The 2022 Ford Explorer Limited Is a Secret Bargain
Did you know that there are eight different Ford Explorer trims available? That’s a lot of choices to consider, and some options could fall through the cracks. But the 2022 Ford Explorer Limited trim is a way to check off multiple different boxes without breaking the bank.
What comes with the 2022 Ford Explorer Limited?
The 2022 Ford Explorer Limited is the midrange option that builds upon entry-level trims with more luxurious and convenience features. It also gains extra technology and safety features from the ST-Line and Timberline models.
It has an MSRP of $47,070, which doesn’t include the $1,225 destination fee. With the fee, it comes to $48,295, meaning you can upgrade to premium quality amenities and stay under $50,000.
The 2022 Explorer Limited spices things up with interior ambient lighting, leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, ventilated seats, power-folding/heated second-row seats, and second-row sunshades.
The extra tech includes a wireless phone charging pad, USB ports in the second row, built-in navigation, LED headlights, tri-zone automatic climate control, a power liftgate, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, an 8.0-inch infotainment screen, and a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system.
Standard safety features consist of forward collision mitigation, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, trailer sway control, lane-keeping assistance, evasive steering assist, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree surround-view camera.
How much power does the 2022 Explorer have?
The 2022 Ford Explorer Limited has the standard turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine with 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. That’s a solid start with plenty of eager power on tap.
You can upgrade to the 2022 Explorer Hybrid for a 3.3-liter V6 engine that’s paired with a battery to deliver 318 hp and 322 lb-ft of torque. The slight bump in power might be attractive, but it doesn’t improve the fuel economy by much.
The gas-powered model gets an EPA-estimated 23 mpg in the city and up to 25 on the highway. With the Explorer Hybrid, you get an EPS-estimated 27 mpg in the city and up to 28 mpg on the highway.
Moving up in trim levels provides access to the turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine with 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. You can tow up to 5,300 lbs with the base engine, and the V6 increases the capacity to 5,600 lbs.
How reliable is the 2022 Explorer?
The 2022 Ford Explorer Limited and other models in the lineup have an above-average reliability ranking. It earned an 81 out of 100 from J.D.Power. Scores between 91 to 100 are great, and scores between 81 to 90 are good.
You can expect the average 2022 Explorer to make it past 200,000 miles. If you drive an average of 12,000 miles annually, then you can get 15 to 17 years of service on the road.
It costs about $731 to maintain the Explorer annually. This is a little higher than the yearly average of $650 for other vehicles. But at least the 2022 Explorer is a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS).
There are tons of different Explorer models available to suit different needs. But if you don’t need extra power or upgrades such as massaging seats and automated parking, then the Explorer Limited is a great place to start.
It adds a few extra features to increase comfort and convenience for the entire family without crossing the $50,000 mark.
