It’s been said that getting a flashy sports car or motorcycle indicates a midlife crisis, a disavowment of family duties. If that’s the case, what’s the opposite? It’s a consumer, at any stage of life, figuring out what vehicle can get every job done. It’s toeing the line between getting a sexy performance vehicle and one that can help with everyday tasks. The nice thing is such a vehicle exists. Enter the 2022 Ford Explorer Limited. It’s a three-row SUV packed with helpful features, quality components, and plenty of style. You can have it all. One trim that stands out among the array of Explorer options is the Limited, with its package of high-end extras. Whether you’re unfamiliar with the model or a seasoned fan, keep reading to get the scoop on what makes this Explorer trim so special.
Why the Ford Explorer?
Overall, the Ford Explorer is an impressive vehicle full of comfortable accents and powerful performance, plus the capacity to transport a family of six or seven. For drivers looking to upgrade from an older Explorer, the 2022 features modern updates that make it more user-friendly and safer. Ford’s dedication to quality design and economical pricing make the Explorer stand out among the vast inventory of SUVs like the Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, and Toyota Highlander. For those new to the Explorer, it offers a perfect balance of power, reliability, comfort, and safety in a three-row SUV while coming in at a fair and affordable price tag.
Size and Performance Matter
As a midsize three-row SUV, one of the primary draws of the Explorer is its size. Not only is it roomy for your passengers, but it also offers ample storage throughout the cabin and trunk space. The Limited trim offers comfortable seating for seven passengers with a PowerFold third row, allowing for easy lowering at the push of a button. To help passengers load in the third row, the E-Z Entry second-row seats offer the same one-touch convenience to make getting into the back a breeze.
The cargo space is generous and can be expanded by folding the third row. It’s easy to transport luggage, big grocery hauls, sporting equipment, camping gear, or whatever else needs storing. The available cargo management system takes space even further with specially designed storage areas located under the floor and along the sides for even more room to put smaller-size items, giving you a multitude of storage options unlike any SUV in its class. All in all, the total cargo volume measures 87.8 cu.ft. behind the first row of seating. If you’re in the market for a spacious midsize SUV, the Explorer Limited will not disappoint.
Another satisfying component of the 2022 Ford Explorer Limited is its exceptional performance. Available in four-wheel or rear-wheel drive, the Limited’s standard 2.3L four-cylinder engine serves up 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. Fast enough to weave around town easily, without entirely compromising fuel economy. The gas-powered Limited has an EPA-estimated rating of 21 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway, favorable figures for a midsize SUV. Whether you opt for rear-wheel or four-wheel drive, the Explorer demonstrates great handling and a sturdy suspension for firm-feeling turns. Drivers can choose to outfit their Explorer with a tow hitch and enjoy its ability to tow up to 5,300 lbs, making it reliable for hauling big ticket items to enjoy with your friends and family.
The performance is enhanced further by the Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package standard on the Explorer Limited. This set of driver assistance features provides increased safety and peace of mind on the road and make for a more relaxed journey every time you get behind the wheel of your Explorer. The standard safety package has pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, a blind spot information system (BLIS) with cross-traffic alert, a lane-keeping system, AdvanceTrac with roll stability control, SOS post-crash alert system, and more. Speaking of helpful features, the Limited trim also offers a forward sensing system to help with parking, keyless entry, and a voice-activated touchscreen navigation system to keep your focus on the road, even when you need directions.
Innovation and Class, Both Inside and Out
Granted, every Explorer brings a lot of value to the table; the Limited trim seems to be the most bang for your buck. It comes with beautifully designed exterior and interior features that add touches of luxury and enhance the overall driving experience. The Limited’s cabin features a mecca of enhancements and extras like a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, a heated and power-adjustable steering wheel, and leather upholstery.
The leather-upholstered, heated and ventilated Captain’s Seats are micro-perforated and lined with beautiful stitching. The driver seat’s range of motion includes a 10-way power adjustment with reclining and lumbar support functionality, and a power-folding third-row makes rearranging the cargo space a breeze. Enjoy climate control via the tri-zone electronic automatic temperature control so the whole crew can feel comfortable, while upgraded driver assists like the adaptive cruise control feature give you a heightened sense of comfort on those seemingly endless highway drives.
Innovative tech is found throughout the entertainment features that help keep any drive fun and informed. The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system comes standard and can be upgraded to the available 10.1-inch LCD portrait touchscreen with swipe and pinch-to-zoom capability, offering a truly massive center console experience, loaded with the SYNC 3 system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity allow you to listen to all your favorite podcasts and music, while the FordPass Connect 4G LTE WiFi hotspot keeps all your smart devices connected, and SiriusXM radio keeps you entertained with hundreds of channels to choose from. Plus, all your key information is displayed on a crisp 6.5-inch LCD productivity screen within the instrument panel cluster.
It’s not just the cabin; the Explorer Limited is home to a number of beautiful exterior accents. Enjoy the body-colored rear bumper with an added black rub strip accent, a body-colored front bumper with metallic bumper insert, black side and front window trim, and black rear window trim. The 20-inch wheels house wheel wells that are also lined with black for a sleek interpretation of an otherwise standard wheel. If you like LED lighting, you’ll appreciate the automatic LED low-beam headlamps, fog lamps, signature lighting, and taillamps. The exterior also boasts dual chrome exhaust tips, driver and passenger side memory and gloss black caps, power-folding side view mirrors with autofold and heated glass, LED turn signal indicators, ST projection lamps, and driver’s side auto-dimming. The back features a power liftgate and body-color liftgate spoiler to make opening the cargo space easy and aesthetically pleasing.
Limited Trim, Unlimited Possibilities
Overall the 2022 Ford Explorer is a midsize SUV with tons to offer for both new and old fans of the Ford brand. The Limited trim elevates the SUV, providing comfortable and high-end touches throughout the car without compromising safety and performance. It offers a versatile and dependable vehicle with features that can grow with you and your family. It supports an active lifestyle and has the capabilities to perform in all four seasons, in city or country life, on day-to-day errands, or an adventure off the pavement. The 2022 Ford Explorer Limited is not a midlife crisis car; it’s a solution.
