Brian H. 
The Ford Explorer claims the title of America’s best selling SUV of all-time, and to add to its success, there are quite a few updates in store for the 2022 model year. Expanding the lineup is the new 2022 Ford Explorer ST-Line, more horsepower for the Explorer Platinum and King Ranch trim levels, plus .
New 2022 Ford Explorer ST-Line And ST Updates
This decision for the extra packages was made to help give consumers the choice to still have the good looks and technology of the higher-end Explorers without paying for extras that they might not need. The ST-Line will still be offering Intelligent 4WD, but Ford will expand the consumer options here as well by offering a rear-wheel-drive only setup for a better on-the-road handling experience.
Jeff Marentic, Ford marketing manager states, “we’ve taken Explorer, already the all-time best-selling SUV*, and given our customers the chance to put the emphasis on the things they value most.” Marentic goes on to say, “For on-road performance and styling, our new rear-wheel-drive Explorer ST and new Explorer ST-Line are specifically designed to appeal to new customer groups with different adventure needs.”
The new 2022 Ford Explorer ST-Line sits comfortably in between the XLT and Limited trim levels, coming with the popular 300-horsepower 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine and 10-speed automatic transmission. Even with its popular engine and appearance package and technology package, the ST-Line still comes in with an MSRP of $7,575 USD lower than the more powerful Explorer ST.
In addition to the ST-Line, the base 2022 Ford Explorer ST now comes with standard rear-wheel-drive, with all-wheel drive as an option. The Explorer ST will continue to be powered by a 3.0L EcoBoost engine with 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque.
Ford Explorer Platinum And King Ranch Updates
Also powered by the 3.0L EcoBoost six, the 2022 Ford Explorer King Ranch and Platinum trim levels will now see the same 400 hp output as the Explorer ST, dropping the 365 hp tune from 2021. Customers can now also go with a bench-seat second row to add more passenger room, or a pair of captain’s chairs for no extra charge.
The 2022 Ford Explorer King Ranch and 2022 Ford Explorer Platinum also see improvements with a now-standard Technology Package. This includes a 10.1-inch touchscreen, multi-contour seats, and a 14-speaker B&O sound system which is optional on other trims. The new Ford Explorer also comes with two new exterior colors that include Stone Blue and Burgundy Velvet.
Lastly, there’s a new seat trim for the 2022 Explorer XLT Sport Appearance Package, featuring Ebony seat bolsters with Light Slate inserts.
The 2022 Ford Explorer should be coming to a showroom near you sometime later this year.
