2022 Ford Expedition vs 2022 Ford Explorer

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered a diverse lineup with eight models, ranging from $33,745 to $54,495, excluding the destination charge. The lineup expanded with the rugged Timberline and luxurious King Ranch trims, and the new ST-Line added a sporty look to the XLT version. The King Ranch model, tested with 4WD, Rapid Red paint, and a Premium Technology package, reached an MSRP of $59,880. Despite its top-trim status, the King Ranch's visual differentiation was subtle, with emblems, shiny wheels, and quad exhaust outlets. The Explorer's design, based on a rear-drive platform, featured a long hood, short front overhang, and a rakish roofline, creating a taut, athletic appearance. Inside, the King Ranch boasted exclusive Del Rio leather seating with lasso-perforated inserts, though the cabin exhibited a mix of quality materials.

The 2022 Ford Expedition underwent significant changes, including exterior styling revisions and updated infotainment tech. It featured a new grille, headlights, and bumper, along with redesigned wheels across the lineup. The Expedition came in various trims, including the new Timberline for off-road enthusiasts. Prices ranged from just over $55,000 to just under $84,000. The Stealth Edition packages, available with Limited trim, added black 22-inch wheels and distinctive exterior trim. The test vehicle, a Stone Blue Metallic Limited Stealth Edition, had an MSRP of $80,155, including options like 4WD and a Heavy Duty Trailer Tow Package. Inside, the Expedition featured a redesigned dashboard with Sync 4 and Sync 4A infotainment systems, offering a 15.5-inch touchscreen. Despite its F-150-grade plastic trim, the Expedition impressed with its leather seats, soft padding, and advanced tech.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered three powertrains. The base, XLT, ST-Line, Limited, and Timberline trims came with a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive, with 4WD available. It had a maximum towing capacity of 5,300 pounds and achieved up to 24 mpg in combined driving. The hybrid drivetrain, available for the Limited, combined a 3.3-liter V6 engine for 318 hp and 322 lb-ft of torque, towing up to 5,000 lbs and returning 27 mpg. The twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, standard with ST, Platinum, and King Ranch trims, generated 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, towing up to 5,600 lbs with a maximum gas mileage of 21 mpg. The King Ranch 4WD test vehicle averaged 20.6 mpg. The Explorer's ride felt robust, handling off-road terrain with ease, and offered an athletic driving experience.

The 2022 Ford Expedition featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, producing 380 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, with a high-output version available. The engine drove the rear wheels through a 10-speed automatic transmission, with 4WD as an option. Fuel economy ranged from 17 mpg to 19 mpg in combined driving, with a towing capacity between 9,000 and 9,300 pounds. The test vehicle averaged 16.2 mpg. The Expedition's power was addictive, with a pleasing engine sound. However, the Stealth Edition's sport-tuned suspension contributed to a harsh ride quality. Despite its size, the Expedition was easy to park, with excellent visibility and parking sensors. On the highway, it excelled, offering a comfortable and quiet ride, making it ideal for long road trips.

The 2022 Ford Explorer provided comfort for families of four, with the option to carry five with a second-row bench seat. However, the third-row seat was suitable only for children due to the rear-drive platform and low roofline. The King Ranch model featured triple-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row captain's chairs. The front seats were exceptionally comfortable, while the third-row seat lacked legroom and accessibility for adults. The Explorer's cabin had limited practical storage space, with a hands-free power liftgate revealing 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 87.8 cubic feet with rear seats folded.

The 2022 Ford Expedition excelled in comfort, offering easy access with available power running boards. It provided ample space for passengers, with power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats. The second-row captain's chairs offered plenty of legroom, with climate controls and cupholders. The third-row seat was easy to access, with outstanding leg support but limited headroom. Cargo space behind the third row measured 19.3 cubic feet, expandable to 104.6 cubic feet with seats folded. The Expedition Max offered even more cargo capacity.

The 2022 Ford Explorer featured two versions of the Sync 3 infotainment system, with an 8-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen. The King Ranch model included FordPass Connect, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 14-speaker Bang and Olufsen sound system. However, the Sync 3 system had limitations, with voice recognition issues and a need for an upgrade to Sync 4. The Explorer also had a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and Active Park Assist 2.0.

The 2022 Ford Expedition introduced Sync 4 and Sync 4A infotainment systems, with a 12-inch or 15.5-inch touchscreen. Both systems included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with Sync 4A offering an upgraded voice-recognition system. The test vehicle had a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, though higher-end models offered a 22-speaker B&O Unleashed system. The Expedition's technology had quirks, such as accidental defroster activation and seatbelt warning system issues. The rear-seat entertainment system featured Amazon Fire TV, and Pro Trailer Backup Assist 2.0 was available.

The 2022 Ford Explorer earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with standard Ford Co-Pilot360 features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Co-Pilot360 Assist+ added adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist. The Explorer's safety systems operated smoothly, though steering wheel sensitivity was an issue.

The 2022 Ford Expedition offered three Ford Co-Pilot360 packages, with standard features like forward-collision warning and blind-spot monitoring. Co-Pilot360 Assist+ added adaptive cruise control and intersection assist, while Co-Pilot Assist 2.0 included a surround-view camera and rear automatic emergency braking. The Expedition's adaptive cruise control was smooth, but lane-centering assist had issues with steering sensitivity and lane positioning.