Performance meets style. That’s the idea behind the 2022 Ford Explorer ST lineup, now expanded to include two new offerings: the Explorer ST rear-wheel drive and the Explorer ST-Line. “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,” said Jeff Marentic, Ford marketing manager. “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.”
2022 Ford Explorer ST
Although rear-wheel drive is standard, the 2022 Ford Explorer ST is available with four-wheel drive. Under the hood is a 3.0-liter EcoBoost married to a 10-speed automatic. With a tank of premium fuel, the engine cranks out a max of 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft. of torque. “No two SUV drivers use their vehicles the same way, so our goal is to meet the needs of as many as possible,” explained Lee Newcombe, Ford Explorer marketing manager. “Four-wheel drive capability is great if you need it, but if you don’t, you shouldn’t have to pay for it.”
2022 Ford Explorer ST-Line
The Explorer ST-Line includes different appearance and tech upgrades to help set it apart from its other Explorer brethren. Positioned between the XLT and Limited, the ST-Line was designed for those who like the performance-inspired feel of Ford’s ST brand but don’t require its full power and capability, or price for that matter (the ST-Line’s starting MSRP is $7,570 less than the Explorer ST). “These changes to the Explorer lineup were guided by what our customers told us they wanted,” Newcombe added.
From the outside, the ST-Line is nearly similar to the Explorer ST. The ST-Line rides on 20-inch machined aluminum wheels and features a blacked-out grille, gloss-black hood badging, black-out treatments for the headlamps and taillamps, and dual exhaust tips. Under the hood is a 2.3-liter EcoBoost with 300 horsepower. Like the Explorer ST, the ST-Line also makes use of a 10-speed automatic transmission.
“Explorer customers have very well received the ST brand since it arrived two years ago,” Newcombe said. “With the addition of Explorer ST-Line, Explorer will offer the broadest performance-inspired lineup in the segment.”
On the inside, the ST-Line serves up nearly everything a modern driver could want. Heated Ebony Black ActiveX seats with Miko inserts, heated steering wheel, scuff plates, premium floor mats, and red accent stitching throughout are standard. Available features include a 12-speaker B&O sound system, wireless charging pad, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a 360-degree camera. Also available is Ford’s Co-Pilot360 Assist technology, which includes Evasive Steering Assist, Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go, and voice-activated navigation.
2022 Ford Explorer Warranty
Every new Ford vehicle comes with a three-year, 36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a five-year, 60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Depending on how much you drive, extending that warranty may be a good idea. Before making a decision, see this helpful guide to Ford’s factory warranty.
Pricing & Availability
The 2022 Ford Explorer, including the ST and ST-Line, will arrive at dealers later this year. More detailed pricing info will be available at that time.
When shopping for any new Ford SUV, we trust Rydeshopper, a free and neutral third-party search site* that lets you see dealer inventory in your area. Rydeshopper will help you compare prices and see which dealers are offering the best discounts and incentives. While you are shopping for a vehicle, regardless of make or model, you always want to try and obtain the invoice price. This helpful guide explains more about how to go about that when shopping for a new vehicle.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and a member of the Midwest Automotive Media Association and the Society of Automotive Historians. He serves on the board of directors for the Ally Jolie Baldwin Foundation, is a past president of Detroit Working Writers, and a loyal Detroit Lions fan.
Photos & Source: Ford Motor Company.
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