Monday, 16 December 2019 00:22

2022 Ford Explorer

2022 Ford Explorer 2022 Ford Explorer

The best selling SUV of the all time is Ford Explorer. To confirm that fact is date that since launching in 1991, nearly 8 million of the Ford Explorers have been sold.

Today, the current model sitting in showrooms remains the top selling three-row SUV on the market -- even though it debuted way back in 2011 and contends with a number of fresher entries.

2022 Ford Explorer exterior and interior

From the exterior point of view, the next-generation Explorer's appearance is best described as an evolution of current model. Up front, there's a new grille shape, light housings and shorter front overhangs for a bit more ground clearance and better approach angle for off-road excursions. From the side, the subtle changes are more noticeable, with a tapering roof-line and more sculpted profile surfaces, but overall the exterior redo is underwhelming and looks like it could've been seen on the road for a couple of years already.

Alterations inside are more apparent with new multi-contour seats, tiered dash design and more spacious accommodations. That's thanks in large part to a 6.3-inch longer wheelbase that Ford says gives the new Explorer best-in-class first- and second-row hip room.

The conclusion is that the exterior of the new Ford Explorer doesn't fall far from the outgoing model.

Cargo capacity is also at the top of the class with 87.8 cubic feet of space available behind the first row seats and offering the ability to carry 4x8 sheets of plywood for the first time. Other available interior niceties include heated and cooled massaging seats up front, individual climate controls in all three rows and a bigger panoramic roof.  

On the tech front, an updated Sync3 system with an 8-inch touchscreen, Wi-Fi hotspot for up to 10 devices. A 10.1-inch portrait touchscreen interface is optional, along with a 14-speaker B&O audio setup. Top Platinum models also benefit from a standard 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, with varying 3D animated graphics depending on which drive mode is selected in Explorers equipped with the Terrain Management System.

To juice up smart devices, the Explorer offers a wireless charge pad up front, up to three 12-volt outlets, two USB-A and two USB-C ports and a 110-volt three-prong outlet.

For safety, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist and rear cross-traffic alert come on all Explorers, while intelligent adaptive cruise control with traffic sign recognition, reverse brake assist and a 360-degree camera are offered on midlevel trims on up.

Engine options of 2022 Ford Explorer

Base models tip the scale at 4,345 pounds. Standard power now comes from a 2.3-liter turbocharged four with 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, meaning the old 3.5-liter V6 is no more.

The engine gets mated with a 10-speed automatic transmission routing power to rear wheels or to all corners through a rear-biased all-wheel drive system with axle disconnect that's available with a seven-mode Terrain Management System. 

Towing capacity for the four punches in at 5,300 pounds, but fuel economy figures aren't available yet. Ford is simply promising better efficiency and driving range than before.

Those looking for more oomph will want to look at the Platinum model, which packs a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 with 365 horses, a stout 380 pound-feet of torque, all-wheel drive and 5,600-pound tow capacity. As for other drivetrain offerings, a hybrid and performace for ST model are confirmed to be on the way.

2022 Ford Explorer price and release date

Sales of the 2022 Ford Explorer will begin in summer 2021 with a $33,860 base price representing a $400 increase over the previous model. The lineup will include the base Explorer, XLT, Limited, Limited Hybrid, ST and Platinum trims.

 

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