Ford Explorer: Which Should You Buy, 2021 or 2022?

Most significant changes: Performance-focused four-wheel-drive ST joined by new rear-wheel-drive variant; ST-Line adds look of ST without powertrain and suspension enhancements; 400-horsepower, turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine now standard for King Ranch and Platinum trims

Pricing: Prices start at $34,540 for a base Explorer with RWD, rising across eight trim levels to $55,410 for a top Platinum trim with all-wheel drive. Prices reflect an increase of between $230 and $1,020, with the biggest increases on higher trims. Platinum and Timberline trims come with standard AWD, a $2,000 option for other trims. Prices for 2022 include a $1,295 destination charge, up from $1,245 in 2021.

On sale: Now

Which should you buy, 2021 or 2022? With no major changes to most trims for 2022, a 2021 model might be a better buy. That’s especially true if you’re looking for a King Ranch or Platinum trim and can do without the added power. If a RWD ST or the new ST-Line intrigues you, a 2022 is your only choice.

Ford’s venerable Explorer three-row SUV returns for 2022 with some changes to the lineup and more powerful engines for the top trims, plus modest price bumps across the board.

Related: 2022 Ford Explorer ST-Line: Sporty Digs for Less Dough

Features and Safety Tech

Base Explorer trims include three rows of seating for up to seven passengers, an 8-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a Wi-Fi hot spot, six-speaker audio system, three-zone climate control, power liftgate, remote keyless entry, automatic high beams, 18-inch wheels and cloth seats. Options include a panoramic moonroof, a larger upgraded audio system with 14-speakers, wireless device charging, heated leather seats, a heated steering wheel and rain-sensing wipers.

Standard safety features include adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, blind spot warning system and rear cross-traffic alert. A 360-degree camera system is optional on higher trims.

Engine

The standard powertrain consists of a 300-horsepower, turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. ST, King Ranch and Platinum trims get a 400-hp, 3.0-liter, turbocharged six-cylinder engine and 10-speed automatic. All models are available with all-wheel drive. A 3.3-liter V-6 hybrid powertrain good for 318 hp is also available.

Interior

The Explorer’s interior has seating for up to eight in three rows with a choice of a bench seat or captain’s chairs in the second row. While upper trims are well equipped and relatively luxurious, base trims trail some competitors in material quality and features. The interior also loses points for offering less room than others in the category.

Prices

Starting prices (including destination) for all 2022 Explorer trim levels are below, with AWD an additional $2,000. Note that the price differences do not reflect the $50 destination increase, and that all pricing is for rear-drive variants unless otherwise noted.

• Base: $34,540 (up $320)
• XLT: $37,040 (up $670)
• ST-Line: $46,040 (new for 2022)
• Limited: $46,790 (up $240)
• Timberline: $47,540; AWD only (up $230)
• ST $48,540 with RWD (new for 2022); $50,540 with AWD (up $245)
• King Ranch: $54,905 (up $1,010)
• Platinum: $55,410; AWD only (up $780)

More From Cars.com:

• 2021 Ford Explorer Now Comes in Value Versions of ST, Platinum Trims
• Ford Explorer: Which Should You Buy, 2020 or 2021?
• Ford Adds 2021 Explorer King Ranch: Here’s What $53,595 Gets You
• 2021 Ford Explorer Timberline: Ford’s Off-Pavement Answer to Cabin Fever

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