Ford Explorer

While it may not be as revered as the Mustang or Bronco, the Ford Explorer earns plenty of credit for being one of Ford's most versatile vehicles. Slotting between the midsize five-passenger Ford Edge and full-size Expedition, the three-row Explorer is well suited for family hauling duty. It also boasts strong towing capabilities for its class and an engine lineup that should satisfy whether you're looking for high fuel efficiency or sporty performance.

Since the Explorer debuted more than 30 years ago, SUVs are more popular than ever. With just about every automaker in America offering at least one SUV in its lineup, the Explorer has plenty of competition. Some of MatoCar' midsize three-row favorites include the Honda Pilot, Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride and Mazda CX-9. The Explorer isn't quite as polished as the class leaders, and prices can get into luxury-car territory on higher trim levels. Still, the Explorer's mix of talents make it worth a look. Check out our test team's Expert Rating to learn more.

There's a lot on offer even on base Explorer models, but we suggest stepping up to the XLT trim. It adds a few more features, including heated seats and keyless entry, for not much more money.

The 2022 Ford Explorer SUV is a midsize SUV with three rows of seating. It comes in eight trim levels: base, XLT, Limited, ST-Line, Timberline, ST, King Ranch and Platinum. Most models come standard with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, though a hybrid V6 powertrain and a high-performance V6 are found on higher trims. Feature highlights include:

Base Comes standard with:

Turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine (300 horsepower, 310 lb-ft of torque)
10-speed automatic transmission
Rear-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive
LED headlights
Power liftgate
Tri-zone automatic climate control
Power-adjustable driver's seat
35/30/35-split folding second-row bench seat
50/50-split folding third-row seats
8-inch touchscreen
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
Six-speaker sound system

Every Explorer also comes with these advanced driver aids:

Frontal collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing)
Lane keeping assist (steers the vehicle back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)
Trailer sway control (adjusts vehicle brakes to help control trailer movement if a trailer begins to sway)

XLT Has a few extra enhancements, including:

Roof rails
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
Upgraded interior trim
Heated front seats
Power-adjustable driver's seat
Second-row captain's chairs (reduces seating capacity from seven to six people)
Second-row USB ports

ST-Line The ST-Line is equipped similarly to the XLT but has a sportier appearance thanks to:

20-inch wheels
Black grille and tinted headlights and taillights
Black interior trim
Simulated leather upholstery with microfiber inserts
Navigation system with voice control
Wireless smartphone charging pad
12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system

The ST-Line also has extra driver assist features, including:

Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the vehicle and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front)
Evasive steering assist (enhances the forward collision mitigation system with steering-based collision avoidance)

Timberline This is the off-road-oriented Explorer. It comes with the extra technology and driver assist features of the ST-Line plus:

Standard all-wheel drive
Specialized suspension with higher ride height
All-terrain tires
Limited-slip rear differential (helps maximize available traction)
Underbody skid plates
Front tow hooks
Standard trailer tow package
Revised grille and bumpers
Simulated leather upholstery

Limited Compared to the XLT, the midrange Limited is more luxurious thanks to:

Interior ambient lighting
Leather upholstery
Heated steering wheel
Ventilated front seats
Power-folding and heated second-row seats
Second-row sunshades
Extra technology and driver assist features from the ST-Line/Timberline

The Limited is also available as the Limited Hybrid. It has a V6-based hybrid powertrain that produces a combined 318 hp. It also gets the best fuel economy of the Explorer lineup with up to an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in combined city/highway driving.

ST The ST is the performance Explorer. It has the sporty styling elements of the ST-Line but further backs them up with:

Turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine (400 hp, 415 lb-ft)
Sport suspension
Paddle shifters
Digital instrument panel
Sport front seats

King Ranch Builds off the Limited with features such as:

Turbocharged V6 engine
Wood interior trim
Digital gauge cluster display
Unique leather upholstery
Upgraded front seats with massage
10.1-inch touchscreen
14-speaker B&O sound system
Rear automatic braking (brakes if sensors detect an imminent collision with an object behind the vehicle)

Platinum Ups the luxury quotient over the King Ranch with:

Adaptive headlights (swivel as you turn the steering wheel for better illumination in curves)
21-inch wheels
Automated parking system
Extended leather upholstery

You can also get the Platinum as the Platinum Hybrid that has the hybrid powertrain.