2022 Ford Explorer Performance, Release Date And Colors – For Explorer customers who want on-road performance, as well as those who are more drawn to style, Ford is expanding the Explorer ST lineup with two new choices for the 2022 model year – the new Explorer ST rear-wheel-drive model and the new Explorer ST-Line series.

Now in its sixth generation, Ford Explorer continues to build on its strengths in the highly competitive midsize SUV segment.

Ford Performance’s Explorer ST model accounts for nearly one in five 2021 Explorer sales, and expanded lineup gives customers even more options, whether they desire the on-road performance of rear-wheel drive or the performance-inspired style without maximum Explorer ST performance.

“We’ve taken Explorer, already the all-time best-selling SUV*, and given our customers the chance to put the emphasis on the things they value most,” said Jeff Marentic, Ford marketing manager.

“For on-road performance and styling, our new rear-wheel-drive Explorer ST and new Explorer ST-Line are specifically designed to appeal to new customer groups with different adventure needs.”

The new Explorer ST family models join the adventure-ready Explorer Timberline, the most off-road-capable Explorer ever, in the 2022 Explorer lineup.

The Ford Explorer is an archetype. In the model line’s three-plus decades of existence, it has helped cultivate the massive popularity of SUVs.

Now in its sixth generation, the Explorer has moved from a FWD-based transverse engine layout to a RWD longitudinal-engine unibody platform. The three-row midsizer slots above the Edge and below the Expedition in Ford’s SUV lineup.

2022 Ford Explorer Performance

Looking to give on-road performance SUV drivers more options, 2022 Ford Explorer ST comes standard with rear-wheel drive; four-wheel drive is available.

The vehicle is powered by a 3.0-liter EcoBoost® engine that produces 400 horsepower and 415 lb.-ft. of torque** and a 10-speed automatic transmission.

“No two SUV drivers use their vehicles the same way, so our goal is to meet the needs of as many as possible,” said Lee Newcombe, Ford Explorer marketing manager.

“Four-wheel-drive capability is great if you need it, but if you don’t, you shouldn’t have to pay for it. These changes to the Explorer lineup were guided by what our customers told us they wanted.”

2022 Ford Explorer Engine

The 2022 Ford Explorer will pack the same engine configurations as the current year model. For the base model, you get the 2.3 Liter Turbocharged Inline-4 cylinder engine, which can produce 300 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and a torque of 310 lb-ft at 3,500 rpm.

If you are still not satisfied with the power, then there is the 400 hp 3.0L V6 engine of the Explorer ST, now also standard on King Ranch and Platinum, which is surely going to quench your thirst for power.

A hybrid version is also available which hosts a combination of a 3.3 Liter V6 engine with an electric motor, which when combined gives you 318 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and torque of 322 lb-ft at 3,000 rpm.

“The ST brand has been very well received by Explorer customers since it arrived two years ago,” Newcombe said. “With the addition of Explorer ST-Line, Explorer will offer the broadest performance-inspired lineup in the segment.”

Other customer-driven upgrades across the Explorer lineup include:

*New standard 400-horsepower powertrain for Explorer King Ranch® and Explorer Platinum*Pick your second-row seat: Customers       have a choice of a second-row bench seat or captain’s chairs at no additional charge.
*Standard Technology Package on King Ranch and Platinum models includes 10.1-inch touch screen, multicontour seats and 14-speaker   B&O sound system.
*Second-row bench seat option on Timberline models.
8New seat trim on XLT Sport Appearance Package features Ebony seat bolsters with Light Slate inserts.
*Two new exterior colors are Stone Blue and Burgundy Velvet.

2022 Ford Explorer Release Date

Again there is no official release date available for the 2022 Ford Explorer, but it is expected to come out of the production line in the fall of 2021