How much does the 2022 Ford Explorer cost?

Prices have softened 11.02% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 9,696 listings available, which suggests you should have a decent amount of inventory to compare.

If you find a listing below $28,494.13, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

Is the 2022 Ford Explorer a good car?

Yes — the 2022 Ford Explorer earns a 4.92/5 user rating and a 7.5/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Safety at 10/10.

Owners consistently praise its comfort, performance, and practicality, and they also like the spacious interior and cargo capacity for family use. The review summary also points to strong safety features and a driving experience that feels well liked overall.

The trade-offs are the cramped third row and outdated infotainment technology, and the value equation is not especially strong. In practical terms, this makes the Explorer a better fit if you want a versatile three-row SUV with broad appeal rather than the cheapest or most tech-forward option.

Good and great deals account for 33.2% of listings, so there is still some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2022 Ford Explorer reliable?

Owners rate it 4.92/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The owner summary points to a vehicle that many drivers find comfortable, practical, and dependable in everyday use. It also highlights the spacious cabin and family-friendly cargo space, which usually matter a lot when you plan to keep a vehicle for the long haul.

The expert review reinforces that impression by describing the Explorer as a robust, composed SUV that feels solid on the road and capable in tougher conditions. Ford also includes useful ownership-minded features such as post-collision braking and MyKey, which can help support day-to-day confidence.

For used buyers, the main long-term risk is less about outright durability and more about whether the specific vehicle has been maintained well and equipped with the features you want.

What should I look for when buying a used 2022 Ford Explorer?

Accident-free inventory is solid at 86.6% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still check the history report carefully, because accident-free status is only one part of the picture. A pre-purchase inspection is especially important on a three-row SUV like this, where wear can show up in the cabin, suspension, and electronics. Focus on condition, feature operation, and whether the vehicle matches the equipment level you expect.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The lineup ranges from value-oriented versions to more luxurious trims, and the base model does not get the same upscale presentation as higher trims. The top trim also shows that some materials and finishes can feel mixed for the price.
• Powertrain: You can find a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder, a hybrid based on a 3.3-liter V6, and a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6. Efficiency ranges up to 27 mpg in combined driving with the hybrid and up to 24 mpg with the turbo-four, while the twin-turbo V6 tops out at 21 mpg combined.
• Safety package: Ford Co-Pilot360 is standard and includes forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high beams. Co-Pilot360 Assist+ adds adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane-centering assist, and evasive steering assist.
• Infotainment: The Explorer uses Sync 3 with either an 8-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen. The larger screen is portrait-style, and the system includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, FordPass Connect, and available wireless smartphone charging on higher trims.
• Fuel efficiency: The turbocharged 2.3-liter engine returns up to 24 mpg in combined driving, the hybrid returns as much as 27 mpg, and the twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 reaches 21 mpg combined.

Which 2022 Ford Explorer trim should I buy?

The 2022 Ford Explorer is offered in 8 trim levels: Base, XLT, ST-Line, Limited, Timberline, ST, Platinum, and King Ranch.

Here's the short version:

• Base trim: It gives you the core Explorer formula, but you give up the more upscale presentation and some of the richer equipment found higher up the range.
• Sweet-spot trim: The Limited is the best value if you want the hybrid powertrain option and a stronger mix of features without jumping to the pricier luxury trims.
• Premium/top trim: Platinum and King Ranch bring the most upscale feel, with King Ranch adding distinctive leather, a premium sound system, and more available tech.
• Off-road trim: Timberline is the one to consider if you want the most trail-friendly setup, with extra ground clearance and improved off-road geometry.

Every version gets Ford Co-Pilot360, and Co-Pilot360 Assist+ is the trim-level safety upgrade to look for if you want more advanced driver assistance.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2022 Ford Explorer?

This is a moderate buyer’s market, so you can shop selectively without expecting a deep bargain on every listing.

• Deal availability: 33.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 9,696 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 11.02% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 86.6% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $28,494.13, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2022 Ford Explorer's resale value?

The current average of $28,488 sits slightly below last year's $32,017.

That price movement suggests the Explorer has already absorbed a meaningful amount of depreciation, which can help future resale stability if you buy at the right price. If you shop carefully now, you may have less downside left than a buyer who paid closer to the prior-year average.

The broad trim range and strong family appeal can help keep demand steady, especially for well-equipped examples in good condition. On the other hand, the model’s mixed value reputation means resale will likely depend heavily on trim, mileage, and overall presentation.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.92/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2022 Ford Explorer safe?

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), every version of the 2022 Explorer earns a Top Safety Pick+ safety rating.

It earns a 10/10 safety score from our experts.

Ford Co-Pilot360 is standard, and it brings forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high beams. If you choose Co-Pilot360 Assist+, you also get adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane-centering assist, and evasive steering assist.

One caveat is that complete NHTSA crash-test ratings were not published for this model year in the source material, so the IIHS result is the clearest crash-test signal here. In practice, that means you should prioritize a well-equipped example with the driver-assistance package if safety is high on your list.

Should I buy a 2022 Ford Explorer or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2022 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2022 if:

• 33.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 86.6% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 11.02% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.92/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2022 model year combines a rear-drive platform, multiple powertrains, and a Top Safety Pick+ rating.

Consider the 2021 if:

• At $24,109, the 2021 costs less than the current year's $28,488 average.
• It remains distinctive because it helped define the midsize SUV segment.

The bottom line: If you want the stronger all-around package, the 2022 is the better target because it balances safety, powertrain choice, and broad family appeal. If your priority is spending less up front, the 2021 is the more budget-friendly path and still delivers the Explorer’s core strengths.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 21, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.