensions

Dimensions

Dimensions

Dimensions

N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
4,345 lb.
4,345 lb.
- 
4,345 lb.
- 
4,701 lb.
4,969 lb.
- 
- 
4,727 lb.
7.9 in.
7.9 in.
7.9 in.
7.9 in.
8.7 in.
7.9 in.
7.9 in.
7.9 in.
7.9 in.
7.9 in.
89.3 in.
89.3 in.
89.3 in.
89.3 in.
89.3 in.
89.3 in.
89.3 in.
89.3 in.
89.3 in.
89.3 in.
78.9 in.
78.9 in.
78.9 in.
78.9 in.
78.9 in.
78.9 in.
78.9 in.
78.9 in.
78.9 in.
78.9 in.
69.9 in.
69.9 in.
69.9 in.
69.9 in.
69.9 in.
69.9 in.
69.9 in.
69.9 in.
69.9 in.
69.9 in.
198.8 in.
198.8 in.
198.8 in.
198.8 in.
198.8 in.
198.8 in.
198.8 in.
198.8 in.
198.8 in.
198.8 in.
119.1 in.
119.1 in.
119.1 in.
119.1 in.
119.1 in.
119.1 in.
119.1 in.
119.1 in.
119.1 in.
119.1 in.
7 
6 
6 
6 
6 
6 
6 
6 
6 
6 
18.2 cu. ft.
18.2 cu. ft.
18.2 cu. ft.
18.2 cu. ft.
18.2 cu. ft.
18.2 cu. ft.
18.2 cu. ft.
18.2 cu. ft.
18.2 cu. ft.
18.2 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.
87.8 cu. ft.
40.7 in.
40.7 in.
40.7 in.
40.7 in.
40.7 in.
40.7 in.
40.7 in.
40.7 in.
40.7 in.
40.7 in.
43.0 in.
43.0 in.
43.0 in.
43.0 in.
43.0 in.
43.0 in.
43.0 in.
43.0 in.
43.0 in.
43.0 in.
61.8 in.
61.8 in.
61.8 in.
61.8 in.
61.8 in.
61.8 in.
61.8 in.
61.8 in.
61.8 in.
61.8 in.
40.5 in.
40.5 in.
40.5 in.
40.5 in.
40.5 in.
40.5 in.
40.5 in.
40.5 in.
40.5 in.
40.5 in.
39.0 in.
39.0 in.
39.0 in.
39.0 in.
39.0 in.
39.0 in.
39.0 in.
39.0 in.
39.0 in.
39.0 in.
61.9 in.
61.9 in.
61.9 in.
61.9 in.
61.9 in.
61.9 in.
61.9 in.
61.9 in.
61.9 in.
61.9 in.

5-Year Ownership Costs

5-Year Ownership Costs

5-Year Ownership Costs

5-Year Ownership Costs

5-Year Ownership Costs

5-Year Ownership Costs

5-Year Ownership Costs

5-Year Ownership Costs

5-Year Ownership Costs

5-Year Ownership Costs

$58,109
$58,912
$63,728
$62,785
$69,854
$69,888
$63,775
$67,206
$72,835
$71,147
$0.77
$0.79
$0.85
$0.84
$0.93
$0.93
$0.85
$0.9
$0.97
$0.95
$14,152
$14,154
$17,240
$16,480
$18,958
$17,652
$17,884
$19,398
$21,437
$19,491
$4,997
$5,033
$5,838
$5,714
$6,614
$6,656
$6,344
$7,233
$7,121
$6,839
$2,840
$2,876
$3,257
$3,198
$3,652
$3,712
$3,530
$3,996
$3,885
$3,772
$17,952
$17,952
$17,952
$17,952
$20,509
$20,509
$15,969
$16,573
$20,509
$20,509
$6,827
$7,046
$7,342
$7,342
$7,300
$7,342
$7,342
$7,300
$7,342
$7,342
$7,885
$8,395
$8,643
$8,643
$9,109
$10,561
$9,595
$9,595
$9,085
$9,738
$3,456
$3,456
$3,456
$3,456
$3,712
$3,456
$3,111
$3,111
$3,456
$3,456

Colors

Colors

Colors

Colors

Colors

Colors

Colors

Colors

Colors

Colors

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