Ford expands Explorer ST lineup with rear-wheel drive version and introduces ST-Line variant

By Lukas Müller On Oct 23, 2022

The 2022 model year crossover, presented in the US market, will receive a number of significant updates.

Ford has been producing the Explorer since 1990, since then the model has changed generations several times. The current sixth generation crossover appeared in 2020. Its current popularity can only be envied: the Explorer turned out to be one of the few models whose sales not only did not fall, but also increased noticeably during the “covid” 2020. During the specified period, dealers sold 226,217 cars on the domestic market, which is 22.5% more than a year earlier. Dynamics with a plus sign continues this year: in the first seven months, Explorer sold 131,592 copies (10.3% more than a year earlier).

In the photo: Ford Explorer ST`2022

Now the company has updated its sought-after crossover to the 2022 model year. As a result, the Explorer ST line was replenished with new versions. In particular, the “new thing” was the rear-wheel drive modification of the “charged” SUV. Previously, it was assumed that this option would replace the current “all-wheel drive”, however, the company decided not to deprive a number of existing versions with the Intelligent 4WD system in the base.

Under the hood of the new rear-wheel drive version is a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 biturbo engine. Its return is 406 hp, and the maximum torque is 563 Nm. The company kept silent about its dynamic characteristics; Recall that the all-wheel drive Ford Explorer ST with the same engine under the hood is capable of accelerating to 230 km/h.

In the photo: Ford Explorer ST-Line

In addition, now Americans can choose a new version of the crossover – Explorer ST-Line. This car is located between the XLT and Limited versions. You can buy such a crossover with both rear and all-wheel drive. In any case, only one “filling” of the ST-Line is offered: a 303-horsepower 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine. It works in conjunction with a ten-speed “automatic”. At the same time, such a model has the same appearance as the ST: a black grille, two exhaust pipes, 20-inch wheels, as well as the name of the model on the hood, made in black gloss.

In the photo: interior Ford Explorer ST-Line

Salon Ford Explorer ST-Line received in addition a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, upholstery with contrasting red stitching, matching accents in the interior and other floor mats. In addition, the equipment includes a camera system that provides a 360-degree view, a function for wireless charging of smartphones and an auto-dimming interior rear-view mirror. Included in the list is the Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist + security complex.

The Explorer ST-Line version turned out to be $7570 (equivalent to about 562.6 thousand conventional units at the current exchange rate) cheaper than the current Explorer ST (starting price is $49 thousand or about 3.64 million conventional units).

The manufacturer has prepared other “new things” for the Explorer 2022 model year. So, the top versions of King Ranch and Platinum now have versions with a 406-horsepower biturbo engine. In addition, the buyers of the “Explorer” will be able to choose for free between the second-row sofa or captain's chairs. The XLT Sport gets new seat trim, and the Timberline variant gets a sofa as a second-row seat (instead of just captain or bucket chairs).