The 2022 Ford Explorer is a midsized SUV with a long-standing name in the SUV world. You’re probably very familiar with the Ford Explorer, and you may even be considering buying one. Here’s how much a fully loaded 2022 Ford Explorer will cost you. Is it worth its price?

How much is a fully loaded 2022 Ford Explorer?

A base model 2022 Ford Explorer costs $36,345, but the high-end Explorer is much more expensive. It’s called the Platinum trim level and its price is $56,985.

The base model 2022 Ford Explorer comes with a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine with 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. That’s matched to a 10-speed automatic transmission. It also has an 8-inch touchscreen that’s compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as a six-speaker sound system.

Every Ford Explorer from the base model and up comes with frontal collision warning, blind-spot monitor, and lane-keeping assist.

The Ford Explorer Platinum offers a whole lot more

The 2022 Ford Explorer Platinum costs $20,000 more than the base model. So is it worth it? There are a total of eight trim levels in the Ford Explorer lineup, and the 2022 Explorer Platinum includes highlights from each of these and then adds on more.

The XLT trim adds roof rails, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and heated seats. The Limited throws in a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, and upgraded technology. The King Ranch includes a turbocharged V6 engine, wood interior trim, and a digital gauge cluster. It also has a 10.1-inch touchscreen and a 14 speaker sound system.

Finally, the Platinum really ups the ante with adaptive headlights, 21-inch wheels, leather upholstery, and an automated parking system. That’s an awful lot for an extra $20,000, even if you may ultimately decide it isn’t worth it.

What is wrong with the Ford Explorer?

The 2022 Ford Explorer isn’t recommended by Consumer Reports. Consumer Reports ranks it 13 out of 14 for midsized 3-row sport-utility vehicles. It also gives the Explorer a 1/5 for its predicted reliability. Major trouble areas in previous Explorer models include the transmission, drive system, and body integrity. Its reliability rating ranks it second to last in its class, ahead of only the Kia Sorento.

The 2022 Ford Explorer scores a 47 for its overall score and the predicted owner satisfaction score for the Explorer is just a 3/5. While Consumer Reports believes most people will be happy with the Explorer’s driving experience, its predicted value rating is just 46/100. So will you be happy if you drop $57,000 on an Explorer Platinum? That’s debatable.

Overall, the 2022 Ford Explorer is certainly a stylish SUV. Even its base model comes with a host of safety equipment. And the Explorer Platinum has enough features and niceties that you may be tempted to splurge on it. Yet you may not be so happy that you did that down the road. With the 2022 Ford Explorer’s predicted reliability and owner satisfaction, you may want to consider some other midsize SUVs before buying the 2022 Explorer.