Hey guys, let's dive into the 2022 Ford Explorer and see if this family hauler is really worth your hard-earned cash. When you're looking for a new SUV, especially one that needs to handle everything from daily commutes to road trips and maybe even some light off-roading, the Explorer has always been a major player. For 2022, Ford really tried to refine an already popular model, bringing in some updates and tweaks to keep it competitive in a super crowded segment. We're talking about a vehicle that's been around for ages, evolving with the times, and this latest iteration aims to tick all the boxes for a modern SUV buyer. So, is the 2022 Ford Explorer a good car? We're going to break down everything you need to know, from its performance and interior comfort to its safety features and overall value. Think of this as your no-nonsense guide to help you decide if the Explorer deserves a spot in your driveway. We'll be looking at what makes it stand out, where it might fall a little short, and who this SUV is actually best suited for. Keep reading, because by the end, you'll have a much clearer picture of what the 2022 Explorer brings to the table.

Performance and Powertrain Options: What's Under the Hood?

Let's talk power, because when you're considering the 2022 Ford Explorer a good car, you definitely want to know what's going on under the hood. Ford offers a pretty diverse range of powertrains for the 2022 Explorer, giving you the flexibility to choose based on your priorities, whether that's fuel efficiency, raw power, or a blend of both. The standard engine is a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder, and let me tell you, this thing is surprisingly capable. It puts out a solid 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, which is more than enough grunt for most daily driving situations and even for towing. It’s paired with a smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission that does a great job of keeping the engine in its sweet spot. Rear-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive is available, which is a nice option for those of you living in areas with challenging weather or if you just want that extra bit of confidence on the road. Now, if you're looking for more muscle, Ford has you covered with the potent 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6. This engine is available in the ST and Platinum trims, and it really ups the ante. We're talking about a whopping 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. This V6 is a beast, offering thrilling acceleration and making the Explorer feel much sportier, especially in the ST trim. It also comes with the 10-speed automatic and standard AWD. For the eco-conscious folks or those who want to save a bit at the pump, there's also a hybrid option. The 3.3-liter V6 hybrid powertrain offers a good balance of power and efficiency, delivering 318 combined horsepower. While it doesn't quite match the V6 gas engine in terms of sheer power, it’s a very competent option for those who want to reduce their carbon footprint and still have decent performance. The ride quality in the 2022 Explorer is generally comfortable, absorbing bumps well, though some reviewers have noted that it can feel a bit firm, especially on the larger wheel options. Handling is also a strong point, with responsive steering and a composed feel, even when taking corners. It doesn't feel like a lumbering SUV; it's actually quite agile for its size. So, when asking if the 2022 Ford Explorer is a good car from a performance standpoint, the answer is a resounding yes, with options to suit a variety of driving needs and preferences.

Interior Comfort and Technology: A Family-Friendly Cabin?

Moving inside, let's see if the 2022 Ford Explorer a good car for passengers and tech enthusiasts. Ford has put a lot of effort into making the Explorer's cabin a comfortable and functional space for families, and for the most part, they've succeeded. The materials used throughout the cabin are a step up from previous generations, with soft-touch surfaces in key areas and a generally upscale feel, especially in the higher trim levels like the Platinum. The layout is intuitive, with physical buttons for most climate and audio controls, which many drivers still prefer over constantly digging through touchscreen menus. Up front, the seats are supportive and comfortable, making long journeys a breeze. The second row offers a good amount of legroom and headroom, and it's available with either a bench seat or captain's chairs, which can make access to the third row a bit easier. Speaking of the third row, it's typical for this class – best suited for children or shorter adults on shorter trips. Don't expect to ferry full-grown adults back there for hours on end, but it's definitely usable when you need that extra seating capacity. Cargo space is also quite generous. With all the seats folded down, you get a substantial amount of room for hauling gear, groceries, or whatever else life throws at you. Even with the third row in use, there's still a decent amount of space behind it for essentials. Now, let's talk tech. The 2022 Explorer comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which are essential these days for seamless smartphone integration. Higher trims get a larger, more impressive 10.1-inch vertical touchscreen, which looks quite striking and offers even more features. Ford's SYNC 3 system is generally user-friendly and responsive, though some find it a little less intuitive than competitors' systems. Available tech features include a premium Bang & Olufsen sound system, a wireless charging pad, multiple USB ports throughout the cabin, and a rear-seat entertainment system, making it a great choice for keeping everyone happy on long trips. Overall, the 2022 Ford Explorer is a good car for those who prioritize a comfortable, well-equipped, and versatile interior. It offers enough space for a growing family and the technology to keep everyone connected and entertained.

