Valu Ford and Chrysler

Aug 20, 2021

The Ford Explorer has been a part of Ford’s vehicle lineup since the 1991 model year—which means it has been available on the mainstream auto market for more than three decades. This three-row mid-size SUV is currently in its sixth generation and is renowned as a powerful, capable, high-performing SUV that is also comfortable, practical, and stylish. Drivers who are fans of the Explorer ST’s sporty appearance will be happy to learn that Ford has expanded the Explorer ST roster for the 2022 model year.

The 2022 Ford Explorer is not yet available from official Ford dealerships across the United States, but this three-row mid-size SUV is expected to hit official Ford dealership lots in the U.S. by the end of 2021. While all of the Ford Explorer trim levels are high-performing, well-rounded mid-size SUVs, the Explorer ST really stands out on the road due to its sporty style and athletic performance. 

In addition to the standard Ford Explorer ST, the 2022 Explorer will also be available in an ST-Line trim level. Plus, Ford has also made some updates to the standard Explorer ST trim level for the 2022 model year. 

If you’re interested in making a high-performing mid-size SUV your next vehicle, keep reading to learn more about everything the 2022 Ford Explorer ST and the 2022 Ford Explorer ST-Line have to offer drivers. 

About the 2022 Ford Explorer ST 

Ford made a few changes to the performance-focused Explorer ST trim level for the 2022 model year. The 2022 Explorer ST now comes standard with rear-wheel drive, but an all-wheel drive is an available option for this mid-size SUV. The Explorer ST trim level is also more affordable for the 2022 model year—its price dropped by $2,000 for 2022.

The ST is a sporty lineup by Ford

The ST is a sporty lineup by Ford

The main draw to the ultra-popular Explorer ST trim level is this model’s heightened performance on the road. The 2022 Ford Explorer ST does not come with the Explorer’s standard turbocharged 2.3-L four-cylinder engine. Instead, it comes equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-L V6 engine that generates 400 horsepower and 415 lb.-ft. of torque on the road. This engine is paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission and the top speed of the 2022 Explorer ST is estimated to be above 140 MPH. 

Keep reading to learn more about the sporty appearance that both the Explorer ST and the Explorer ST-Line share for the 2022 model year.

About the 2022 ST-Line 

The ST-Line trim level is brand-new for the Ford Explorer for the 2022 model year. This trim level is the perfect choice for drivers who want to save money and are willing to sacrifice a bit of performance for their Explorer in return for a more affordable price and the same sleek, sporty style of the ST. The ST-Line trim level will be slotted above the XLT trim level and below the Limited trim level for the 2022 Explorer. 

The 2022 Ford Explorer ST-Line trim level is more affordable than the Explorer ST model for 2022. In fact, the price difference between these two models is significant—the 2022 ST-Line will have a starting price that is $7,570 lower than the starting price of the 2022 ST. This price difference is due primarily to the fact that, while the ST-Line looks like the ST, it does not share the same heightened performance and capability of the ST. 

Although the 2022 Explorer ST-Line looks like the 2022 Explorer ST, its performance differs. Unlike the ST, the ST-Line model comes equipped with the 2022 Explorer’s standard turbocharged 2.3-L four-cylinder engine that generates 300 horsepower and 310 lb.-ft. of torque on the road. 

As for appearance, both the Explorer ST and the Explorer ST-Line have sleek, bold, and sporty styling for 2022. The exterior of these models features 20-inch alloy wheels and black accents. Both the Explorer ST and the Explorer ST-Line are also available with two new body colors—Stone Blue and Burgundy Velvet—for the 2022 model year. 

On the inside, the 2022 ST and ST-Line trim levels are outfitted with synthetic leather upholstery that features eye-catching red accent stitching. The same red accent stitching will also be featured on the steering wheel of these models. 

Luxurious features such as heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and available high-tech features like a wireless smartphone charging pad and a 360-degree surround-view camera system round out the refined and upscale look and feel of the 2022 Ford Explorer ST and 2022 Ford Explorer ST-Line trim levels.