The 2022 Ford Explorer offers a myriad of customization options and has eight trim levels: base, XLT, Limited, ST-Line, Timberline, ST, King Ranch, and Platinum. All trims feature LED headlights, with the XLT adding roof rails to the mix. Opting for the ST-Line will add 20-inch wheels as well as a black grille with tinted taillights and headlights. The off-road-ready Timberline features all-terrain tires, underbody skid plates, modified grille and bumpers, and front tow hooks. The Platinum trim adds 21-inch wheels and adaptive headlights.

For 2022, the Ford Explorer offers three engine choices. The base engine is the turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine that generates up to 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The Limited and Platinum trims offer a V-6 hybrid option that will produce up to 318 horsepower combined. Finally, the ST offers a turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 engine that makes up to 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. All engines are mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission.

The base powertrain is rear-wheel drive with all-wheel drive optional. If fuel economy is what you're looking for, opt for the hybrid option that gets an estimated 27 mpg combined. The Timberline offers an all-wheel drive standard and a trailer tow package with a limited-slip differential and specialized suspension, providing a higher ride height. The sporty ST adds sport suspension and paddle shifters.

The base has tri-zone automatic climate control, a power-adjustable driver's seat, 35/30/35-split folding second-row bench seat, and 50/50-split folding third-row seats. Well-equipped tech starts with an 8-inch touch screen powering a six-speaker sound system featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Moving up to the XLT adds a leather-wrapped steering wheel, upgraded interior trim, heated front seats, a power-adjustable driver's seat, second-row captain's chairs, and second-row USB ports. The Limited comes with interior ambient lighting, leather upholstery, heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, power-folding and heated second-row seats, and second-row sunshades.

The ST-Line promotes a sporty look with black interior trim, simulated leather upholstery with microfiber inserts, navigation system with voice control, wireless smartphone charging pad, and 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system. The off-road Timberline offers simulated leather upholstery, while the ST offers a digital instrument panel and sport front seats. The King Ranch has wood interior trim, a digital gauge cluster display, unique leather upholstery, upgraded front seats with massage, a 10.1-inch touch screen, and a 14-speaker B&O sound system. Finally, the upper-end Platinum offers extended leather upholstery.

Nothing matters more than keeping all occupants safe. To this end, every Explorer comes with many standard safety and driver-assistance features such as frontal collision mitigation and a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert. The ST-Line trim adds extra features like a lane-keeping system, surround-view camera system, adaptive cruise control, and evasive steering assist. The King Ranch adds automatic rear braking, while the Platinum offers an automated parking system.