![]() That disappears with the 10.1-inch vertically oriented touchscreen, which is optional on the ST and standard on the Platinum and King Ranch. ![]() The standard 8-inch touchscreen is easy to see and reach, and we like the extra smartphone-holding bin below it. ![]() Now, while every Explorer has Sync3, the screen that controls it differs. We ended up using Sync3's native controls for navigation or playing music from a smartphone. That includes Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, although we've found that too many of their functions are locked out while in motion. It responds well to inputs and swipe gestures, icons are easily read and pressed, and feature content is typically robust for this segment. It looks awfully low rent compared to a Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade or Toyota Highlander, and the materials quality does little to change that perception.Įvery Explorer comes standard with Ford's Sync3 infotainment interface. Some may even call it a bit ugly, especially when the big vertically oriented touchscreen is slapped to the dash. We're happy Ford has introduced the Timberline and King Ranch versions (pictured above) because both add a much-needed pop of color and visual interest to what is otherwise a pretty drab interior. What are the Explorer interior and in-car technology like? ![]() It also gets special exterior and interior design flourishes. Finally, there's the new Timberline that provides the Explorer with some long-missing off-road chops by hiking up the ride height and clearance angles, and adding a Torsen limited-slip diff, a recalibrating suspension, all-terrain tires, under-body protection and the beefy dampers from Explorer Police Interceptors (albeit retuned). In this case, it's on par with the Platinum, including its standard turbo V6. The Explorer King Ranch is consistent with the F-150 and Expeditions of the same name: special badging and interior color schemes applied to a range-topping trim level. The ST-Line gets the regular ST's design and chassis upgrades but sticks with the base four-cylinder engine (the regular ST can also now be paired with rear-wheel drive). The Explorer trim lineup gains the ST-Line for 2022, but this is also the first full year for the Explorer Timberline and King Ranch. Interior & Technology | Passenger & Cargo Space | Performance & Fuel Economy What it's like to drive | Pricing & Features | Crash Ratings & Safety Features What's new for 2022? Basically, the Explorer will be the just-right choice for a relatively small number of niche buyers, and a decent one for everyone else. The Explorer Hybrid's emphasis on performance over fuel economy is also a bit puzzling, falling substantially short of the Toyota Highlander Hybrid. Its interior quality and space in particular hold it back. However, if you're looking more for a function-first family hauler – and most three-row SUV shoppers are – the Explorer isn't quite as strong as other choices like the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade. Ultimately, we think these various niche choices within the Explorer lineup are the most compelling because they offer things that few other competitors can match. Finally, there's the luxurious and muscular Explorer King Ranch and Platinum. How about something to get your blood pumping because the rest of the family hauler choices are, well, a bit of a bore? Come on down ST and the less powerful, new-for-2022 ST-Line. Want something to take on family adventures off the beaten path? There's the new Explorer Timberline. No other three-row SUV offers the variety of options as the 2022 Ford Explorer.
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