Safety Features: Peace of Mind on the Road

When you're considering whether the 2022 Ford Explorer a good car, safety is undoubtedly a huge factor, and Ford has equipped this SUV with a comprehensive suite of standard and available safety features to give you peace of mind. The Explorer comes standard with Ford Co-Pilot360, which is a suite of driver-assist technologies designed to help you navigate the road more safely. This includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, which can automatically apply the brakes if it detects a potential collision with a pedestrian or another vehicle. You also get blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert, a lifesaver for changing lanes and backing out of parking spots. Lane-keeping assist is another standard feature, helping to keep the vehicle centered in its lane, which can be particularly useful on long highway drives. Automatic high beams are also included, automatically dimming when they detect oncoming traffic and switching back on when it's clear. Moving up the trim levels or opting for specific packages can unlock even more advanced safety features. Things like adaptive cruise control, which can maintain a set distance from the vehicle ahead and even bring the Explorer to a complete stop, are available. Evasive steering assist is another advanced feature that can help drivers steer around stationary objects when an accident is unavoidable. Parking is also made easier with available front and rear parking sensors and a 360-degree camera system, giving you a bird's-eye view of your surroundings. The 2022 Ford Explorer also performed well in crash tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), earning good ratings, which is crucial for any family vehicle. For instance, it typically receives a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, the highest possible. This strong safety performance, combined with the extensive list of standard and available driver aids, reinforces the idea that the 2022 Ford Explorer is a good car from a safety perspective. It's built with families in mind, and that's reflected in the robust safety technology and crash-test performance.

Fuel Economy: Balancing Power and Efficiency

Let's get down to brass tacks, guys: fuel economy. When you're thinking about whether the 2022 Ford Explorer a good car for your wallet, the miles per gallon (MPG) figures are definitely important. Ford has offered a range of powertrains in the 2022 Explorer, and naturally, these different engines have varying impacts on fuel efficiency. The most fuel-efficient option is the hybrid powertrain. The 2022 Ford Explorer Hybrid, typically with rear-wheel drive, can achieve an EPA-estimated 27 MPG city and 28 MPG highway, for a combined rating of around 27 MPG. That's pretty impressive for a three-row SUV of this size, offering a significant advantage if you're looking to minimize your fuel costs, especially with today's gas prices. The standard 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine offers a respectable balance. With rear-wheel drive, it's EPA-rated at around 21 MPG city and 28 MPG highway, for a combined 24 MPG. Opting for all-wheel drive will slightly reduce these numbers, bringing them down to about 20 MPG city and 26 MPG highway, combined 22 MPG. These figures are competitive within the mid-size SUV segment, making the base engine a solid choice for everyday driving without breaking the bank. Now, if you opt for the more powerful 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6, especially in the ST or Platinum trims, you'll be sacrificing some fuel economy for that extra performance. This engine, typically paired with AWD, is rated around 18 MPG city and 26 MPG highway, for a combined 21 MPG. While this is lower than the other options, it's not entirely out of line for a vehicle offering 400 horsepower. It's a trade-off: more power usually means consuming more fuel. It’s important to remember that these are EPA estimates, and your real-world mileage may vary depending on driving habits, road conditions, and how you load up the vehicle. For instance, frequent towing or aggressive acceleration will likely decrease your MPG. However, considering the size and capability of the 2022 Ford Explorer, the fuel economy figures are generally considered acceptable, particularly with the hybrid and the standard four-cylinder engines. If fuel efficiency is a top priority, the hybrid is the clear winner, making the 2022 Ford Explorer a good car for those seeking to balance utility with economy.

