2022 Ford Explorer Prices: MSRP vs Dealer Invoice vs True Dealer Cost w/Holdback

The 2022 Ford Explorer is a large SUV with three full rows of seats. Up to seven people can ride comfortably and in style inside of the Explorer. There's a massive amount of cargo space too, as well as some versatility on how one can store things. The second and third rows can be folded down when extra room is needed. The Explorer offers a comfortable ride, plenty of convenience features and technology to keep everyone safe.

What’s New for 2022?

Ford introduces a new trim level for the Explorer in 2022. It's called the ST-Line. The new model is kind of a mashup of the ST and base-model trims. It's similar in appearance to the performance-minded ST trim. The ST-Line, however, eschews the horsepower of the ST engine in favor of a more fuel-efficient, turbocharged 4-cylinder.

The King Ranch and Platinum trims get an upgrade in the performance department for 2022. They now offer 400 horses for better acceleration and passing power. Several of the trim levels now offer the choice of a 2nd-row bench seat or dual captain's chairs.

Styles and Configurations

Every model of the 2022 Ford Explorer has four doors and a rear liftgate for access to the cargo area. The Explorer is offered in RWD (rear-wheel drive) and Intelligent AWD (all-wheel drive) variations. There are three different powertrain options including a hybrid model. Every version of the Explorer comes equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Performance and Fuel Economy

The base engine for the Explorer is a 2.3-liter, turbocharged 4-cylinder. This engine produces 300 horsepower and has a fuel-economy rating of 20 mpg (miles-per-gallon) in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. Fuel efficiency falls slightly in models with AWD. This engine is standard for the base mode as well as the XLT and Limited trims.

The available hybrid powertrain combines an electric motor with a 3.3-liter V6 engine. This setup makes 318 horses and has the highest towing capacity out of any of the powertrains. An Explorer with this engine can pull up to 5,000 pounds. This powertrain also offers the best fuel-economy numbers with ratings of 27 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.

The ST, King Ranch and Platinum models offer the best acceleration thanks to their 3.0-liter V6 engine with twin turbochargers. This engine produces a whopping 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. These models can reach a blistering top speed of 143 mph (miles-per-hour).

Driving Impressions

Acceleration from a dead stop is great with either the hybrid or turbocharged-V6 powertrains. It's surprisingly quick for a full-sized SUV like the Explorer. Ford has done a solid job of sound-proofing the interior. It's nice and quiet in the cabin with almost no engine or road noise to be heard. The Explorer offers a smooth, comfortable ride on paved roads and is quite capable of handling rough off-road terrain as well.

Exterior Features

The Ford Explorer comes equipped with some great exterior features like LED headlights with automatic high beams. There are also LED taillights and available LED fog lamps. A power liftgate is standard for easy loading and unloading of one's cargo. There's also an optional hands-free, foot-activated liftgate. Some of the higher trims get roof rails with side rails for even more cargo space.

There are power-folding and power-adjustable exterior mirrors with a heating element. The higher trim levels have convenient, rain-sensing windshield wipers that engage automatically when needed. The top three trims get quad-chrome exhaust tips as well as some extra chrome trim on the outside.

Interior Features

On the inside of the Explorer, there's tri-zone automatic climate control. This electronic system adjusts the temperature automatically for three different areas in order to keep everyone comfortable. The rear auxiliary climate control allows passengers in the second row to set their own temperature. There's also an air-filtration system with a Refresh Cabin air filter.

Higher trim levels have an available moon roof. There's also a heated steering wheel with audio controls. The higher trims have perforated-leather seats. Power adjustments and heating is available for the seats too. The SYNC Infotainment System has a large touchscreen display and an AM/FM stereo.

Audiophiles will love the premium audio system by B&O. This setup includes 12 high-quality speakers. The infotainment system offers Voice-Command Technology and an integrated navigation system. It comes ready for SiriusXM Radio and even offers a 4G LTE WiFi Hotspot.

Safety Features

Every model of the Explorer comes equipped with front, side-impact and knee airbags for the driver and front passenger. Ford's Safety Canopy® System adds even more protection for the 2nd and 3rd rows. Ford Co-Pilot360™ Technology adds features such as Roll Stability Control and a Post-Crash Alert System. There's also a Tire-Pressure Monitoring System, a Passive Anti-Theft System, Remote Keyless Entry and a seat-belt reminder.

In the crowded market of large SUVs, it really doesn't get much better than the 2022 Ford Explorer. There are three strong powertrains to choose from. Owners will enjoy a smooth and refined driving experience, as well as legitimate off-road capabilities. There's a massive amount of space for cargo, or for passengers to stretch out in. The Explorer is a versatile vehicle that also looks great no matter where it's driven.

Note: All Ford Explorer MSRP, invoice and dealer cost dollar figures above are subject to change without notice.

A note about rebates: Most rebates are subtracted from the "on the road" figure. In most cases, you can have the rebate if you are arranging your own financing or you are paying cash. If you decide to use the manufacturer’s low interest financing, you do not usually get the rebate. Ask your dealer for details.