The 2022 Ford Explorer Timberline could be the beefy new off-roading variant that we’ve been waiting for. Finally, the Ford Explorer could get a little tougher to hang out on the trails with rivals such as the Toyota 4Runner. 

The 2022 Ford Explorer Timberline means business 

According to Car and Driver, the 2022 Ford Explorer Timberline is an expected off-roading variant that we could see soon. A Ford Explorer model with a new look was captured in a few spy photos. 

It could be called the Timberline as Ford filed a trademark for that moniker, according to Ford Authority. The trademark was filed in January of 2018, though. That was quite a while back. But the new Ford Bronco and other off-roading vehicles haven’t claimed the title yet. 

The trademark was filed for the good and services category motor vehicles, including passenger automobiles, trucks, sport utility vehicles, and off-road vehicles. It also refers to structural parts, trims, and badges. So, it’s safe to expect that a Timberline something is coming. 

What to expect with the Ford Explorer Timberline 

Based on the photos we’ve seen, we can speculate a few ideas about what the 2022 Ford Explorer Timberline will be like. The front end features a new grille insert with an orange bar that runs across the front and orange tow hooks. 

Explorer doesn’t run across the hood as it does on other models, and new, more rugged square foglights have replaced the old ones. The revied grille may improve the off-roading approach and departure angles, and it looks similar to the Ford F-150 Tremor. 

It looks like the Ford Explorer Timberline is riding on 18-inch black wheels, similar to the ones found on the Ford Bronco Sport Badlands. The Sport has Bridgestone Dueler all-terrain tires. Also, the revised bumper has a dual exhaust tucked underneath to improve its clearance. 

Above the front driver’s side tow hook, there is a new logo that looks like a little mountain range to denote off-roading capabilities. But there is a 4WD badge on the liftgate, which is puzzling because the Explorer is all-wheel drive instead of 4×4. 

Can the Explorer Timberline keep up with rivals? 

One of the biggest concerns with the possible 2022 Ford explorer Timberline involves its price. No information has been released about it yet. The 2021 Ford Explorer base model begins at about $32,675, so an off-roading trim could really drive the price up. 

The 2021 GMC Acadia begins at about $29,800, and the AT4 off-roading variant raises the price to about $41,100. That’s roughly about $11,000 more for off-roading equipment, so our wallets are scared. 

There’s no telling which engine the off-roading Timberline will have either. But typically, off-roading models come standard with a more powerful option. The Ford Explorer has a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine with 365 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque. 

The Toyota 4Runner has a 4.0-liter V6 engine with 270 hp and 278 lb-ft of torque, so the Explorer Timberline would have enough muscle to keep up with the 3.0-liter engine. But unfortunately, we have to wait to learn more.