2022 Ford Explorer
2022 Ford Explorer in Huntington Beach, CA
- 3.89 (45 Reviews) - Edmunds.com
MSRP
$35,510
MPG
25 City
28 Highway
0 Vehicles Available
The 2022 Ford Explorer – Comparing Your SUV Options
There are few vehicles on the market today that have been around as long as the Ford Explorer. The SUV has changed and evolved over the years, but it has never lost the core of what it has always been – a powerful sport utility vehicle just as capable of getting you off the beaten path as to the office. Spacious yet sporty, capable but stylish, the 2022 Ford Explorer combines a range of features and capabilities that make it unique in its segment. Not convinced that the Explorer should be your SUV of choice? Let’s see how it stacks up to some of its key competitors.
Ford Explorer Overview
The Explorer arrives for 2022 completely redesigned, featuring a fully refreshed exterior and interior. The new model features a slimmer profile than its predecessor, with more defined curves and a trimmer silhouette. Despite that, the Explorer hasn’t lost any interior space, nor has it sacrificed comfort or capabilities. In fact, it has gained some – the new model offers increased passenger space and cargo capacity compared to the 2021 model. The new Explorer has a couple of engine options across its various trim levels, including a more powerful 4-cylinder engine and an upgraded 3.0-liter V6. There is also a new trim available – the choices are now XLT, Limited, ST, and Platinum. Ford has also rolled out some new safety features across the board. For instance, the Co-Pilot360™ system is now standard on all models. All Explorers are rear-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available as an option. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, as are LED headlights and three-row seating. With higher trim levels, you gain access to even more features, such as a sport-tuned suspension, reverse brake assist, intelligent 4-wheel drive, a twin-panel moonroof parking assist, and a 12.3-inch digital cluster (on the Platinum trim).
Ford Explorer vs. Honda Pilot
The Honda Pilot is a capable SUV, we’ll give it that much. However, it is showing its age, as the 2019 model is technically part of the same generation that debuted back in 2016. With that said, Honda did introduce a few new features for the new model year, including a slight exterior update, a new nine-speed transmission, a new infotainment system, and the Honda Sensing suite of safety features has been made standard equipment for all trim levels. The Pilot is also powered by Honda’s 3.5-liter V6 engine (no options). Unfortunately, many drivers find that the Pilot’s adaptive cruise control and collision warning system are too sensitive, and the transmission, while new, is not as smooth as some of the company’s older options.
Stick with the Ford Explorer for a high-performing SUV with more engine choices, plenty of space, and loads of the latest technology.
Ford Explorer vs. Chevrolet Equinox
For 2019, the Chevrolet Equinox received a few new touches, although it was completely refreshed in 2018. Those upgrades include a new infotainment system, a new adaptive cruise system, and a new lighting package for the LT trim level. One of the more interesting things about the Chevy Equinox is the fact that it comes with not one, not two, but three engine options – a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder, a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, and a diesel engine. None of those put out the power of the Explorer’s engine choices, and the Equinox falls short in other areas, as well. For instance, it lacks many of the available features offered with the Explorer, and even safety and driver assist features are really only available with higher trim levels. The Equinox also suffers from a cramped cargo area and low-quality interior materials when compared with the Explorer.
Ford Explorer vs. Toyota 4Runner
The Toyota 4Runner enters 2019 largely unchanged from previous year models. In fact, the current version is actually based on a platform that dates all the way back to 2010. Toyota did introduce a new color scheme (Limited Nightshade Edition) and there are new shocks available for the TRD Pro trim level, as well as a handful of other updates, such as a new sound system. Of course, the 4Runner still excels in off-road situations, but the vehicle’s on-road manners are not all they could be. The only engine offered is a V6 that is lacking in terms of fuel economy, and the SUV also lacks a lot of the driver assist features that most of us have come to expect from modern vehicles. The Ford Explorer ultimately offers more in terms of spacious seating, passenger comfort, and the latest bells and whistles for more modern drivers.
No Need to Further Explore the Competition - The Ford Explorer Comes Out on Top
Ultimately, the 2022 Ford Explorer trumps the competition easily and it does so in pretty much every area. It’s more spacious, offers more cargo capacity, and delivers better comfort. It’s also better suited for a variety of driving surfaces than many of its competitors – the Equinox struggles to go anywhere that isn’t paved, while the 4Runner’s barbaric on-pavement handling has definitely earned it a reputation as a choppy driver. The Ford Explorer manages to hit all the right notes and also delivers when it comes to safety and driver assistance technology, delivering a win-win for everyone.
Total price does not include government fees and taxes and any finance charge. Total Price includes $85 document processing charge, $37 electronic filing charge and $50 emissions testing charge (if applicable) (not government fees).