Photo: Ford
The Ford Explorer ST is a Ford Explorer that makes 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. So it’s just inherently awesome. But it’s only ever been offered with Intelligent 4WD, which is still awesome but might knock down some its appeal a bit with performance hounds. Ford, always out to please, is finally putting things right with the 2022 Explorer ST, which now comes with standard RWD.
More on the Explorer: Details on the Timberline, the most off-road-ready Explorer ever made
The rear-wheel-drive 2022 Ford Explorer ST is one of the most prominent updates coming to the lineup for America’s bestselling SUV since forever. Ford’s also serving up a new Explorer ST-Line, which offers the style of the beefiest Explorer with a less beefy engine and a less beefy price.
What finally made Ford pull the trigger on a RWD Explorer ST, you ask? According to Lee Newcombe, the Explorer’s marketing manager, it’s all about giving ya whatcha want.
Photo: Ford
“No two SUV drivers use their vehicles the same way, so our goal is to meet the needs of as many as possible,” said Newcombe. “Four-wheel-drive capability is great if you need it, but if you don’t, you shouldn’t have to pay for it. These changes to the Explorer lineup were guided by what our customers told us they wanted.”
Apart from the RWD platform and a lower price, the 2022 Ford Explorer ST is the same you remember — 400 horsepower and all.
2022 Explorer updates include ST-Line, meatier King Ranch and Platinum engine
Photo: Ford
Photo: Ford
Photo: Ford
Photo: Ford
If you love the style of the Explorer ST but don’t need all the muscle, you can now opt for the ST-Line, which is $7,570 cheaper. For that, you’ll get the look of the Explorer ST, a premium interior with Ebony Black ActiveX-trimmed seats with Miko inserts, and a 300-horsepower 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine.
Want the power of the Explorer ST but prefer something a bit ritzier? Great! The 2022 Ford Explorer King Ranch and Explorer Platinum now both feature the 400-horsepower version of the 3.0-liter EcoBoost standard, replacing the 365-horsepower mill from previous years. These trims now also offer a standard Technology Package, which includes a 10.1-inch portrait touch screen, multicontour seats, and the 14-speaker B&O sound system.
More choice, you scream? Stop yelling! Ford has you covered. The 2022 Ford Explorer will now offer the option to swap the second-row bench for captain’s chairs free of charge, and the super-rugged Timberline will now offer an optional bench in place of captain’s chairs. And! Two new colors: Stone Blue and Burgundy Velvet.
Ford says that the 2022 Explorer should be arriving later this year.
Also Coming Later This Year: All-new 2022 Maverick is the crazy affordable pickup truck you’ve dreamed of
Richard Bazzy is the face of Shults Ford, the No. 1 Ford dealer in Pittsburgh and all of Pennsylvania. Known for his unique approach to selling cars and his penchant for cowboy hats, Richard runs Shults Ford of Harmarville, Shults Ford Lincoln of Wexford, and Shults Ford South. Visit his YouTube channel and see just how well Richard Bazzy can yee a haw.