Trim Levels and Pricing: What Are Your Options?

When you're trying to figure out if the 2022 Ford Explorer a good car for your budget, understanding the different trim levels and their associated pricing is key. Ford offers the 2022 Explorer in a variety of trims, each building upon the last with more features and different styling cues, catering to a wide range of customer needs and price points. Let's break them down: The lineup typically starts with the Explorer (or Base) trim. This is your entry-level model, but don't mistake it for being bare-bones. It still comes equipped with a decent set of standard features, including the 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Ford Co-Pilot360 safety suite, and the 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine. Next up is the XLT trim. This is often the most popular choice for many buyers, offering a better balance of features and value. The XLT adds things like upgraded cloth seats, a power-adjustable driver's seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and often some exterior styling enhancements. It's a great sweet spot for those who want more comfort and convenience without reaching the higher price brackets. Then you have the ST-Line. This trim is designed to give you the sporty look of the performance-oriented ST model but with the more fuel-efficient 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine. It includes unique exterior accents, interior trim, and sport seats, appealing to those who want the aggressive styling without the V6 powerplant. For the performance enthusiasts, the Explorer ST is the one to get. This trim ditches the 2.3-liter for the powerful 400-horsepower 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 engine and comes standard with performance-enhancing features like sport-tuned suspension and upgraded brakes. It also gets unique ST badging and interior accents. The Timberline trim is geared towards those who want a bit more off-road capability. It typically comes with all-wheel drive, higher ground clearance, skid plates, all-terrain tires, and unique interior and exterior styling touches, making it a more rugged option. Finally, at the top of the heap, you have the Explorer Platinum. This is the luxury-oriented trim, featuring the 3.0-liter V6 engine, premium interior materials like quilted leather, a panoramic sunroof, a larger 10.1-inch touchscreen, and all the bells and whistles. Pricing for the 2022 Ford Explorer can vary significantly depending on the trim level and any optional packages or features you add. Generally, the base models start in the high $30,000s to low $40,000s, while the higher trims like the ST and Platinum can easily climb into the $50,000s and even $60,000s when fully loaded. When considering if the 2022 Ford Explorer is a good car value-wise, it's crucial to compare the features offered at each trim level against your budget and needs. The XLT often represents a strong value proposition, while the ST and Platinum offer premium experiences at a higher cost.

The Verdict: So, Is the 2022 Ford Explorer a Good Car?

Alright, guys, let's wrap this up. After digging deep into the 2022 Ford Explorer a good car, the answer is a pretty solid yes, with a few caveats. Ford has delivered a well-rounded and capable three-row SUV that appeals to a broad audience. Performance is a definite strong suit, with a range of engines to choose from, including a robust standard four-cylinder, a powerful V6, and an efficient hybrid option. The driving dynamics are also commendable; it handles better than many of its rivals and offers a comfortable ride for most conditions. Inside, the cabin is spacious, versatile, and packed with modern technology. While the third row isn't the most spacious in the class, it's functional for occasional use, and cargo capacity is generous. Safety is another area where the Explorer shines, thanks to the standard Ford Co-Pilot360 suite and strong crash-test ratings, making it a reassuring choice for families. However, it's not without its minor drawbacks. Some critics point to the interior materials in lower trims as being less premium than some competitors, and the infotainment system, while functional, might not be as slick or intuitive as the systems found in some rivals. The fuel economy, while decent for the class, isn't class-leading, especially if you opt for the more powerful V6 engines. Despite these points, the overall package is very compelling. The 2022 Ford Explorer is a good car if you're looking for an SUV that offers a blend of performance, comfort, technology, and safety. It's particularly well-suited for families who need the flexibility of three rows and ample cargo space, but also appreciate a vehicle that's enjoyable to drive. If you prioritize a luxurious interior above all else or need the absolute most spacious third row, you might want to consider other options. But for a vast majority of buyers, the 2022 Ford Explorer strikes a fantastic balance and is a worthy contender in the competitive mid-size SUV market. Definitely take one for a test drive to see if it fits your lifestyle!