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Car review
2022
2022 Ford Explorer
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Original MSRP
$35,510 - $53,630
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Check Inventory
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Features We Love
- Family-Friendly Second-Row Amenities: Built-in sunshades, ceiling vents with a panoramic sunroof, second-row climate controls, USBs, and even a household outlet make the second row a great place for kids — and a huge plus for pumping moms or long road trips.
- Excellent Car Seat Flexibility: Every seating position has its own lower anchors and tether anchors, which gives parents a ton of flexibility for different car seat configurations.
- Sporty Drive With Real Power: The Explorer drives zippy, peppy, and confident, especially compared to other midsize SUVs
Car Mom Review
The Exterior
If you saw the Explorer from the side only, I’m just going to say it — you might think it’s a Range Rover. The side profile is where this car really shines.
This particular Explorer ST had:
- A black roof
- Gloss black accents
- Black wheels with red brake calipers
- Subtle but masculine hood lines
The front end feels modern and upscale, with wraparound headlights and small Explorer badging tucked into the headlight — a detail I loved. The side body lines are clean and sporty, and overall the Explorer looks far more high-end than previous generations.
The taillights are pretty basic and don’t add much personality. That said, the front and side profiles more than make up for it.
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First Row
Interior: Comfortable, Capable, and Mostly Well Done
Let’s talk interior — because this is where families spend their time.
Front Row & Tech
- Digital driver display
- Responsive, full-color infotainment screen
- Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
- Heated & ventilated front seats (ST trim)
- Heated steering wheel
- Wireless charging
- Multiple USBs + USB-C + 12V outlets
The infotainment system is fast and intuitive, but I’ll be honest — the screen feels a bit like an iPad glued onto the dash. I wish it were angled toward the driver for better visibility.
Ford still leans a bit industrial in their interiors (very F-150 vibes), but the faux carbon fiber trim works for this sporty trim level.
Second Row
The second row is where this Explorer really impressed me.
- Excellent legroom, even with the front seat set for a tall driver
- Built-in sunshades
- Ceiling vents and a panoramic sunroof
- Climate controls
- USBs and a household outlet
- Heated second-row seats on higher trims
The Explorer offers bench seating or captain’s chairs. With captain’s chairs, this becomes a 6-passenger vehicle, which I’m totally okay with — because squeezing three people into most third rows this size just isn’t realistic.
Car Seat Setup
- Lower anchors and tether anchors in every seating position
- Excellent flexibility for different car seat configurations
- Wide-opening doors make loading kids easier
- Third row headrests are non-removeable
Inflatable Seat Belt Warning
Some Explorers were previously offered with inflatable seat belts, which are NOT compatible with many car seats. If you’re shopping used, double-check this before buying.
Third Row
The Explorer’s third row only has two seats, and honestly? I love that.
- Better elbow room
- No awkward middle seat belt interfering with car seats
- Comfortable for kids and adults
I installed a forward-facing seat back there with zero issues — no overhang, solid tether access, and ceiling vents (a must).
I do wish there were USBs back there, but cup holders are included.
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Trunk
With the third row up, the trunk space is fine, not massive. A stroller fits, but it takes a little maneuvering and may require opening the under-floor storage for extra clearance.
Safety
The 2022 Ford Explorer is an IIHSTop Safety Pick+. It features standard Ford Co-Pilot360 technology including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping.
Car Seat Setup
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Recommended Car Seats for
2022 Ford Explorer
Community Reviews
3.9 / 5
32 Reviews
Exterior Styling
3.2
Performance
4.1
Technology
4.5
Interior Design
3.8
Second Row Comfort
4.5
Third Row Comfort
3.6
Reliability Score
4.6 /5
82%
Would
purchase
again
purchase
again
12 Reviews with 3+ years of ownership
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WELCOME TO THE BACHELORETTE SURVIVORS MEETING
WEDDING DRESS NIGHTMARE
WE DON’T WANT TO SEE YOUR MAN-JAMMIES
UP THE CREEK WITHOUT A PADDLE
TYLER’S IN A CREEK. THERE’S A PADDLE. WHICH WAY IS HE HEADED?
TWICE A WEEK GIRLIES
THIS PODCAST IS DAD APPROVED
THIS IS OUR BABY MAKING ERA
THIS IS NOT A DRIVEWAY DUMP
THE MOSTLY KELLY SHOW
THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH IS AT TRADER JOES
THE CLEAN (MARRIED AND PREGNANT) GIRL AESTHETIC
THE BIG ANNOUNCEMENT
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REMINDER: YOU CAN GO TO JAIL (FOR LIFE) FOR PLAGIARISM!
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SYDNEY SLIDES INTO THE SHOW
SO…HOW WAS THE CAR SHOW?
SO TRUE, BESTIE
SHOPPING AND BAKING AND READING AND SIMPING
SELF CARE STARTS AT THE CAR WASH
RAIN OR SHINE, THE SHOW MUST GO ON
PUT YOUR LASAGNA IN A LOAF PAN
PICK-A-PRINCE
PASS THE FLAT MEAT SANDWICHES
PODCAST ON FLEEK
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OF COURSE WE HAVE A COURSE
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KIDS, COME MEET YOUR NEW MOM, ALEXA!
KEEPIN’ IT ONE HUNNED WITH MATTIE
KEEP AUSTIN WEIRD
IS WINE WITHOUT ALCOHOL JUST GRAPE JUICE?
HOT GIRLS WALKING
INTRODUCING MR. AND MRS. ST. JOHN
GRAYSON RIDES WITH THE CARPOOL
FUNCTIONAL CLUTTER
FALL IS IN THE AIR
EXPECTING A TIP FOR THIS EPISODE, PLEASE
CRESCENT ROLLS ARE LIFE
COUNTING OUR MACROS (AND MICROS AND MID-TIERS)
COLESLAW LAW
CARPOOL IS A CANDY PODCAST NOW
SO MANY SELTZERS, SO LITTLE TIME
VIVA LAS VEGAS
CANCELLED BY A CARB
CAN LIZZ RIZZ?
Types of Third Row Access
BOOK REVIEW - WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING
CALLING ALL HUMAN ALEXAS
BOOK RECAP: THE LOVE HYPOTHESIS
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