The spy photos of the upcoming 2022 Ford Explorer just emerged over the web. Ford’s new rugged SUV looks refreshed, and Explorer this time is captured without disguise. Many believe that spied model is the new off-road model that Blue Oval recently announced, called Timberline.
Generally, we’re not talking about a Raptor-style package here and expect the new Explorer Trimerline to be closer to Tremor trim. The new model looks refreshed based on what we see here, featuring the same design language as the many latest Ford models. The upcoming Chicago Auto Show would have been the likely venue for the Explorer’s unveiling and its new trim Timberline.
2022 Ford Explorer Exterior
The first spy shots of the 2022 Ford Explorer reveals that captured model is wearing a new Timberline trim. Firstly, we noticed that the Timberline differentiated from the regular model by an orange stripe across the lower front bumper and color-matched recovery hooks.
Interestingly, the off-road-ready SUV also features black Dueler Revo 3s tires in 265/65R18. Noticeably, the wheels are marked by a Timberline logo. Overall, the design is attractive, sporty, and “Timberline” trim is indeed a winner.
First Look Inside
We don’t have much information regarding the cabin of the 2022 Ford Explorer. The most noticeable difference will be visible inside the Timberline trim from what we saw from the new photos. First of all, this trim is off-road and expect a more comfortable cabin with many stitched orange accents like on the lower front bumper. The spy shots also reveals a new infotainment system measuring probably 8 inches and the separate two-zone climate controls.
Leather upholstery and power-adjustable front seats come standard on the Timberline trim. Like the previous generation, the new one features the same seating layout. The three-row Explorer has seats for seven passengers, or six if you opt for second-row captain’s chairs.
2022 Ford Explorer Under the Hood
The forthcoming 2022 Ford Explorer will be offered with four engine options. A turbocharged (EcoBoost) 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine is the base one that makes 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Generally, that’s more than most competitors with V6 engines. On top of that, it’s connected to a 10-speed automatic transmission, and the rear-wheel-drive (RWD) is the standard setup. All-wheel drive (AWD) is still optional on the base model.
The next powertrain is a Hybrid one that consists of a 3.3-liter V6 and electric motor for a system output of 318 horsepower and 322 lb-ft of torque. It retains the 10-speed automatic transmission as the regular one. All-wheel drive is also optional. The turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 that develops 365 horsepower is available with models King Ranch and Platinum. However, powering the ST and Enthusiast ST models, this engine generates 400 horsepower. The closest competitor to this engine is Dodge Durango SRT’s 6.4-liter V8 that produces 475-horsepower.
2022 Ford Explorer Release Date, Price
The refreshed 2022 Ford Explorer SUV will join the lineup with more attractive styling and the new off-road trim Timberline. According to Blue Oval, the Explorer will hit markets during the current 2021 model year. However, pricing is yet to be revealed.
Source: autoblog.com
